Your veins carry deoxygenated blood back to your heart. Varicose veins develop when the blood that should move toward the heart develops a backflow. Such veins may contain faulty valves, a lack of valves or deformities that impede the normal flow of blood. Varicose veins can hurt. They often look like blue swollen areas beneath the skin. Smaller veins and dilated capillaries produce finer purple colored lines that are commonly known as spider veins. A simple ultrasound performed in the office can diagnose and differentiate between varicose and spider veins.
Treatment for varicose veins
Traditional treatment for varicose veins consists of stripping the problem vein out of the leg. This surgical procedure does not require general anesthesia but is somewhat invasive and may involve a longer recovery time. In most cases, Dr. Gallas can treat varicose veins with a minimally invasive varicose vein treatment called endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) that minimizes risk and maximizes outcomes.
The ABCs of EVLA
EVLA is today's least invasive, most effective treatment of varicose veins. Because it is less invasive, EVLA requires less recovery time and is highly effective with a low rate of recurrence.
How EVLA is performed
After ultrasound mapping of the veins, Dr. Gallas inserts a tiny laser fiber into the varicose vein. The laser heats the vein’s walls, changing its composition and causing the vein to close. The circulation is restored to the leg’s deep veins, and the closed vein is eventually absorbed by the body.
Walking right after the EVLA procedure is recommended. Normal daily activity can be resumed immediately. There may be minor soreness and bruising, but any discomfort can be addressed with over-the-counter, nonaspirin pain-relievers as needed.
Treatment for spider veins
Spider veins are small, clustered visible veins that look like spider webs made of fine red, blue or purple lines. Spider veins most commonly appear on the thighs, calves or ankles. They often exist with larger varicose veins, a medical condition, but can also be present without medically significant varicosities.
While spider veins are not “medically significant,” they can have a dramatic effect on your lifestyle, self-esteem and well-being. Unattractive and unwanted, spider veins often cause women to refrain from wearing shorts or bathing suits, avoid certain activities and miss out on social events to keep from displaying their legs. Dr. Gallas performs a simple, quick procedure called sclerotherapy to treat spider veins.
Sclerotherapy
Dr. Gallas uses sclerotherapy for spider vein removal. This procedure involves an injection of a special sclerosant solution directly into the unwanted veins through a microneedle. The solution causes the lining of the vein to collapse and fade from view. Spider veins are small, which can require a varying number of injectons and, therefore, treatment sessions. You may feel mild discomfort during treatment, and a mild cramping sensation may be felt when larger veins are injected. Walking right after the sclerotherapy treatment procedure is recommended, and you can resume your normal activities immediately.
You can receive vein treatments right in the comfort of Dr. Gallas’ office. Dr. Gallas will carefully inject medication into your affected veins. Clinical studies have shown these medications to be very effective. You can return to work or activity following the procedure. You will need to wear support garments for a period of time. It is helpful to wear compression stockings after treatment. You may need repeated injections to attain your desired result.
We encourage, honor and welcome your referrals. For more information about vein treatments in Katy and West Houston, Texas, call Gallas Plastic Surgery & Vein Center at (281) 646-1114 today or use our online Request an Appointment form.
