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What are spider veins? Spider veins are small, unsightly red, purple or blue blood vessels found along the surface of the legs, thighs and ankles. These veins are actually small varicose veins and do not perform any useful function. Having these veins removed is beneficial both for appearance and blood circulation. What causes spider veins? Most spider veins are caused by hereditary weaknesses in the walls of small blood vessels in the legs. Women suffer from spider veins more than men because of estrogen effects on the blood vessels which frequently become worse during pregnancy or while taking birth control pills. Prolonged periods of sitting or standing, sun damage, injuries and some skin diseases can also cause spider veins. How are spider veins treated? Sclerotherapy is the most common treatment. Sclerotherapy involves injecting the veins with a solution which causes the veins to dissolve. Some people develop an allergy to the injected medication. If the medication gets outside the vein it can cause a sore in the skin. There is now a new treatment option, which does not involve needles or injections. A revolutionary medical device called the PhotoDerm can erase unsightly spider veins using high energy light. How does the new PhotoDerm treatment work? This remarkable new treatment zaps spider veins with a high energy light source similar to a laser. This device is a generation beyond laser, and produces a high energy flash of light that passes harmlessly through normal light colored or untanned skin. This light is absorbed by blood and is converted into heat which destroys the vein which is absorbed by the body. Lightly colored, untanned skin absorbs very little of the light and is not damaged by the treatment. The PhotoDerm does not emit harmful radiation and can be used during pregnancy.
How does the PhotoDerm differ from existing laser devices? The PhotoDerm produces pulses of multi-colored light which can be delivered through delicate skin tissues of the legs without as much risk of scarring or blistering. The treatment with the PhotoDerm is more effective and safer than any other treatment device used to treat spider veins. How is the Photoderm treatment performed? A cold gel is placed on the skin and a glass prism is placed over the gel which transmits an intense flash of light (a pulse). Each pulse treats an area about the size of a stick of "Trident" chewing gum (1/3" x 1 3/8"). Usually a test patch is done on a small area to determine the ideal treatment settings for your skin type. If the test is successful, more extensive treatment can be done.
How many treatments would it take to see results? Several treatment sessions are required to eliminate most spider veins. Results become apparent within a few weeks as the treated veins become absorbed by the body. Photographs are taken so that the progress can be closely monitored. In some cases, some veins may be resistant to the PhotoDerm, and may be best treated with sclerotherapy. Does the
PhotoDerm treatment hurt? Are there any side effects or possible complications from PhotoDerm treatment? The treated areas may have temporary redness, welts, bruising or an occasional blister. In some cases the treated area may heal with temporary increased or decreased skin color. Veins may turn darker before they disappear. Scars are possible but occur only very rarely. Can all veins be treated with the PhotoDerm? Are there any reasons not to have the treatment? Small, medium and some larger veins may respond well to the PhotoDerm. Persons with dark or darkly tanned skin, or have a history of forming keloids or not healing well should not be treated with the PhotoDerm. Are there any restrictions after the treatment? Normal
activities may be resumed after treatment. Irritation of
the treated area should be avoided for the first 24
hours. Some veins may be wrapped with pressure wraps for
a day or two after treatment. Will the spider veins ever come back after being treated? In most people who are susceptible to spider veins, new veins will appear throughout life especially during pregnancy and during periods of prolonged sitting or standing. Periodic touch-up treatment every year or so will likely be required to keep the legs looking their best. How much does the PhotoDerm treatment cost? The cost is $100 for a test patch of leg veins. This includes treatment of a limited number of spider veins to determine the best and safest settings for your skin. Subsequent treatments are $10.00 per pulse, with $100.00 minimum per treatment session. (three pulses treat an area of approximately one square inch). For patients requiring extensive treatment, the charge per pulse drops to $5.00 a pulse after 100 pulses. The cost is scheduled to increase in October of 1997. Treatments started before that date will be completed at the price effective at the start of treatment. Full payment is due at the time of each treatment and can be made by cash, check, Visa or Mastercard. Will my insurance plan cover it? Unless inflamed veins are causing soreness or other symptoms, spider vein removal is considered cosmetic by most insurance companies, and is not a covered condition. How do I get started? To
determine if you are a candidate for the Photoderm
treatment, you will first need to schedule an
appointment. If you are determined to be a candidate, a
test patch can usually be done during your initial
consultation, unless it is held at one of our satellite
locations. In this event, if you are a candidate, you
will need to come to Council Bluffs for your test patch.
Since your legs will need be examined and possibly
treated, you may want to bring a pair of shorts to wear
for your PhotoDerm related visits.
325-0980
(CB/Omaha) For more information, email us
at questions@skinspecialist.com |
Elsewhere 1-712-325-0980