GentleYag® Laser Vein Removal

If you are in your early 30’s, and you are already suffering from either varicose veins or spider veins – you are not alone!  50 to 55 percent of women suffer from some type of vein problem, and so does 40 percent of men, believe it or not.

 

Women are just more susceptible because of the type of work we do, and the shoes we wear.  Constant standing using high heels make us more prone to either having varicose or spider veins.  Other contributing factor may include ageing, obesity, pregnancy, sedentary lifestyle, exposure to the sun and genetic predisposition.

Luckily, in this time and age, there are available treatments to lessen the discomfort that varicose veins and spider veins are causing.  Sclerotherapy is still the gold standard for varicose vein removal.  It takes technical skill to perform this procedure with a board certified dermatologist.  For smaller spider veins, GentleYag Pro (In the GentleMax Pro Platform) is the best treatment, which is now available at Skin House Beauty and Laser Clinic.

 

Our Syneron Candela GentleYAG (part of the GentleMax Platform) 1064nm Laser is most effective treating small to medium size superficial veins. Areas most often treated are the face and lower body.

Most people need between 1-3 laser vein treatments for optimal treatment for spider veins. Cherry Angiomas usually respond after 1 treatment, but occasionally need a retreatment for larger, more raised lesions.

Before deciding, here are some frequently ask questions regarding the causes, and treatments available for better understanding of varicose veins and spider veins in general.

 

What are spider veins?

Spider veins are small, twisted blood vessels that are closer to the surface of the skin that varicose veins.  They may be red, purple, or blue and can be found on the legs and face, and can be seen either in a very small or very large area of the skin.  They can look like tree branches or spiderweb patterns, thus, the name “spider veins”.

 

What causes spider/varicose veins?

Healthy veins carry blood with oxygen and nutrients from our legs, arms, and other parts of our body back to our heart through a series of one-way valves. These valves allow blood to flow in the correct way from superficial veins to deeper veins and back to the heart. The vessels are surrounded by muscles, which contract and help pump blood back to the heart. Normally the veins have a one-way valve to prevent backflow. As our body ages, the valves in our veins weaken, and blood can collect/pool inside the veins.  As blood collects within the vein, pressure builds and vessel wall weakens.  Consequently, the vein tends to bulge and twist, or cause our veins to enlarge and become more visible. This is especially true of veins in the legs and ankles, which have to work against gravity to carry blood up to the heart.

 

Can varicose vein or spider vein cause serious complications?

Varicose vein can be an eyesore, but they rarely pose a serious health threat. Rarely, they may cause ulcers (large sores in the skin) especially near the ankles. Varicose veins can also contribute to blood clots (deep vein thrombosis). This can happen during long 13-hour flights when there is no movement.

 

How will varicose veins and spider veins be diagnosed?

Spider veins and varicose veins are easy to diagnose. The dermatologist will look at the pattern on the legs, feet, and other areas. She will also check for swelling, tender spots, ulcers, and changes in skin color. Most spider veins and varicose veins don’t need to be treated, unless they result in symptoms like ulcers, bleeding, or phlebitis, or because you want them removed for cosmetic or aesthetic reasons. If the veins are causing pain, soreness, and muscle fatigue or cramping, there are steps you can take at home to reduce the symptoms.

 

The simplest treatment for spider veins and varicose veins is to put on compression stockings or elevate the level of our legs when sitting down or lying in bed. These will help improve circulation and relieve pain and discomfort in the legs. The legs should rise above the level of the heart.

 

 

What are the available treatments for varicose veins and spider veins?

Sclerotherapy is the gold standard for varicose vein removal. A doctor injects a chemical solution directly into the abnormal vein that irritates and scars the vein closing it off so it disappears. This procedure requires a high degree of technical skill and special training. A thorough evaluation prior to the treatment is necessary to reduce the risk of side effects such as discoloration, or the likelihood of new, superficial tiny blood vessels forming.

 

GentleYag® laser vein removal uses a laser beam applied along the spider vein. Laser energy causes the spider veins to coagulate and shrink. Laser vein removal using GentleYag® is most effective for small and medium size spider veins. There will likely be mild discomfort similar to having a small rubber band snapping against skin. Treatments usually do not require pain medications, or local anesthetic.

 

What should be expected after GentleYag® Laser Vein Removal treatment?

Most clients have minimal swelling with pinkish color within the treated sites. This usually diminishes over a 24-48 hour period. You can apply anti-inflammatory after treatment for this. On occasion, superficial crusting (looks like a cat-scratch) may appear and will fade over the following 1-2 weeks. Very rarely, there might be some minor bruising or blister formation, which gradually fades within a week, or two.

 

Immediately following treatment, spider veins will be darker and more visible. Over two to six weeks, spider veins usually fade. After each treatment, you will see a 70{981ae80307c8287f2aa11d0f3cd2403daf8d48575dae4c593b0418e10f3a2c69} to 80{981ae80307c8287f2aa11d0f3cd2403daf8d48575dae4c593b0418e10f3a2c69} improvement in the appearance of face spider veins and 30-40{981ae80307c8287f2aa11d0f3cd2403daf8d48575dae4c593b0418e10f3a2c69} improvement in leg spider veins. An average of three treatments will be required at three month intervals to produce desired results. Combination therapy can be considered and beneficial if you have small, medium and large spider veins. Larger veins should be treated with sclerotherapy.

 

What are the preparations before having GentleYag® Laser Vein Removal treatment?

The lased area needs to be wiped clean and shaved. The skin should be free of any cosmetics, lotions or skin creams. Self-tanning creams should be avoided 1 week prior to treatment. Avoidance of sun for 2 weeks prior to treatment is essential. We cannot treat tanned skin. Due to minimal discomfort and high client tolerance of the treatment, topical anesthetic creams are not necessary and should not be applied before treatment. For best results and to reduce risks of complications, it is very important that all retinol-containing creams, aspirin, ibuprofen, and any other blood-thinning medications be avoided for 1 week prior to your laser treatment.

 

Quezon City

 

170 Mayon St. Near Retiro St. Q.C.

0917.898.7546, 0917.515.7546 or 02.2543987

 

Pasig

 

8006 Pioneer St. Corner United St. Kapitolyo Pasig (Inside Pioneer Center Supermarket)

0917.829.0990, 0917.713.1588 or 02.6310136

 

Clinic Hours

Mon, Wed to Fri 11am to 8pm

Sat & Sun 10am to 7pm

Tuesdays Off