About Sclerotherapy & Laser Vein Treatment at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta
Dermatology Associates of Atlanta has provided vein treatment to Atlanta-area patients for over 20 years and continues to implement some of the newest vein treatment and skincare technologies to remedy unsightly spider veins and skin imperfections through sclerotherapy, vein removal, and laser vein treatments.
Vein Removal Treatment
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a time tested method of vein removal in which a “sclerosing agent” is injected into target veins to shrink the vessels and minimize their appearance. Sclerotherapy is a safe, minimally invasive method of removing spider veins and some varicose veins. While a specific treatment plan can only be determined after a consultation, most patients can be rid of their unwanted veins with three to four sclerotherapy vein injection treatments.
Veinwave™ Vein Elimination
One of the latest advancements in vein treatment is the use of Veinwave™, an FDA-approved, electrical vein-eliminating technology, that reduces the look of spider veins of the face and legs 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 to start a treatment plan specifically for you.
Laser Vein Removal
Laser vein treatments are offered by Dermatology Associates of Atlanta’s Center for Veins to treat spider veins and small, surface vessels. Concentrated light energy is emitted by Atlanta Center for Veins’ Foto Facial® IPL treatment machine to shrink unwanted veins of the face, neck, hands, and legs without harming surrounding tissue. Laser vein removal therapy is performed in-office while the patient is 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.
FotoFacial®
Atlanta Center for Vein’s FotoFacial® treatment utilizes a handheld device to emit intense pulses of laser (IPL) light to penetrate deep into the skin’s layers and minimize the appearance of rosacea symptoms and broken facial veins and capillaries.
FotoFacial® technology is non-ablative and therefore, doesn’t impact the surface of the skin. Instead, the IPL treatments penetrate the deeper layers of the dermis to stimulate collagen production and reduce facial wrinkles. The narrow bands of laser light attract and remove the pigment within small vascular lesions (birthmarks) and unwanted facial veining.
Each IPL FotoFacial® treatment takes approximately 20 minutes to perform. Most laser facial rejuvenation patients who opt for IPL treatment require four to six treatments for optimal wrinkle and facial vein removal results.
To inquire about Atlanta Center for Vein’s extensive line of skincare products for your post-vein treatment and skin condition needs please contact us at 404-256-4457 today.
Spider and Varicose Vein Treatment FAQs
What is sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a popular method of eliminating some varicose veins and superficial telangiectasias (spider veins) in which a solution, called a “sclerosing agent,” is injected into the veins.
What are spider veins?
Spider veins are the small, dilated veins seen frequently on the thighs, around the knees, on the calves, and around the ankles.
Do spider veins serve a purpose?
No, spider veins represent dilation of surface vessels secondary to increased pressure in the deeper veins.
Is sclerotherapy treatment suitable for everyone?
The majority of patients treated with sclerotherapy will see a significant improvement, if not total removal, of their unwanted spider veins. It’s impossible to predict exact results for patients; therefore, a consultation with a vein specialist is recommended.
How many sclerotherapy treatments will I need to get rid of my unwanted spider veins?
The number of sclerotherapy treatments needed to clear, or improve, the appearance of spider veins differs from patient to patient. Most patients require three to four sclerotherapy treatments to achieve desired results; however, the exact number will depend on the extent of varicose and spider veins present.
What are the most common side effects associated with sclerotherapy?
While most side effects caused by sclerotherapy vein treatment are minor, noticeable changes may include the following: mild itching along the vein route, hyperpigmentation (light brown streaks) of the vein after treatment, small, slow-healing ulcerations or blisters at the injection site (sloughing), allergic reaction to non-saline or non-sugar based sclerosing agents, and temporary, mild pain at the injection site or along the vein route.
What is the average recovery time for vein treatment?
Typically, there is no downtime with laser vein removal procedures and Veinwave™, but it all depends on the patient and the area(s) of treatment. Some patients may experience minor bruising and pain, but they can usually continue normal activity.
Sclerotherapy patients are encouraged to resume normal activity one week after their treatment(s), but are advised to avoid squatting, heavy lifting, and running. Any bruising will start to disappear after that first week and the patient should be back to normal within a month.