Advances in Skin Care - Spider Veins

Spider Veins – two dreaded words that are the plague of millions of men and women. These unsightly thread-like veins develop as we age on the face and body. They are typically caused by abnormal blood flow and weakening of the blood vessel wall. Unfortunately once developed they generally get worse and do not resolve on their own. Spider veins are universal. They affect all ethnic groups and gender. These veins are often harmless and not associated with any symptoms, the exception being cosmetic concerns. They can be unsightly and cause embarrassment when they begin to appear on the face and the legs.

Spider Veins can often be managed with conservative approaches such as, maintaining a healthy weight, wearing support hose, exercising (especially walking) and avoiding prolonged sitting or standing. However once they begin to appear a more aggressive treatment is needed to resolve the problem. The gold standard treatment for spider veins is laser. Laser vein removal is an effective way to treat superficial veins. Advances in laser technology have developed many different lasers, but the most common laser used to treat spider veins is the Nd:YAG 1064 laser. This laser uses a focused beam of light that targets the pigment in the blood. The laser heats up the small vein and collapses it. The vein is then reabsorbed by the body. The laser has a cooling device on the tip that minimizes discomfort during treatment. Because the laser light is so focused, it does not damage the nearby skin tissue. Smaller veins up to about 3mm may respond well to laser therapy.

It is important that you are evaluated prior to laser vein treatment. For patients with darker skin you need to be treated with a longer pulse width and lower energies. Seeking treatment at a center that has physician direction and supervision will often ensure that you will not develop complications from improper treatment. The procedure often takes 10-20 minutes and will need to be repeated from 2 to 6 times for clearing of the vessels. Treatments are usually spaced 4-6 weeks apart. After treatment, the skin above the vein will have a reddish, “cat-scratch” appearance that will resolve in a few days. The most common side effect is bruising. Patients are encouraged to resume normal activities. Pain following treatment is mild and can be managed with an ice pack and Tylenol.

Laser Vein Treatment can be combined with Sclerotherapy. This treatment requires a series of injections of a sclerosing agent into the vein. Laser vein treatment has fewer side effects than sclerotherapy and is less traumatic to the surrounding skin. Again each individual needs evaluation of their condition to implement the best treatment plan. Larger, deeper veins will require treatment from a physician that specializes in vein therapy. Often these veins will require a surgical intervention such as ambulatory phlebectomy. Proper pre-treatment evaluation will determine if laser treatment is the right treatment for you or if referral is needed.

There is a revolutionary new procedure called Veinwave for the treatment of spider veins. It is unique in its use of microwaves to heat the vessels, utilizing high frequency energy. This results in the instant disappearance of spider veins in a process called thermo-coagulation. The Veinwave system has a pen-like shape and a single use micro-needle probe at the end. It barely punctures the skin over the vessel and the high energy results in the thermo-coagulation, leading to the collapse and instant disappearance of the unsightly spider vein. It can be used on any size vessel in the face and on .3mm or smaller vessels in the leg. You can treat the clear thread like veins on the nose, cheeks, and chin in one 10 – 20 minute session. The procedure is comfortable and is often described as a slight pin prick. Following treatment you are left with minimal redness and occasional crusting that clears in a few days. This procedure is not suitable for anyone with a pacemaker, who is pregnant, or an epileptic. The Veinwave has been used in Europe since 2001 and is just coming into the U.S. this fall. EpiCentre Park Lane in Dallas, Tx has the Veinwave and is offering this revolutionary new treatment to help clear spider veins on the face. You can expect good clearance in one to possibly two treatments with results lasting for one year or more. A touch –up treatment might be needed as with any spider vein treatment. Spider veins are recurrent and often need ongoing maintenance.

Practicing good skin care can not be stressed enough.- I feel very strongly that one can only look great if you also use great sunscreen , great skincare along with excellent cosmetic surgery. Everyone should include using a UVA/UVB Sunscreen, Antioxidant and Retinol crème. Providing sun protection, exfoliation, moisturizing and antioxidant protection are crucial to healthy skin. There are many excellent prescription strength skin care lines available and we use only those skin care lines with scientific proven ingredients with proven clinical results .

EpiCentre Park Lane is our world class laser and skin care center is under the medical direction of the Plastic Surgeons of Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute. It is managed by a Registered Nurse with 17 years of plastic surgery experience. They provide a full range of laser vein, hair removal, tattoo removal, skin resurfacing, peels, facials and medical skin care. Skin Care lines offered are Skin Medica, Obagi, Skinceuticals, Vivite, MD Forte and BioMedic. Consultations are complimentary and taking the time to come in for a skin care evaluation is well worth your time. Our tremendously experienced staff at EpiCentre can assist you in preparing a skin care routine to fit your needs and lifestyle.

EpiCentre Park Lane is located at 9101 N. Central Expy. Suite 500 Dallas, TX 75231 and can be reached at 214-887-1577.