21, 2, 2023

Cosmetic Sclerotherapy

2023-01-14T13:33:03-08:00

Sclerotherapy Treatment for Spider Veins

You have been recommended to have sclerotherapy injections. 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.

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 

Please follow our social media Instagram Profile and Tik Tok Profile for more fun videos and educational information. 

Cosmetic Sclerotherapy2023-01-14T13:33:03-08:00

Pelvic & Labial Varicose Veins

2023-01-14T13:29:10-08:00

Pelvic & Labial Varicose Veins

Most people understand that varicose veins can be found in the legs and feet. And while this is mostly true, they can also manifest in the vulva. This is generally why most women who develop from vulva varicosities don’t notice it until the condition begins to worsen.

What are Labial Varicosities?

Vulvar varicosities, also commonly referred to as labial varicosities, are a condition when the veins in the labia minora or Majora become dilated.

Like any other part of the human body, the vulva is interconnected through an extensive reach of large and small blood vessels. During pregnancy, the increase in weight and pressure may reduce blood flow to the lower body and genitals. This will then cascade into the condition known as Labial varicosities.

While no one is fully exempt from developing vulvar varicose veins, the condition is more apparent in pregnant women. Moreover, pregnant women are more susceptible to developing pelvic varicosities due to the pressure and weight exerted by the baby.

However, in most cases, the condition does go away after giving birth. Ideally, you should start feeling better within six to eight weeks from the delivery time. Unfortunately, in some women, the dilated veins do not recover independently and need medical intervention to help fix the condition and get you back to your normal self.

Most people understand that varicose veins can be found in the legs and feet. And while this is mostly true, they can also manifest in the vulva. This is generally why most women who develop from vulva varicosities don’t notice it until the condition begins to worsen.

There are numerous veins supplying blood to and from the vulva. And since they all differ in size, there’s no sure way to tell if you’re developing pelvic varicosities. The impact may leave them moderately swollen from the varying size of the veins, especially in the smaller veins. Larger veins may get twisted and become painful over time. This further goes to assert the importance of consulting a healthcare professional if you’re uncertain.

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 

Please follow our social media Instagram Profile and Tik Tok Profile for more fun videos and educational information. 

Pelvic & Labial Varicose Veins2023-01-14T13:29:10-08:00

28, 12, 2022

What is PAD (Peripheral Arterial Disease)?

2022-10-24T15:03:43-07:00

What is Peripheral Arterial Disease?

Peripheral Arterial Disease is a disease we see and treat at La Jolla Vein and Vascular. You probably are familiar with the terms angina and heart attack, which are related to a blockage of blood flow to the heart. That same sort of blockage can occur elsewhere in the body, depriving the limbs (the peripheral parts of the body) of oxygen and nutrients. Left untreated, the disease can lead to amputation.

Healthy peripheral arteries are smooth and unobstructed, allowing blood to freely provide the legs with oxygen, glucose and other nutrients. As we age, peripheral arteries build up plaque, a sticky substance made up mostly of fat and cholesterol. Plaque narrows the passageway within the arteries and causes them to become stiff, which then leads into peripheral arterial disease. 

A moderate blockage in one of arteries in a major leg muscle, such as the calf or thigh, can cause pain when walking.This pain can be temporarily decreased with rest, but will act up again with more walking or activity.

Lower extremity pain, similar to angina, is called claudication by medical providers. The pain itself is not limb-threatening but it is a sign that the person should make lifestyle changes and see a doctor. 

Examples of possible treatments for peripheral arterial disease include: 

  • Smoking cessation 
  • Daily exercise
  • Medical management

If the disease becomes more severe, the limb can be starved of basic nutrients and the patient begins to suffer pain at rest (especially at night). Sores that won’t heal may develop on the feet. This is a very concerning sign for losing toes or even amputation of the leg. An urgent referral to a vascular surgeon is necessary to prevent limb loss in this situation.

Causes and risk factors of Peripheral Arterial Disease:

  • Age
  • Gender—males are more prone to the condition than females
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure) 
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • High cholesterol
  • Obesity
  • Lack of exercise
  • Family history of vascular problems

Leg pain does not always indicate PAD, but older patients, especially those who are at risk, should see a physician. A simple, noninvasive ultrasound and leg blood pressure examination can diagnose peripheral arterial disease and determine its severity.

If you experience symptoms of peripheral arterial disease, ask your primary care physician to refer you to a vascular surgeon. Vascular surgeons can perform any necessary treatments, including medication management, minimally invasive endovascular angioplasty and stent procedures, and open bypass surgery.

Treatment for Peripheral Arterial Disease:

Depending on the severity of your condition, treatment options may include lifestyle changes, medications, minimally invasive angioplasty/stenting, or open bypass surgery.

 

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 

What is PAD (Peripheral Arterial Disease)?2022-10-24T15:03:43-07:00

What is Asclera?

2022-10-24T13:02:52-07:00

What is polidocanol (Asclera)?

A variety of sclerosant medications can be used for veins, but at La Jolla Vein Care, we prefer polidocanol (brand name Asclera), because it is the most comfortable for the patient and has the lowest risk of side effects. It is a detergent-type medication that injures the inner lining of the veins. This causes the vein to stop flowing, then eventually close down completely. Polidocanol has been well-studied and has been approved by the FDA since 2010 for the treatment of varicose veins and has been used in Europe for decades. Polidocanol is turned into a foam to treat larger veins. This is an off-label use of the sclerosant but very effective and well tolerated. Asclera (polidocanol) Injection is a prescription medicine that is used in a procedure called sclerotherapy to remove unwanted veins on your legs. It is administered by a healthcare provider to treat two types of veins:

Uncomplicated spider veins (very small varicose veins ≤ 1 mm in diameter)

Uncomplicated small varicose veins (1 to 3 mm in diameter) known as reticular veins

Asclera has not been studied in varicose veins more than 3 mm in diameter. La Jolla Vein Care providers have extensive experience with foam sclerotherapy.

Patient Results before and after at 26 weeks after last treatment

The patient was treated for uncomplicated spider veins (≤ 1 mm)

Treated with 0.5% Asclera

ADVERSE REACTIONS:

-Injection site hematoma

-Injection site irritation

-Injection site discoloration

-Injection site pain

-Injection site itching

-Injection site warmth

-Neovascularization

-Injection site clotting

How often do I need treatment to see results?

The number and frequency of treatments depends on the size of the vessels and their location. Ask your provider about an individualized treatment approach that is right for you.

How does Asclera work?

Asclera is a sclerosing agent that is injected into the vein. It works by damaging the endothelium, the inside lining of blood vessels. This causes blood platelets and cellular debris to attach to the lining of the vessels. Eventually, cellular debris and platelets cause the blood vessel to clot. Over time, the clotted vein will be replaced with tissue.

How satisfied are patients who use Asclera?

88% of clinical study patients were satisfied or very satisfied with their Asclera treatment after 12 weeks.

How long is each Asclera session?

A typical session lasts 15 to 45 minutes. Generally, 1 to 3 injections may be necessary to treat a given spider or reticular vein. Repeat treatment sessions may be necessary. Any additional treatment sessions are usually separated by 1 to 2 weeks.

What should I expect after being treated with Asclera?

Following treatment, you’ll need to wear compression stockings day and night for 2 to 3 days, then for 2 to 3 weeks during the daytime, as directed by your provider. Compression stockings are designed to apply pressure to your lower legs, helping to maintain blood flow, and reduce discomfort and swelling. Compression helps your legs heal and is necessary to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis.

Are there activities I should avoid after receiving an Asclera Injection?

For 2 to 3 days following the treatment, avoid:

-Heavy exercise

-Sunbathing

-Long plane flights

-Hot baths, hot tubs, or saunas

Possible side effects to Asclera treatments:

Temporary side effects may occur at the site of the injection, including:

-Bruising

-Raised red areas

-Small skin sores

-Darkened skin in the form of lines or spots

-Multiple tiny red blood vessels

-These side effects usually go away within a few days to several weeks. Some side effects may take months or years to resolve.

For more information or to book an appointment for Asclera therapy, please call our office at 858-550-0330.

 



What is Asclera?2022-10-24T13:02:52-07:00

Varicoceles what you need to know

2022-10-24T12:51:01-07:00

What are Varicoceles?

 

A varicocele is a term used to describe abnormal enlargement of the veins within the scrotum. The veins carry blood from the various body organs back to the heart. Typically, veins have valves that prevent blood backflow. When the valves in the veins within the scrotum don’t work as they should, blood tends to collect in the scrotum, leading to varicoceles.

 

While varicocele is very common, it is not life-threatening. In fact, research shows that about 15 percent of all adult men have varicocele. For most men, the condition will go unnoticed throughout their life or does not cause any complications. Although the condition is not dangerous, varicocele is a common cause of low sperm production and reduced sperm quality, leading to infertility. They can also lead to reduced testosterone production and scrotal discomfort. The condition often does not need treatment until there is a reason for concern about the associated problems. Fortunately, varicocele is easy to diagnose and treat.

 

How do they Affect the Testis?

 

 

 

While numerous theories exist, medical experts agree that they cause the veins to carry warm blood from the abdomen down to the testis. Generally, the testis functions properly at around three degrees below the average body temperature. As such, warmblood can affect the testis’ ability to produce testosterone and sperm.

 

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

 

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 


Varicoceles what you need to know2022-10-24T12:51:01-07:00

Uterine Fibroids: what you need to know

2022-10-24T12:48:30-07:00

Millions of women around the world are affected by the development of uterine fibroids each year. While it is not a life-threatening condition in itself, the symptoms and potential complications that come with it make it such a pressing medical concern for affected individuals.

As only women will usually possess a uterus, it follows that only women are afflicted by this ailment, which is why gynecologists will often be the first ones to make a definite diagnosis. As with so many medical emergencies, knowing the problem early will greatly increase the chances of beating it, which is why the professionals at La Jolla Vein & Vascular are dedicated to administering reliable, accurate, and entirely effective diagnostics, therapies, and treatments to all clients coming through our doors.

Let’s take a closer look at what exactly we will be dealing with should uterine fibroids turn out to be the issue at hand.

What are uterine fibroids? 

To understand what uterine fibroids are, the first thing one should do is separate the two terms making up the condition. A fibroid is a term to refer to a type of tumor that has ‘muscular’ characteristics. They are also referred to as a leiomyoma and can appear singularly or in formations or in lumps. 

They are known as uterine fibroids since they will appear in the patient’s uterus. Although they are not cancerous in almost all instances, they will range in size from patient to patient, from as small as an apple seed to as large as a grapefruit and beyond, in some unusual instances. 

It is important for all women to be aware of the dangers presented by uterine fibroids, not only owing to the potential harm that the condition might bring about but due to the high rate of prevalence among the female population affected in some way. By the time they are 50 years old, it is estimated between 20 to 80 percent of women will have developed uterine fibroids, with most cases affecting the 40’s to early 50’s. 

Symptoms to look out for: 

Fibroids go undiscovered in most patients due to the lack of symptoms accompanying them, but some patients will experience some symptoms, including:

  • Frequent urination due to pressure being exerted on the patient’s bladder
  • Lower back pain
  • Pain during sexual intercourse
  • Enlargement of the lower abdomen, with severe and extremely rare instances causing the appearance of apparent pregnancy in the patient where none exists
  • Heavy bleeding and/or painful bleeding during periods sometimes resulting in a medically significant depletion of blood in the patient (anemia)
  • Greatly increased risks of complication during pregnancy and delivery, with uterine fibroid patients requiring cesarean sections at six times the average rate.
  • Reproductive health problems such as infertility are very rare outcomes.

 

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

 

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 


Uterine Fibroids: what you need to know2022-10-24T12:48:30-07:00

How to know your venous reflux disease is worsening over time

2022-12-13T14:04:49-08:00

Venous reflux disease is also known as venous stasis, chronic venous insufficiency, or venous incompetence. Venous reflux disease refers to ‘leaky valves in the veins of the legs. Reflux may occur in the deep and/or superficial leg veins. The deep veins are those within the muscle; they bring at least 80-90% of the blood from the legs back to the heart. The superficial veins are outside of the muscle and under the skin. The main superficial veins are the Great Saphenous Vein that courses up the middle of the thigh and calf and the small saphenous vein, which courses up the back of the calf. Normally, there are one-way valves within the leg veins, which help blood flow in one direction: toward the heart. This means blood is traveling against gravity. The calf muscle also helps move blood toward the heart. When vein valves are leaky, blood flows backward (reflux) towards the feet. Blood pools in the lower legs, causing bulging veins at the surface. Symptoms include leg heaviness, leg fatigue, leg pain, ankle swelling, phlebitis (inflamed and painful veins) , restless legs at night, and night cramps. Venous reflux disease is progressive and worsens over time. Skin changes may also develop, including darkening of the skin around the ankles. The darkening of the skin is sometimes referred to as skin changes. The skin can become dry and itchy (venous eczema). Eventually, the skin can break down causing a wound, called a venous leg ulcer. See the image to better understand the 6 main stages of venous disease. Stage 6 is the open leg wound, known as a venous leg ulcer.

Stage 1. Healthy Veins

Stage 2. Spider Veins

Stage 3. Reticular Veins and Varicose Veins

Stage 4. Venous Nodes – Edema venous insufficiency

Stage 5. Chronic insufficiency

Stage 6. Venous eczema and venous leg ulcers

If you experience any vein disease symptoms, please call our office at (858)-550-0330 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



How to know your venous reflux disease is worsening over time2022-12-13T14:04:49-08:00

26, 8, 2022

What you need to know about vein valves

2022-07-20T15:40:53-07:00

In the circulatory system, the vein valves carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart. The leg veins carry blood toward the heart, against gravity. Therefore, the leg veins have one-way valves to prevent backflow of blood. When the valves do not function properly, they allow blood to flow backward, causing the pooling of blood. This is referred to as venous reflux or venous insufficiency. Eventually, the backflow of the blood will cause varicose veins to develop and symptoms related to the increased pressure in the leg veins such as leg heaviness, aching, swelling, restless legs, night cramps, throbbing, and pain. Varicose veins  can be treated with different lifestyle changes.

 

Conservative Management & Lifestyle Modifications Include for varicose veins and vein valves:

 

The goals of treatment are to relieve symptoms, prevent complications and for some to improve appearance.  Lifestyle changes can ease the symptoms, but do not cause the veins to vanish.  These treatments include:

  • Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time:  To keep blood moving when you have to sit or stand for long periods, try these tips: at work, take walking breaks and try walking during your lunch hour. While sitting, try flexing your feet up and down ten times an hour.
  • Exercise: Exercising is good for your veins because it improves blood flow. Walking, cycling or swimming are great exercises for vein health. But be sure to check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
  • Weight loss or maintaining a healthy weight: Being overweight puts extra pressure on your veins.
  • Leg elevation: Use leg elevation three or four times a day for about 15 minutes at a time. Even elevating your legs on a step stool or ottoman is beneficial. If you need to sit or stand for a long period of time, flexing (bending) your legs occasionally can help keep blood circulating. If you have mild to moderate varicose veins, elevating your legs can help reduce leg swelling and relieve other symptoms.
  • Compression stockings: These elastic stockings squeeze or compress the veins and prevent blood from flowing backward. Compression stockings must be graduated, medical-grade compression to be beneficial. Over the counter,support hose or TED hose are not adequate to reduce symptoms in venous disease for active patients.
  • Supplements such as horse chestnut and grape seed extract can help reduce symptoms of venous disease. Check with your doctor before starting supplements.
  • Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen.
  • Anti-inflammatory topical agents such as OTC Arnica, or prescription voltaren gel may be helpful for painful phlebitis.
  • Ice packs can be applied to veins that are tender to reduce inflammation

 

Leg veins have one-way valves that prevent blood from flowing backward. Diseased valves are ‘leaky’ and allow blood flow both forward and backward, eventually causing bulging of the veins, i.e., varicose veins.

 

The valves inside the leg veins can be seen on ultrasound. 

 

 For more information and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

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

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 

 

What you need to know about vein valves2022-07-20T15:40:53-07:00

La Jolla Vein Care EXPANDS SERVICES, RENAMES LA JOLLA VEIN & VASCULAR

2022-07-20T13:26:27-07:00

La Jolla Vein Care EXPANDS SERVICES, RENAMES LA JOLLA VEIN & VASCULAR

 

Renowned vein clinic welcomes new physician, offers new services, and rebrands to La Jolla Vein & Vascular

 

La Jolla Vein and Vascular is a leader in vein treatment serving the Southern California community since 2010, announces a new name to reflect their recent expansion of services. La Jolla Vein Care is known for their renowned physicians, technically advanced and innovative approach to vein care. It was one of the first vein centers in the region to earn esteemed accreditation by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) for its dedication to quality patient care, positive patient outcomes, safety and physician expertise in the evaluation and management of superficial venous disorders. IAC accreditation is a “seal of approval” that patients can rely on as an indicator of consistent quality care and a dedication to continuous improvement. Varicose veins affect more than half of one half of Americans age 50 and older. Varicose veins occur when the valves in the leg veins no longer function, causing blood to pool in the legs. In some cases, this condition progresses to a more serious form of venous disease called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). 

 

While LJVC has provided relief of painful varicose veins and ulcers of the legs, many people suffer from varicose veins in other areas of the body, such as the pelvic region in both men and women. These and other vascular conditions can be diagnosed and treated by interventional radiologists with special vascular training. Dr. Elliot DeYoung has joined LJVC’s  powerhouse team to continue its renowned venous care and add a complementary layer of medical specialization to the practice. 

Specializing in interventional radiology, with expertise The practice is enthusiastic to welcome Dr. Elliot DeYoung to their medical staff. Dr. DeYoung’s expertise spans vascular disease from angioplasty and stenting to embolization and ablation.  He will lead the center in the expansion of vascular services to provide crucial out-patient care to the community. The practice is enthusiastic to offer a wide variety of interventional procedures including treatments for other vascular conditions such as peripheral arterial disease, pelvic congestion, may thurners, deep vein thrombosis, varicocele, and uterine fibroids. 

 

‘It’s always been our mission to offer the most comprehensive vein care possible. Now, we are able to offer even more comprehensive vein and vascular care to the community. “Dr. Deyoung’s expertise and skills will help us continue to provide patients with leading edge therapeutics for venous disease,” said Dr. Nisha Bunke, founder of La Jolla Vein Care. We are proud to welcome him to our team.”The treatments Dr. DeYoung is able to offer are endovascular procedures that rely on “real-time” advanced medical imaging to precisely target areas of the body for treatment through millimeter-size incisions. It takes medical care to the next level beyond vein care. As a result, we saw fit to change the medical practice’s name to La Jolla Vein & Vascular (LJVV) to reflect these changes.’ Says Dr. Nisha Bunke, the clinic’s Founder and Medical Director. 

 

Dr. Elliot DeYoung is a board-certified interventional radiologist who has spent his career focused on minimally invasive procedures. He completed his training at University of California, San Diego where he specialized in vascular interventions and served on the patient safety committee. Dr. DeYoung’s expertise spans vascular disease from angioplasty and stenting to embolization and ablation. He values thorough patient education and the continuity of patient care. Dr. DeYoung received his bachelor’s degree from USC in Psychology followed by his medical degree from the University of Sydney, School of Medicine. He initially trained as a General Surgery resident in New York before transitioning his training to Interventional Radiology in San Diego. He has a passion for water sports and his free time is spent enjoying the outdoors with his family.

 

To learn more about La Jolla Vein and Vascular, visit ljvascular.com.  Connect with LJVV on Instagram and Facebook.

 

About La Jolla Vein & Vascular: 

La Jolla Vein & Vascular is San Diego’s most comprehensive endovascular center, dedicated exclusively to the diagnosis and treatment of vascular disorders. Vascular conditions permeate both women and men’s health. Vascular disorders treated include peripheral arterial disease, pelvic congestion, labial varicose veins, uterine fibroids,  may thurners, deep vein thrombosis, varicocele, varicose veins, leg ulcers and uterine fibroids.

 

La Jolla Vein Care enjoys positively impacting patient lives, health and overall well-being with its minimally invasive procedures, including an array of endovenous techniques such as radiofrequency, laser and foam sclerotherapy treatments. Learn more about La Jolla Vein Care’s specialty physicians, approach and what has driven its 10+ years of success at LJVascular.com.

 

La Jolla Vein Care EXPANDS SERVICES, RENAMES LA JOLLA VEIN & VASCULAR2022-07-20T13:26:27-07:00

What you need to know about Sclerotherapy procedure

2022-07-16T18:32:09-07:00

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. 

sclerotherapysclerotherapy

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 procedure2022-07-16T18:32:09-07:00
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