Q. What are Varicose Veins?

The deep veins in the legs have valves to ensure the one way flow of blood back to the heart: in the case of varicose veins, these valves are defective, allowing pooling of blood, with resulting distended twisted veins in the calves and thighs.
Symptoms associated with varicose veins are swelling, aching and cramping in the legs; if left untreated, this can proceed to skin discolouration, itching, varicose eczema, and ulceration. Occasionally the veins will get inflamed, leading to thrombophlebitis.

Spider veins are small thin dilated veins lying close to the surface of the skin and visible as red or purple vessels. The common underlying factors are genetic or hormonal factors, pregnancy, weight gain, and prolonged sitting or standing. They are more commonly seen in women, and can also cause significant discomfort, with prolonged standing. (insert picture of spider /small veins)
Occasionally, spider veins may feed off larger incompetent veins (with defective valves), and the initial assessment of spider veins will include a Doppler examination of the larger leg veins in the groin, to detect reflux, or run-off, from deeper veins.

The treatment of varicose veins ranges from sclerotherapy, (injections) to laser (endovenous ablation ) to surgical stripping of the veins; depending on the diameter, depth and extent of the defective veins, and the presence/ absence of reflux from deep veins; while spider veins- the superficial, cosmetically displeasing red or purple smaller veins, are commonly eliminated via sclerotherapy. The provincial health plan (MCP) does not cover cosmetic vein treatments.

What is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy involves the injection of a mildly irritating agent- the sclerosant – commonly Sodium Tetradecyl Sulphate- into the vein, causing swelling of the lining of the dilated vein. The vein collapses, disappears, and is eventually resorbed by the body, relieving associated symptoms of aching etc. A small guage needle is used to inject the sclerosant; the level of discomfort of the procedure being equivalent to an ant bite. Following injection, the spider vein is compressed by a dressing, and the leg supported by a compression stocking- this is an important step to ensure closure and disappearance of the vein. Exercise – walking 20-30 mins /day – is encouraged to facilitate healing.

Some results may be seen immediately following sclerotherapy, sometimes results may take several weeks, and some veins may require a second treatment. Some areas may require several treatments to close off all the feeder- reticular- veins. At a typical treatment session 10-20 tiny injections are administered into the affected areas of the legs. Sessions are usually spaced 2 weeks apart.

Risks and side effects associated with Sclerotherapy:

Side effects that may occur with Sclerotherapy include

• The vein may be tender to touch with a mildly uncomfortable sensation along the vein route – this is temporary. Bruising is very common, and to be expected
• Transient hyperpigmentation – 10-20% of patients may see note some light brown streaks in the treated area, which usually fades within weeks to months. This may be exacerbated by suntanning in the post treatment phase.
• Telangiectstatic matting – or worsening of the superficial spider veins, is a rare occurrence following sclerotherapy; it often resolves spontaneously, or may respond to further injections
• Skin ulceration is a very rare complication – a blister may form , open , and become ulcerated; healing will occur slowly, and a small scar may remain is this happens
• Deep Venous Thrombosis is an extremely rare complication of sclerotherapy, especially if the veins treated are very small and superficial; although still very rare, it is more likely to be associated with deep ultrasound guided injection of larger , deeper veins, as opposed to superficial spider veins.
• Allergic reaction to the sclerosant.

Minor Surgical Procedures

At The Lazer Room, we also offer treatment for warts, ingrown toenails, corns/callouses, sebaceous cysts, skin tags, and excision biopsies of moles, etc.

Most of these procedures are covered by the provincial health care plan, MCP. For enquiries, please call (709) 579-5297.