Fine threaded veins or spider veins can be effectively corrected by micro sclerotherapy which can be performed in the office setting
Treatment for unsightly threaded and spider veins. Injection Therapy of VeinThreaded or Spider veins can be successfully treated with sclerotherapy.
Dilated blood vessels can appear on any surface of the body but are particularly common on the legs. They my resemble a spider web or tree with branches. These ‘spider’ veins called telangiectasia usually occur in association with larger dilated blood vessels (often blue/green in colour) called reticular veins. Varicose veins are larger veins that bulge above the skin surface and are often associated with deeper vein problems.
Dilated vessels do carry blood although they are not very efficient and are often not necessary to the circulatory system. The body will have already established alternative routes for the blood to travel efficiently to the heart. Because of this they can be treated without damaging the circulatory system of the body.What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a procedure that is used to treat abnormal veins. It involves an injection with a extremely fine needle of a solution which irritates the lining of the vein causing it to swell and stick together. Thus stopping the flow of blood, followed by the venules shrinking. Sclerotherapy has been performed since the 1920’s, in small venules or spider veins can be used by direct injection.
The solution used by Mr. Matti for spider and small reticular vessels is Sclerovein (Polidoncanol).Why do people develop abnormal Veins?
In many cases they seem to be hereditary otherwise the cause is not known. Varicose veins occur in both men and women, but more frequently in women. Hormonal factors may play a role in their development; ie puberty and pregnancy often seem to be contributory factors. Spider veins may also occur after trauma to a certain region of the body. They also appear to be associated with obesity and occupations involving prolonged standing.Can Vein problems be prevented?
There is no known method of prevention. Wearing specialised venous support stockings may prevent some dilated blood vessels from developing in some people. Maintaining a normal weight, regular exercise, avoiding constipation and avoiding wearing high-heeled shoes may also be helpful.Are there any problems with Sclerotherapy?
Rarely some people can have an allergic reaction to the injection. Immediately after the injections, the skin becomes red and looks worse than before the injection. This redness settles down over a few days but the final result is not always complete for several months.Are there any complications of Sclerotherapy?
Your skin may become blistered at the site of an injection but this will heal. The skin can get a brown discolouration where the injection has been but this is often not as obvious as the veins that have been injected. The veins can come back. The treatment may not work completely.Mr. Matti will determine with you in the clinic if your type of lesion is likely to respond satisfactorily to Sclerotherapy, and also will explain to you any further questions you may have about the treatment.
Skin Rejuvenation of the Hand (TCA Peel)
The hands show signs of ageing sooner than other less exposed parts of the body.
Changes that can be improved by current techniques include:
- Age spots, pre-cancerous lesions of the hand and irregular pigmentation of the dorsum of the hands.
- Excessive venous pattern.
- The thin texture of the skin.
Depending on your skin complexion, the state of your skin and your particular concerns the program for the rejuvenation of the hands can be adjusted. As in the case of facial rejuvenation, in the hand, treatments can be used separately or combined working together for achieving the best possible options.
Treatment options used by Mr. Matti in hand rejuvenation are:
- Topical treatments with Retin-A and Glycolic acid
(See program of skin rejuvenation). Retin-A is the first product ever scientifically proven to significantly effect the aging process. Topical applications of Retin-A can repair sun-damaged skin and stimulate the production of collagen, which is the underlying supporting structure of the skin.- Chemical Peels TCA (Tri-chloro Acetic Acid)peels can be performed on the face, neck, chest, hands and even arms and legs. Depending on your skin type and your desired results we will recommend a superficial or medium chemical peel. In the hand deeper peels almost never indicated. This chemical peel can be easily performed in the office and takes less than 20 minutes.
- Fat grafting The use of your own fat for improvement the texture of the hand. This fat is taken from other areas of the body by liposuction. It essentially enhances areas of lost volume. This requires a local anaesthetic procedure with or without sedation although some patients choose to have this treatment under general anaesthesia.
The process and suitability for treatment, as well as the possible side effects or complications will be explained to you by Mr. Matti in detail at the time of consultation.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
This is a procedure of using laser light to remove surface imperfections, and dramatically reduce lines and wrinkles. It can gently remove sun damaged, ageing skin, layer by layer helping to protect and stimulate the rejuvenation of the deeper healthy skin. The CO2 laser energies are absorbed by water and the skin contains approximately 70% water, the laser beam actually vaporizes the top layer of the skin, or epidermis and causes contraction of the papillary dermis, or the second layer of the skin. The combined effect creates a smoother, tighter surface, on the top of which a rejuvenated surface grows. The laser light penetrates to a very precise controlled depth, making the procedure safer and predictable and reducing the risk of scarring or pigmentation problems. Laser surfacing is bloodless and is performed either under general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia with sedation depending on the individual requirements. Because laser is gentle, the discomfort both during and after the procedure is improved, and helps give you a more rapid return to your normal routine. Prior to the laser treatment, you will be on a programme of Retin A for two weeks. Patients who are prone to hyper pigmentation (dark spots), can be treated with a bleaching cream. If you have a history of herpes simplex, a treatment of Zovirax will be prescribed before and after your treatment. Sun tanning should be avoided before and for three months after the laser treatment. It is better to mention any history of taking Acutane for acne for the last 12 months, as this has a detrimental effect on the healing of the skin after laser treatment.
Many facial conditions such as fine wrinkling around the eyes, forehead, nose and mouth can be smoothed out with laser resurfacing. Deep wrinkles and frown lines can be minimized, along with acne scars and irregular surgical scars, can be successfully treated with CO2 laser.
In the first few days following laser treatment, your skin will produce some oozing as the new collagen is formed by the dermal layer to rebuild the skin from the bottom up. You will then go through a period of crusting for 3-4 days, after the resurfacing procedure a scab may form at the treatment site which usually disappears within 7-10 days and may easily be covered with make up. Complete healing usually takes place in 3-4 weeks. In some cases, redness may persist, but usually you will be red for around 2-6 weeks which is easily camouflaged with make up, which can usually be applied in 4-7 days depending on your skin response to the treatment.
Post procedure discomfort is minimal, and after your skin resurfacing it is important to use a sunscreen with SPF 25 protection against both UV-A and UV-B rays. It is important to realize whilst laser resurfacing is a wonderful opportunity to look youthful, it will not completely stop the clock. The results do get better in time with rejuvenation of collagen but new lines will appear as you age. Some people require more that one treatment to reach their expectations. Repeat treatment can be done within three months of your first treatment. Others can get their expected result with one treatment.Complications
For the most part, lasers are very safe, however, as with any medical procedure there are risks and benefits. A patient may have an allergic reaction to topical ointments used post-operatively.
Post operative outbreak of herpes virus infection can lead to scarring and therefore it is paramount to continue taking anti-viral medication. The wound should be kept dressed and moist because a dry undressed wound is more likely to result in scarring. Most patients will be pink for 2-3 months and some for as long as 6 months. Many patients will experience excessive tightness between 3-8 weeks following the treatment, others including melia, itching, transient hyperpigmentation for 6 weeks, or hypertrophic scarring are possible but rare and these and any other possible complications will be discussed carefully during your consultation.Clearly there are many options for skin rejuvenation and the different methods available have to be chosen according to the individual needs. These will be assessed to define an individualized treatment plan during consultation.