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Leg Vein Treatment

Serving Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village, CA

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Leg vein treatments are the procedures that treat spider veins (aka, superficial leg veins) through techniques ranging from minimal to non-invasive.

These veins commonly appear on the thighs, calves, or ankles. It’s a common condition among women and men. These unsightly veins are associated with genetics, pregnancy, and occupations that involve prolonged standing. There’s a possibility for complications with spider veins, but they primarily make people feel very self-conscious and can cause plenty of aesthetic and emotional difficulties. Regardless of the cause, leg vein treatments at our Thousand Oaks practice may be the solution that helps you love the look of your legs. If you are wondering which leg vein treatment is right for you, request a consultation with Dr. Azar to go over your options and discover the possibilities. You can also call at (805) 373-7073 to schedule your appointment with a member of our friendly, knowledgeable staff.

Additional Reading

Spider veins, also known as Telangiectasias, are small dilated blood vessels visible near the skin's surface. These appear as thin red, purple, or blue lines that may resemble a spider web or branching patterns. They develop gradually and in clusters, most commonly on the legs but can occur anywhere on the body. While the condition can affect anyone, certain factors increase the risk.

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Azar Plastic Surgery and Med Spa

Dr. Azar is a board-certified plastic surgeon dedicated to providing his patients the highest level of aesthetic care. He focuses on innovating surgical techniques to help every patient receive naturally-beautiful results.

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What Causes Spider Veins?

Spider veins come from unhealthy valves in the body’s feeder veins, causing the blood to flow backward rather than toward the heart. When the blood gets backed up like this, it can render the veins non-functional, also known by the term venous reflux. Spider veins appear underneath the skin because of the pressure of body weight, gravity, and carrying blood from the bottom to the top. Other contributing factors include:

  • Obesity
  • Inactivity
  • Sun/UV exposure
  • Hormone changes

Benefits of Leg Vein Treatments

Increased Self-Esteem

Leg vein treatments give patients legs that they’re proud to flaunt. Addressing spider veins can lead to a more positive body image. With smoother and healthier-looking legs, patients may feel more comfortable wearing a wider variety of clothing, enhancing their overall confidence.

Avoid Overheating

Patients with spider veins and varicose veins have a tendency to cover them with clothing, even in summer. Leg vein treatments can give a patient back the confidence to wear swimsuits and shorts.

Enhanced Fitness

When they feel more secure with their appearance, patients start showing more interest in engaging in sports, going to the gym, and participating in other physical activities as a result of their leg vein treatments.

Decreased Skin Irritation

Spider veins and varicose veins tend to cause congested blood flow to reach the skin, which can result in rashes and itchy, thick, brownish skin. These treatments resolve this.

Personal Consultation

Schedule a consultation with Thousand Oaks leg vein treatment, Dr. Azar; then, you can discuss treatment options and the best path forward. For optimal results, be sure to follow any instructions given to you before and after your procedure.

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Laser Leg Vein Treatment

For smaller spider veins ranging in size from 1 mm to 5 mm, laser leg vein treatment is highly effective and safer than injections. The laser used is the Cutera Excel V, an Nd:YAG laser that safely targets the hemoglobin in the veins while protecting the skin. The Excel V delivers pulses of light energy, causing the blood in the vein to coagulate, destroying the vessel, which is later reabsorbed into the body. Penetration depth is high, whereas absorption by melanin is low, making the Nd:YAG laser suitable for treating larger and deeply located veins and treating patients with dark skin types.[1]

It may require more than one treatment to address all of the unwanted veins. Treatments range from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how extensive the veins are. Laser vein treatment is usually not considered painful but feels like a light rubber band snapping against the skin. Treatments are performed six weeks apart.

Preparation

Laser Vein Treatment

Leading up to your procedure, you may be asked to:

  • Temporarily stop smoking.
  • Avoid taking aspirin, herbal supplements, or anti-inflammatory drugs that may increase bleeding.
  • Take certain medications or adjust current medications.
  • Sun exposure can affect treatment outcomes, so it's best to refrain from tanning before the procedure.
  • Bruising may occur post-treatment, so patients should be prepared for this possibility.
  • Avoid vigorous exercise for a week following the procedure.

You’ll also want to stay hydrated and wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing.

Leg Vein Treatment Procedure

During laser vein treatment, the typical procedure involves several steps aimed at effectively targeting and eliminating spider veins while ensuring patient comfort and safety:

Preparation

Before the procedure begins, the treatment area is cleansed, and any necessary precautions are taken, such as marking the veins to be treated and applying a topical numbing cream to minimize discomfort.

Application of Laser

The Cutera Excel V Nd:YAG laser is calibrated to the appropriate settings for the patient's specific condition and skin type. The laser emits pulses of light energy, which are directed at the targeted spider veins.

Targeting Veins

The laser energy is absorbed by the hemoglobin in the blood within the spider veins, causing it to coagulate and collapse. This process effectively closes off the vein, rendering it non-functional.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, patients may feel a sensation similar to a light rubber band snapping against the skin as the laser pulses are delivered. However, the discomfort is typically minimal, and many patients find the procedure tolerable.

Treatment Duration

The duration of the procedure varies depending on the size and number of spider veins being treated, as well as the individual's response to the treatment. Sessions typically last between 30 minutes to an hour, although this may vary.

Multiple Sessions

It's common for multiple treatment sessions to be recommended to achieve optimal results. These sessions are usually spaced approximately six weeks apart to allow for sufficient healing and clearance of treated veins.

Leg Vein Treatment Recovery

After laser vein treatment, patients typically experience minor side effects like redness, swelling, and possible bruising in the treated area, which usually subside within a week. Compression garments may be recommended to aid in healing, and avoiding sun exposure is important to prevent complications. While strenuous activities should be avoided initially, most patients can resume their normal daily routines shortly after treatment. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess results and determine if additional sessions are needed.

Overall, the recovery process is generally well-tolerated, with patients seeing improvements in the appearance of their veins and enjoying smoother skin on their legs.

Leg Vein Treatment Results

Leg vein treatments from Azar Plastic Surgery & Med Spa leave your legs feeling rejuvenated and ready to face the outside world. Patients enter the world feeling more confident and secure in their appearance. Like what you’ve read so far? Click through our blog to find out more about procedures, events, articles, advice, and more.

Westlake village leg vein treatment model with blonde hair

Leg Vein Treatment Frequently Asked Questions

Leg vein treatments are treatment options ranging from minimal to non-invasive that eliminate the presence of spider veins.

Spider veins result from tiny blood cells widening. This causes ropy, reddish bunches of veins that look like a spider’s web to appear underneath the skin.

Spider veins are relatively common and affect up to 50% of the adult population. Women tend to develop them more than men, most likely due to hormones.

Varicose veins tend to be darker and more dilated than Spider Veins. They can become dangerous if left untreated. Spider veins show up as thinner and smaller reddish or bluish veins on the skin. They are virtually painless and can appear in many places like on legs, behind the knees in young athletes, and the face.

What they both have in common is their underlying cause: circulation issues. Due to increased pressure on the veins and blood vessels, the veins have to work harder to facilitate blood circulation throughout the body.

There is usually mild to minimal discomfort during leg vein treatments. For laser vein treatment, it feels like a light rubber band snapping on the skin.

References

  1. Meesters, A.A., Pitassi, L.H.U., Campos, V. et al. Transcutaneous laser treatment of leg veins. Lasers Med Sci 29, 481–492 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-013-1483-2

Schedule your Thousand Oaks plastic surgery consultation with Dr. Azar today

Dr. Kouros Azar, founder and medical director of Azar Plastic Surgery and Med Spa, is an attentive listener, a devoted surgeon and doctor, and a highly-skilled biomedical engineer. He matches his patients with the best possible treatments by drawing on his extensive expertise, compassion, and research skills. Make an appointment with Dr. Azar now to discuss your rejuvenation options.

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