2, 8, 2022

What you need to know about Sclerotherapy procedure
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What you need to know about Sclerotherapy procedure

LJVascular2022-07-16T18:32:09-07:00

Today, sclerotherapy is clearly the gold standard for removing spider and varicose veins. During this procedure, a specially trained physician injects a safe sclerosing agent directly into the blood vessel. The effectiveness of the procedure comes as a direct result of the training, experience, and judgment of the physician to make sure that the sclerosant’s volume, concentration, and exposure time are exactly right.

What happens next? The solution displaces the blood in the vein, causing it to immediately appear lighter in color. The solution irritates the vein lining, causing it to collapse and blocking it from receiving more blood. Within a few weeks, the unused vein is absorbed by the body and disappears. With advancements in medicine, there’s no reason to go under the knife anymore—sclerotherapy is a safe, effective, and cost effective alternative to surgery.

Sclerotherapy Treatment for Spider Veins

Spider veins and reticular veins of the legs are most commonly treated with sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy involves an injection of a medication into the vein. This will cause the vein to collapse and gradually fade away. Sclerotherapy has been used to treat spider veins for decades, but newer solutions such as AscleraTM allow for spider veins to be treated with minimal discomfort and immediate return to activities. Vein specialists rarely use saline solutions these days, because alternative solutions are less painful and better tolerated. Sclerotherapy is preferred by most vein specialists over laser because spider veins often have underlying ‘feeder veins’ that can easily be treated with sclerotherapy, but are not addressed by laser. Many people will require more than one treatment session for optimal results. The national average is 2 to 5 treatment sessions. Treatment sessions are often spaced a month apart, but your health care provider will help determine your customized care plan. Wearing compression stockings after treatment will improve results.

For larger veins, the medication may be turned into a foam, this is referred to as foam sclerotherapy. Foam sclerotherapy is similar to sclerotherapy of spider veins but instead of a liquid solution, a foamed-solution is injected directly into the vein via a small needle. The solution can be seen on ultrasound monitoring which allows it to be directed into nearby varicose veins painlessly. The veins will seal shut, and gradually be broken down by the body.

Below are a few patient cases after Sclerotherapy Treatment which you will see the before and after results.

If you experience any vein disease symptoms, please call our office at (858)-434-5998 to schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable doctors at La Jolla Vein and Vascular.

For more information on vein health please check out our Youtube Channel or visit our helpful guide of resources.

What you need to know about Sclerotherapy procedureLJVascular2022-07-16T18:32:09-07:00

3 Ways to keep your legs looking healthy and beautiful
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3 Ways to keep your legs looking healthy and beautiful

LJVascular2022-07-16T18:16:24-07:00

Keeping your legs beautiful might require a little help. Varicose veins, for example, affect a large number of people around the world every year. In the United States alone, up to 55% of women are likely to experience vein-related problems in their legs, which can cause undesirable skin changes. There are three ways you can keep your legs looking healthy and beautiful. Sclerotherapy procedure, and using RECOVA Cream to reduce swelling and bruising and increase smoothness in legs.

Today, varicose veins are easily treated through a procedure called sclerotherapy. As your veins disappear after treatment, you might want to know if they’re gone for good. While properly treated veins are removed permanently, new veins may eventually appear. Why? Different veins (that were not previously treated) may have weak valves that give over time, eventually resulting in new varicose veins. The good news? These veins can be easily removed using the same treatment. Take comfort in knowing you can easily remove your varicose veins now—and that you have a safe and easy option for keeping your legs beautiful for the rest of your life.

After vein treatment, there can be swelling, bruising, or redness on your legs which can be easily treated with RECOVA Cream. One of the most common side effects after surgery is bruising. Whether it is due to plastic surgery or vein surgery, bruising and swelling are inevitable. One of the most powerful tools that we recommend for patients undergoing any type of surgery is RECOVA post surgery cream. Another way is to use RECOVA to increase smoothness in your legs.

Dr Nishe Bunke created RECOVA cream as a post surgical recovery cream specifically designed to reduce bruising, swelling, redness, and pain. RECOVA skin creams are packed with antioxidants and natural ingredients that promote healing and reduce inflammation.

RECOVA cream aids in reducing pain, swelling, and discoloration after cosmetic surgery, injections, and procedures, laser treatments, varicose vein procedures, Sclerotherapy, minor injuries, and easy bruising.

Our patients at La Jolla Vein Care have seen quick transformation post procedures. The combination of natural ingredients in RECOVA cream helps aid in quicker recovery.

The powerful ingredients included in RECOVA are listed below:

Arnica Montana is a flower extract that helps with inflammation, swelling, and bruise recovery.

Grapeseed Oil has numerous benefits and includes numerous vitamins such as vitamin E. It is a flavonoid that aids in chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, and edema.

Bromelain is an enzyme that is a natural remedy for inflammation and swelling.

Horse Chestnut is used to improve poor blood circulation, reduce swelling, and for varicose vein symptoms.

Caprylhydroxamic Acid is an amino acid derived from coconut oil used as a gentle preservative that ensures product safety and longevity.

Witch Hazel is used for swelling and inflammation. It is used to shrink varicose veins and hemorrhoids as well as reduce rosacea and clear redness of the skin.

Butcher’s Broom is used for natural anti-inflammatory properties. It is used to reduce swelling and reduce varicose vein symptoms.

Sunflower Seed Oil is packed with vitamins A, E, C, and D.

Menthol is not present in the tinted RECOVA, since Tinted Arnica is often used around the eyes.

The combination of these ingredients contributes to an overall comforting and healing sensation when applied to the skin and legs.

RECOVA is a tool that stands out due to its natural ingredients that aid in venous disease symptoms. RECOVA is hypoallergenic, and non comedogenic. RECOVA is also free of parabens, phthalates, preservatives, synthetic additives, and dyes, and never tested on animals.

Patients have used RECOVA cream after vein procedures for their legs and have seen quick and lasting results. We recommend physicians offer this for patients if they complain of redness, itching, and bruising after their procedures. RECOVA offers immediate soothing relief of discomfort for our patients.

Check out RECOVA online for more information and to purchase RECOVA tinted arnica cream and RECOVA post surgery cream.

3 Ways to keep your legs looking healthy and beautifulLJVascular2022-07-16T18:16:24-07:00

7, 7, 2022

Spider Veins: Before & After Transformation
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Spider Veins: Before & After Transformation

LJVascular2022-06-25T16:03:26-07:00

What are spider veins?

Spider veins are the fine, thread-like reddish veins at the surface of the skin. These veins are not healthy. Veins are often considered a cosmetic issue, but they can be associated with underlying feeder veins, not visible to the naked eye. Feeder veins are the ‘blue veins’ also known as ‘reticular veins,’ that give rise to spider veins. Spider veins may also be a sign of underlying venous insufficiency. For example, spider veins located in the inner ankles and inner thighs can indicate an underlying problem with the saphenous vein. As a result, an ultrasound examination may be recommended to identify and effectively treat the underlying source of these veins.

What are the symptoms?

Vein conditions affect people differently. For some, these veins can be a painless cosmetic concern, and for others they may cause symptoms. The most common symptoms of spider veins are burning, throbbing, and localized pain. They can also feel hot and itchy and bleed.

What causes them?

Spider veins in the legs are caused by the same condition that causes varicose veins. Leaky vein valves allow blood to pool within the veins causing them to stretch and become enlarged. These veins on other areas of the body, such as the face, and chest can be caused by sun damage, hormone changes or liver disease. Hormones, such as with pregnancy, birth control or hormone replacement therapy can weaken the vein wall.

Below you can see the transformation of 3 of our patients who received vein treatment.

If you experience any vein disease symptoms, please call our office at (858)-434-5998 to schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable doctors at La Jolla Vein and Vascular.

For more information on vein health please check out our Youtube Channel or visit our helpful guide of resources.

Spider Veins: Before & After TransformationLJVascular2022-06-25T16:03:26-07:00

20, 6, 2022

Pelvic Venous Congestion Treatment
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Pelvic Venous Congestion Treatment

LJVascular2022-05-23T15:15:40-07:00

Pelvic Venous Congestion (PVCS) Treatment

What are the treatment options for Pelvic Venous Congestion (PVCs)? Available treatment options for PVCs include pain-relieving progestin hormone drugs, ovarian function-blocking Gonadotropin-releasing hormones, vein embolization, and surgery to rid of damaged veins, uterus, and ovaries. Customarily, your doctor will start you on the medications first to relieve pain. If the medications fail, then they may advise on the next step, usually the invasive options. Vein embolization is the most commonly used procedure. Here’s a look at what it involves:

-Pelvic Venous Embolization

-Sclerotherapy

-Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Pelvic Venous Embolization

Treating PVCS diseases like pelvic and labial varicose veins requires resolving the backward flow of blood in the ovarian and pelvic veins through embolization. Embolization is an outpatient procedure that uses catheter technology to access the venous system to the problematic ovarian veins. The procedure is painless and requires no major incisions. The physician embolizes each problem vein (blocking blood flow) with vascular plugs or coils. Doing so permanently seals off the varicose veins, diverting blood flow up through healthy veins. The physician will also deliver sclerosing medication to lower the pressure in the pelvic veins and relieve the pain. Once blood can flow smoothly through healthy veins in the pelvic and labial area, the pain disappears. Patients can usually return to work and light activities the day following the procedure and see a full recovery in about one week; at least 7 in 10 women who undergo the procedure report feeling better. This procedure is usually performed by a trained interventional radiologist in the X-ray department.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that injects sclerosing solutions into the veins. It is used to treat spider, reticular and varicose veins. It also blocks the unsightly or non-functioning veins to gradually improve appearance. This generally involves multiple treatments over the course of several months for pelvic venous congestion.

Radiofrequency Ablation is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure used to treat varicose veins. An RFA utilizes high-frequency radio waves directed through a thin tube to create intense heat within the varicose vein. This closes up the problem vessel so blood cannot flow through it, redirecting blood flow into healthy veins to allow the blood to return to the heart. Eliminating the unhealthy vein reduces the vein bulging and minimizes leg pain and swelling. It is performed as an outpatient procedure with minimal recovery and discomfort.

When Should I Contact My Doctor?

Some women have enlarged veins with no symptoms; others have enlarged veins that cause pains and aches. In most cases, these don’t require a medical emergency. The symptoms should reduce as you head into menopause. However, in case of chronic, unbearable pain, nothing is stopping you from seeking medical help. In fact, see your healthcare giver right away for help.

To get the most out of the pelvic venous congestion consultation, here’s what to do:

-Know the purpose of the visit and what you want to get from it

-Before visiting the doctor, put down questions you need them to answer.

-Bring company along to help ask questions and note down points from the doctor.

-Write down the name of the diagnosis, its tests, and treatment options explained by the doctor. -Also, take notes of any new instructions during each visit.

-Know the reasons for new medication prescriptions, their benefits, and their risks.

-Inquire whether it’s possible to treat your condition another way

-Know why and what the results of a test procedure mean

-Ask what will happen if you don’t undergo testing or take medication.

-Ask whether a follow-up appointment is available and note down the visit’s time, date, and reason.

-Ask the doctor for their contacts in case you need a further chat.

For more information on pelvic venous congestion and to book a consult, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330.

For more information please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

Pelvic Venous Congestion TreatmentLJVascular2022-05-23T15:15:40-07:00

21, 3, 2022

After care for Foam Sclerotherapy
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After care for Foam Sclerotherapy

LJVascular2022-03-21T15:15:18-07:00

After care for foam sclerotherapy

After Treatment Care

You will be instructed on how long to wear compression stockings after treatment, depending on the size of the veins that are treated. Most patients wear thigh-high compression stockings continuously for 1-3 days, then another 7 days.

For the first 24 hours after the procedure, you should not get the area wet. But after, you may shower with the stockings on or take a quick cool shower with them off. Avoid heated showers for one week after the foam sclerotherapy treatment.

You should walk 30 minutes twice daily after treatment and move your legs frequently throughout the day with short walks and/or calf exercises. This avoids pooling of blood in the legs. Avoid prolonged sitting during the day, and when you are sitting have your legs be elevated.

Avoid direct sun exposure during the healing process. The two weeks after treatment. Using sun tan lotion after is recommended.

No swimming in public pools, lakes, or oceans for one week to reduce risk of infection.

It is normal to have aching in the treated veins. This responds well to walking, ice packs, and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve).

What to avoid after foam sclerotherapy treatment

For at least two weeks after treatment, you should avoid strenuous exercise (anything more than a brisk walk), heavy lifting, saunas or hot tubs, and leg massages. All of these dilate the superficial veins and interfere with their healing. You should also avoid airline travel for two weeks after treatment.

Possible side effects after foam sclerotherapy treatment

You will likely have some bruising over the injection sites, then the treated veins may become firm and blue. We recommend patients use the product, RECOVA cream, as this helps reduce swelling, redness, and bruising post procedure.

The skin overlying the treated veins may also develop brownish hyperpigmentation as the blood products within those veins are absorbed by the body; in some patients it can take up to a year to fade.

An uncommon complication is a blood clot within a deep vein. The risk is minimized by using ultrasound guidance and performing calf exercises throughout the procedure.

After care for Foam SclerotherapyLJVascular2022-03-21T15:15:18-07:00

The Four Best Ways to Treat Venous Disease
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The Four Best Ways to Treat Venous Disease

LJVascular2022-03-17T10:25:13-07:00

Symptoms to look for in venous disease:

La Jolla Vein Care offers various ways for venous disease treatment. While there are numerous excellent ways to treat venous disease, we have named four of our favorite ways to treat it. What is venous disease and how does it happen? Venous disease occurs when backwards flow (or “reflux”) is present in the superficial veins of the legs. This can cause pain, fatigue, itching, swelling, and varicose veins, which can lead to venous disease. Night-time symptoms include leg cramps and restless legs. Advanced disease can produce skin damage and wounds that do not heal.

At La Jolla Vein Care, an ultrasound is used to identify the source of backwards flow in the veins and develop a personalized treatment plan.

The best symptomatic and cosmetic results are achieved when superficial vein reflux is treated from its source, starting with the main superficial veins of the legs and leaving the skin-level (cosmetic) treatment for last.

Each specific treatment plan depends on the patient’s goals. Some patients are only concerned about symptomatic improvement and avoiding complications of long term venous reflux disease. Others may be interested in cosmetic improvement. In either case, we can generally achieve an 80% improvement in symptoms and appearance of the legs. Many patients also report improvement in swelling after venous disease treatment.

Venous Disease Treatment: Saphenous Vein Reflux with a Catheter Ablation Procedure

The great and small saphenous travel down the inner leg and back of the leg, respectively. These veins tend to be straight and far from skin and nerves, which allows us to treat them with minimally invasive catheter procedures that are potent and precise. A catheter is a very thin tube that is inserted into the vein, similar to an IV, through which the doctor can apply heat, a rotating wire, and or medication. All modalities are about 95% effective in closing the diseased vein. None require a skin incision, so they do not leave a scar.

Venous Disease Treatment: Branch Vein Reflux

Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy is the most common treatment for branches of the saphenous veins and portions of the saphenous veins which cannot be treated with a catheter procedure (e.g. if they are too close to skin or nerves). The veins are localized with ultrasound, then the medication is given through a tiny needle. Several treatments may be needed, as we can only administer a small amount of foam per day. Large or resistant veins may require more than one injection. For very large bulging varicose veins through tiny skin incisions. This allows many veins to be treated in one day.

Venous Disease Treatment: Spider Veins with Cosmetic Sclerotherapy

Following treatment of the “underlying reflux” with the ultrasound-guided procedures, you may still have some prominent veins at the skin level. These can be treated with cosmetic sclerotherapy.

Venous Disease Treatment: Compression of Stockings

Prior to approval of treatments for vein disease, insurers require patients to try compression stockings. Medicare requires a 3-month trial of compression supervised by the treating physician. We recommend patients should wear the 20-30 mmHg thigh-high stockings for at least a day before treatment to confirm they fit.

The Four Best Ways to Treat Venous DiseaseLJVascular2022-03-17T10:25:13-07:00

How is Venous Reflux Disease Treated?
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How is Venous Reflux Disease Treated?

LJVascular2022-03-17T10:19:57-07:00

How is Venous Reflux Disease Treated?

Step 1: Identifying the underlying problem

The first step is to treat the underlying problem, venous reflux disease. The specific pattern of venous reflux disease was detected by ultrasound. Venous reflux usually starts in the saphenous veins. The saphenous veins are most effectively treated with vein ablation procedures. This involves placing a small catheter within the vein and using heat or a solution to produce injury and eventful closure of the vein. The most commonly used treatments for the saphenous veins are radiofrequency ablation (RFA), laser ablation, mechanico-chemical ablation (MOCA or Clarivein), and in some cases Varithena Foam. The treatment recommendation is customized, based on where reflux is present and other clinical factors.

Step 2: Varicose Veins

After the underlying saphenous vein reflux is corrected, the bulging veins (varicose veins) can be treated by injecting a foamed medication that will cause them to scar and eventually dissolve (foam sclerotherapy), or to remove them using tiny incisions. The most common method is foam sclerotherapy. This is also known as ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS). Both these treatments can treat venous reflux disease.

Step 3: Spider Veins

Spider vein treatment is always considered a cosmetic procedure. If improved cosmesis is a goal of treatment, make sure to discuss this with your doctor and plan on having cosmetic treatment as the last step. Spider vein treatment is accomplished by sclerotherapy, which is an injection of liquid medication into the spider veins. Ask your provider for an estimate about how many treatment sessions/ vials are necessary to get the results you want.

How is Venous Reflux Disease Treated?LJVascular2022-03-17T10:19:57-07:00

The Best Way to Treat Spider Veins
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The Best Way to Treat Spider Veins

LJVascular2022-03-17T10:12:50-07:00

The best way to treat spider veins is through a procedure called Sclerotherapy. At La Jolla Vein Care we have seen great patient transformations with this type of therapy. If you are interested in knowing if you have spider veins, check this article out.

Sclerotherapy

Why was I recommended to have sclerotherapy injections?

Vein specialists rarely use saline solutions these days, because alternative solutions are less painful and better tolerated. Sclerotherapy is preferred by most vein specialists over laser because spider veins often have underlying feeder veins that can easily be treated with sclerotherapy, but are not addressed by laser. Many people will require more than one treatment session for optimal results. The national average is 2 to 5 treatment sessions. Treatment sessions are often spaced a month apart, but your health care provider will help determine your customized care plan. Wearing compression stockings after treatment will improve results.

What should I expect on my treatment days?

You will sign your consent form then change into shorts provided by the office. We will clean your skin with alcohol. The sclerosant medication will then be injected into your veins with a fine needle. After your treatment, we will help you into your compression stockings, then you will walk for 30 minutes prior to getting into your car. It is normal for your legs to be achy and tender to the touch after treatment.

What should I do after treatment?

It is normal to have aching in the treated veins. This responds well to walking, ice packs, and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve).

What should I avoid after treatment?

What are the possible side effects?

You will likely have some bruising over the injection sites, then the treated veins may become firm and blue.

The skin overlying treated veins may also develop brownish hyperpigmentation as the blood products within those veins are absorbed by the body; in some patients it can take up to a year to fade. Some patients temporarily develop some very fine, pink spider veins in areas where veins have been treated (telangiectatic matting). These usually resolve spontaneously over several weeks but occasionally require additional treatment to clear. If you notice the spider veins have not gone away after treatment, this information may be helpful for you.

Below are the before and after transformations that we have seen in patient cases with spider veins and sclerotherapy.

The Best Way to Treat Spider VeinsLJVascular2022-03-17T10:12:50-07:00

30, 3, 2015

What are varicose veins and spider veins?

What are varicose veins and spider veins?

Web@ljvascular.com2021-11-04T14:40:52-07:00

Spider veins are like varicose veins but smaller. Often, they are red or blue. They can look like tree branches or spiderwebs with their short, jagged lines. This patient had large clusters bluish colored spider veins around the knee (see top picture). These were treated with sclerotherapy injections at La Jolla Vein Care (after picture on bottom). To see how sclerotherapy works, go to La Jolla Vein Care’s Youtube channel.

Varicose veins are bulging, twisted veins located just under the skin. This is a before and after picture of a patient who was treated at La Jolla Vein Care with radiofrequency ablation and foam sclerotherapy to dissolve the varicose veins. There are no surgical incisions with these treatments.

Varicose (VAR-i-kos) veins are enlarged veins that can be blue, red, or flesh-colored. They often look like cords and appear twisted and bulging. They can be swollen and raised above the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are often found on the thighs, backs of the calves, or the inside of the leg. During pregnancy, varicose veins can form around the vagina and buttocks.

Spider veins are like varicose veins but smaller. They also are closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins. Often, they are red or blue. They can look like tree branches or spiderwebs with their short, jagged lines. They can be found on the legs and face and can cover either a very small or very large area of skin.

What are varicose veins and spider veins?Web@ljvascular.com2021-11-04T14:40:52-07:00

18, 11, 2014

Highlights of the National Vein Congress

Web@ljvascular.com2014-11-18T18:27:49-08:00

The La Jolla Vein Care doctors and staff attended the American College of Phlebology (ACP) Annual Conference in Phoenix last week. More than 1,000 vein care practitioners from the United States and around the world attended the meeting to share information and research in the field of vein disorders (also known as phlebology). The speakers included vein and vascular experts from around the world, include La Jolla Vein Care’s Dr. Fronek. Dr. Bunke was featured in the daily congress newsletter as being the first physician to complete a specialized Fellowship program in the field of Phlebology.

La Jolla Vein Care’s medical assistants and vascular sonographers attended also to learn the most update information on a variety of vein topics including; complications in sclerotherapy, the swollen limb, thrombophilia, new anticoagulants, venous stents, compression therapy, vascular ultrasound, foam and liquid sclerotherapy, vascular malformations, lymphedema, venous system during pregnancy, venous skin changes, dvt and superficial thrombophlebitis, chronic venous insufficiency and research on specific vascular topics.

Highlights of the National Vein CongressWeb@ljvascular.com2014-11-18T18:27:49-08:00

2, 8, 2022

What you need to know about Sclerotherapy procedure

3 Ways to keep your legs looking healthy and beautiful

7, 7, 2022

Spider Veins: Before & After Transformation

What are spider veins?

What are the symptoms?

What causes them?

20, 6, 2022

Pelvic Venous Congestion Treatment

21, 3, 2022

After care for Foam Sclerotherapy

The Four Best Ways to Treat Venous Disease

How is Venous Reflux Disease Treated?

The Best Way to Treat Spider Veins

30, 3, 2015

What are varicose veins and spider veins?

18, 11, 2014

Highlights of the National Vein Congress

La Jolla/UTC

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informacion en español

2, 8, 2022

7, 7, 2022

What are spider veins?

What are the symptoms?

What causes them?

20, 6, 2022

21, 3, 2022

30, 3, 2015

18, 11, 2014

La Jolla/UTC

Vista

Patient Privacy Practices

TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT SAN DIEGO

La Jolla/ UTC

North County San Diego/ Vista Now Open! Call/Text for Appointments

La Jolla/UTC

Vista

Patient Privacy Practices

TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT SAN DIEGO

La Jolla/ UTC

North County San Diego/ Vista — Endovascular Center Now Open! Call/Text for Appointments

informacion en español

North County San Diego/ Vista
Now Open! Call/Text for Appointments

North County San Diego/ Vista — Endovascular Center
Now Open! Call/Text for Appointments