Facial Veins Removal

Red veins on the face can also present a troublesome cosmetic problem. Although there is a common belief these veins are caused by excessive alcohol intake, this is rarely the case. Red veins are usually inherited, but may also occur in cigarette smokers and women on the oral contraceptive pill.

How can red veins be treated?

Red facial veins can readily be treated with lasers, no matter what the cause. The early lasers used for this purpose, were slow, painful, and produced only partial improvement. Some early lasers produced so much bruising, that it was difficult to cover with makeup for at least 2 weeks after treatment.

New technology has revolutionized the treatment of facial veins, with the introduction of the PHOTODERM. This light source can treat veins relatively painlessly, thoroughly, and quickly. Unlike the older laser systems there is usually little bruising and scabbing.

How do the Lasers work in removing Facial Veins?

Lasers produce a yellow light, which is selectively absorbed by the red colour in the veins. The light then destroys the veins selectively, without damaging the normal surrounding skin.

How successful is Laser Treatment of Facial Veins?

Lasers are extremely successful in treating facial veins. Some people may develop new veins after laser treatment, especially smokers.

How many treatments are needed?

Because the PHOTODERM is very thorough, most veins may be treated in the one session. Some people, with many or large veins may require 2-3 treatment sessions.

What preparation is needed before treatment?

There are no special preparations necessary prior to treatment.

What special precautions are required after treatment?

There are no special requirements after treatment, other than sunscreen, to avoid excessive sun exposure. Makeup may be worn immediately after treatment.

What should I expect after Laser Treatment?

After laser treatment, the skin treated will be redder for 1-2 days. Some people will experience mild bruising, which may last for 2-5 days. Occasionally, blistering may occur, but this will resolve spontaneously. The veins will continue to fade for 6-8 weeks after treatment.

Is there much pain associated with Laser Treatment?

There is little pain associated with the PHOTODERM, however it does cause minor discomfort, like a flick of a rubber band.

What are the risks associated with Laser Treatment?

With the improved technology there are very few risks associated with treatment of facial veins, but the following complications may rarely occur:

1. Pigmentation - This is rare, but may occur if excessive sun exposure occurs after laser treatment.
2. Scarring - This is very rare, except on the neck.
3. Infection - Rare.
4. Recurrence of Facial Veins - This may occur in smokers, and in people taking the oral contraceptive pill. New veins may occur, in those people who have a genetic predisposition to facial veins.

Generally treatment of facial veins is usually a straight forward and a highly successful procedure.

Leg Veins Removal

Unsightly leg veins are unfortunately common in women, becoming more obvious after childbirth. Although many old wives tales exist as to their cause, leg veins are largely inherited. People of all shapes, sizes and colour develop veins, and nothing can be done to prevent them.

What treatments are available for leg veins?

There are a number of treatments available, depending on the size of the veins:

1. Injections - Small spider veins are injected with special solution, which is very effective and relatively painless, compared to the older saline injections. Most people require more than one treatment, performed on an outpatient basis. Normal activities may be resumed immediately after each treatment.

   After treatment there is usually some visible bruising, and discolouration for at least 2 weeks but this will gradually resolve.

   

   Note: the treatment is the only change that has occurred between these images.

   Larger varicose veins may also be injected with a stronger solution. This is also performed on an outpatient basis, and normal activities can be resumed the following day. When varicose veins are injected, they initially form hard small lumps, which gradually disappear. These are not visible, but feel hard. Compression stockings must be worn for 2-4 weeks after injection of varicose veins.

2. Laser Treatment - Small spider veins can be treated with certain lasers, especially the PHOTODERM. More than one treatment is usually needed for optimal results.

3. Surgery - This is suitable for the larger varicose veins.

How successful is leg vein treatment?

The success rate is very high, with most veins responding well to treatment.

New veins can occur, and some previously treated veins may also recur.

People who have a tendency towards veins continue to develop new veins throughout life, although wearing compression stockings may help to minimise this risk.

What preparations are needed prior to treatment?

No special preparations are needed prior to treatment.

Are any special precautions necessary after treatment?

You should wear compression stockings for 2 - 4 weeks. Regular walking, 1/2 hour daily, is also helpful.

What risks are associated with leg veins treatment?

Complications are uncommon but may include:

• Pigmentation - Temporary staining of the skin is common, but will gradually disappear. Permanent pigmentation is rare.
• Ulceration of the Skin - This is uncommon, and may occur where a vein and artery join.
• Incomplete Removal of Veins - Patients normally will require more than one treatment, as many veins will only be partially treated in the first treatment session.
• Recurrence of Veins - If people are prone to veins, new veins will continue to appear. Some treated veins may also recur.
• Infection - This is very rare and can be treated successfully with antibiotics.

Generally treatment of leg veins is a simple outpatient procedure, with a high degree of success.