Dermatology Center of Northeast Texas

Until now, treating varicose and spider veins was a lenghy and painful process with needles ro other invasive treatments. Now, using the new combined technologies of the VascuLight system, unsightly leg veins of all types can be treated-- simply, non-invasively, and successfully.

Varicose veins, usually deeper blue veins, need different treatment from discolored clusters (known as "spider veins") that are near the skin surface. For this reason the VascuLight system is equipped with two different light technologies. Your doctor may use either one or both, depending on your veins. Fortunately, there is now an effective non-invasive treatment for most cases.

The laser component of the VascuLight system is used to treat larger, deeper veins ( i.e. reticular veins). These veins respond to the precise energy level and wavelength of light that is used. A small spot of laser light travels through the skin and is absorbed by the blood within the vein, on the basis of its color. Ther resulting heat coagulates or clots the blood and destroys the function of the vein. This process does not affect any of the surrounding tissue. Over time, the vein will be absorbed by the body and will disappear from sight.

These smaller, superficial structures require a different technology for sucessful treatment, not technically a laser at all. Smaller surface veins are treated using light energy. The light energy is absorbed by the blood, changed to heat, and the vein is destroyed. This Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology is exclusive to the VascuLight system. With both technologies, your doctor has the ability to use exactly what is needed for the best result.

How many treatments are needed?

Many leg veins need multiple treatments, often over a few months before the effect is complete. Even small vessels often require time to resolve. Sometimes a bit of "matting" or "staining" surrounds the treated vessel. By using both technologies in the VascuLight system, your doctor can treat the vein and this minor temporary discoloration and offer a complete, exellent outcome.

What is treatment like? Is it painful?

A pulse of laser or Intense Pulsed Light energy may feel like a pinch simiar to a snapped rubber band. Chilled gel on the skin and other techniques prevent discomfort. The entire procedure is brief and non-invasive-- no needles are used at any time.

What preparations must I take?

You do not have to make changes to your normal activities, before or after treatment. Prior to and following any type of laser or IPL treatment, you must limit your exposure to the sun. Treatment should not be performed on tanned skin.

Is it right for you?

Your doctor will be happy to discuss this treatment with you and decide whether you are a candidate for this procedure. For more information on IPL solutions visit www.skinandhealth.com

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There have been many methods tried to remove unsightly "broken" or enlarged veins on the legs. Most do not work, and have been abandoned. The doctor uses a technique called sclerotherapy, which involves the following:

A tiny needle is threaded into the blood vessel and a small amount of a sclerosing agent is gently injected. This may sting for 20-30 seconds or cause a slight cramp. The injection "flushes" out the red blood cells temporarily, leading to an inflammatory reaction. This reaction causes "sclerosis", or the formation of fibrous tissue within the vessel, leading to the gradual disappearance of the vessel. This fading can take from a few weeks to a few months. Most areas will require between three to five treatments to fade.