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Atlanta Center For Veins

Sclerotherapy & Laser Vein Treatment

At Dermatology Associates of Atlanta in Georgia, vein treatment and vein removal through sclerotherapy has been a routine procedure since 1991. Every day, a new patient arrives seeking a solution to their unsightly varicose and superficial telangiectasias (spider) veins, and every day we strive to explain the advantages of sclerotherapy clear enough so the patients will feel as comfortable undergoing the procedure as we feel performing it.

Sclerotherapy is a method of vein removal where a solution called “sclerosing agent” is injected into the target veins. Once injected, the agent will cause the targeted vein to shrink immediately. Sclerotherapy is safer and more effective than the alternative methods for vein removal of troublesome veins called vein striping and/or ligation, which may keep you in the hospital from one to three weeks with a 30% chance of permanent nerve paralysis in the targeted areas and require general anesthesia to perform. With sclerotherapy, patients average three to four treatments.

Laser Vein Treaments are another method of vein removal offered by Dermatology Associates of Atlanta’s Atlanta Center for Veins. For treatment of spider veins, light energy is used to make problem veins disappear. As the area absorbs the light, it causes the targeted vein to shrink, without harming the surrounding tissue. For deeper varicose veins, a tube is inserted to emit laser light which is directed to the target vein – causing it to collapse and redirect blood flow to healthier surrounding veins. Laser vein removal therapy is performed in-office, while the patient it awake. There is minimal pain and usually no downtime. For smaller veins, DAA’s Laser Institute of Georgia has specific lasers designed to target delicate facial veins.

Dermatology Associates of Atlanta have a state-of-the-art inferred light machine called the “Vein Viewer” that allows internal imaging of veins, no matter what skin type or color.  This technology allows vein removal specialists to see veins even below the surface of the skin for safe and targeted vein treatment.

It is important that you have someone fully qualified and educated in vein treatments performing sclerotherapy and/or laser procedures. The Atlanta Center for veins at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta is fortunate to have Dwayne Taylor R.N. on staff, who has been successfully treating varicose and spider veins for over 15 years using non-surgical laser and injection treatments.

Dwayne is a member of the American College of Phlebology. He has successfully treated patients across the world including the United States, South America, Europe and Middle East. Dwayne has lead many lectures and taught classes in the treatment of veins using lasers and sclerotherapy. Dwayne is committed to continued education in the area of veins and is involved in many research and development projects for veins and vein equipment (i.e.--lasers, vein lights, sclerosing solutions).

Veinwave™

One of the latest advancements in vein treatment is the use of Veinwave™, an innovative, FDA approved vein-eliminating technology that removes and/or reduces the look of spider veins in patients.

The principle behind Veinwave™’s effectiveness is thermocoagulation, using heat, ultra fine needles, and various techniques to treat a variety of unsightly veins. Unlike other treatments, the electrical Veinwave™ device does not penetrate into the vein itself, but instead is applied subepidermally, only penetrating the top layers of skin. This minimally invasive technology provides immediate results and allows patients to go on with their everyday activities right after treatment. Because it is not a laser-based technology, Veinwave™ can be used on any skin type without the risk of discoloration.

Depending on the patient, Veinwave™ may require one or two visits for maximum effectiveness. We invite you to schedule a consultation with Dwayne Taylor R.N., our vein treatment specialist, if you are interested in starting a treatment plan for you.

Dermatology Associates of Atlanta offers periodic specials on Veinwave™ and other cosmetic treatments. For up to date information on these specials, subscribe to our monthly newsletter.

Treatment Of Varicose And Spider Veins

The staff at Atlanta Center for Veins, our vein center at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, has been successfully treating veins in Georgia since 1999. We offer many options for varicose and spider vein removal such as sclerotherapy, light and laser procedures. We will be happy to consult with you, answer your questions, and start you on the best treatment to treat your personal vein removal needs. Please feel free to contact our office 404-256-4457 Extension 271 to schedule an appointment.

What Is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a popular method of eliminating varicose veins and superficial telangiectasias (“spider veins”) in which a solution, called a “sclerosing agent,” is injected into the veins.

What Are Spider Veins?

These are the small, dilated veins seen frequently on the thighs, around the knees, on the calves, and around the ankles.

Do They Serve A Purpose?

No. They represent a dilation of surface vessels secondary to increased pressure in the deeper veins.

Is Sclerotherapy For Everyone?

The majority of persons who have sclerotherapy performed will get cleared of their varicosities or at least see good improvement. Unfortunately, however, 10% of patients who undergo sclerotherapy have poor to fair results. (“Poor results” means that the veins have not totally disappeared after six treatments.) In very rare instances, the patient’s condition may become worse after sclerotherapy treatment.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

The number of treatments needed to clear or improve the condition differs from patient to patient, depending on the extent of varicose and spider veins present. One to six or more vein removal treatments may be needed, the average is three to four. Individual veins usually require one to three treatments.

What Are The Most Common Side Effects?

The most common side effects experienced with sclerotherapy treatment are as follows:

1. Itching. Depending on the type of solution used, you may experience mild itching along the vein route. This itching normally lasts one to two days.
2. Transient Hyperpigmentation.Approximately 30% of patients who undergo sclerotherapy notice a discoloration of light brown streaks after treatment. In almost every patient, the veins become darker immediately after the procedure. In rare instances, this darkening of the vein may persist for 4 to 12 months.
3. Sloughing.Sloughing occurs in less than 3% of patients who receive sclerotherapy. Sloughing consists of a small ulceration at the injection site that heals slowly. A blister may form, open, and become ulcerated. The scar that follows should return to a normal color.
4. Allergic Reactions.Although it is extremely rare, a patient may have an allergic reaction to the sclerosing agent used. The risk of an allergic reaction is greater in patients who are treated with solutions other than salines and salines with dextrose (sugar).
5. Pain.A few patients may experience mild to moderate pain and some bruising, usually at the site of the injection. The veins may be tender after treatment, and an uncomfortable sensation may run along the vein route. This pain is usually temporary, in most cases lasting one to, at most, seven days.

What Are The Other Side Effects?

Other side effects include a burning sensation during injection of some solutions, neovascularization (the development —usually temporary —of new tiny blood vessels), transient phlebitic-type reactions (swelling of the vein might cause the ankles to swell), temporary superficial blebs or wheals (similar to hives), and, very rarely, wound infection, poor healing, or scarring. Phlebitis is a very rare complication, seen in approximately 1 of every 1000 patients treated for varicose veins greater than 3 to 4 mm in diameter. The dangers of phlebitis include the possibility of pulmonary embolus (a blood clot to the lungs) and postphlebitis syndrome, in which the blood clot is not carried out of the legs, resulting in permanent swelling of the legs.

What Are The Possible Complications If I Do Not Have Sclerotherapy?

In cases of large varicose veins (greater than 3 to 4 mm in diameter), spontaneous phlebitis and/or thrombosis may occur with the associated risk of possible pulmonary emboli. Additionally, large skin ulcerations may develop in the ankle region of patients with long-standing varicose veins with underlying venous insufficiency. Rarely, these ulcers may hemorrhage or become cancerous.

Are There Other Types Of Procedures To Treat Varicose Veins And Telangiectasias? What Are Their Side Effects?

Vein striping and/or ligation may also be used to treat large varicose veins. This generally requires a one to three week hospital stay and is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. Risks of vein stripping or ligation include permanent nerve paralysis in up to 30% of patients and possible pulmonary emboli, infection, and permanent scarring. General anesthesia has some associated serious risks, including the possibility of serious harm, paralysis, brain damage, and death..