"Words can not describe my gratitude to you. I have been stricken with unsightly veins every since my first child was born seven years ago. I have not worn shorts for years, no matter how hot it got outside. We would go on vacation to Florida and I was always embarrassed to go to the beach. I made sure that my legs were always covered with a wrap. You made that change for me, and for that I am forever grateful! I can't wait for the warm weather to come and show off my new vein free legs. Thanks Dr. Lotstein, you are the best!" Featured Procedures |
Vein RemovalImagine you skin free of unsightly veins. Veins can be a problem for millions of men and women, the world over. This problem affects a wide range of age groups, skin types and lifestyles. It is estimated that in many areas over 60% of the adult population suffers from varicose and spider veins. Veins are classified by their size. Spider veins are the small superficial purple or red veins stretching like a web under the skin. Reticular veins are the blue veins that connect between the deep and superficial veins. Varicose veins are the largest of the veins. Spider and reticular veins are treated with either the IPL Laser or Sclerotherapy and the varicose veins are treated by the Cool Touch CTEV™ Laser. What is a Laser treatment like?A pulse of Nd:Yag laser or Intense Pulsed Light energy may feel like a pinch similar to the snapping of a rubber band. Chilled gel, numbing ointment and other techniques can be used to help prevent discomfort. The entire procedure is brief and non-invasive -- no needles are used at any time. People with needle phobias choose this option. What preparations must I make for a Laser Treatment?You should avoid sun exposure two weeks before and after a treatment. We may recommend you to wear support hose after your procedure. What is Sclerotherapy like if I need this treatment?Most of our patients do not consider the treatments painful. However, many needle sticks may be required during each treatment session, which typically lasts about 30 minutes. The needles are very small, and in most skin locations the injections are not painful. Injections on the ankles and feet and on the inside of the thighs are the most uncomfortable due to skin nerve sensitivity. Patients may take ibuprofen or Tylenol an hour before treatment if needed. Some patients have needle fright and require a sedative before a treatment. Please do not hesitate to request medication prior to your appointment date to help you through your treatment. We require that someone should be available to drive you home after your treatments if you take these medications. Are there any complications with Sclerotherapy?There are few complications. The most common side effect is the appearance of a brown pigment stain where the vein was located. This is a blood pigment which leaked into the skin. The pigment will slowly disappear, but may take many months or years to do so. Fortunately, Laser treatments can be used to remove these areas off the skin faster. On rare occasions the skin will break down and form a very small ulcer at the site of one of the injections which is most often at the ankle or foot. The ulcer is uncomfortable and requires a topical antibiotic applied twice/day till healed. An occasional patient will develop a transient change in vision soon after treatment with one of the foam solutions. This is a rare occurrence, and the patient must have a small hole in one of the heart chambers for this to occur. The visual disturbance rarely last longer than a few minutes. Thousands and thousands of patients have been treated for spider veins without any side effects, making this a very safe procedure. All precautions are taken to assure the safest treatments for our patients. Treatment of Varicose Veins“This procedure represents one of the greatest advances in blood vessel and vein treatment in the past 30 years.” – John R. Kingsley, MD., Director of Alabama Vascular and Vein Center. Our physicians trained under this internationally known & respected Vascular Surgeon. How do I know if I have varicose veins?Varicose veins are enlarged vessels that have widened as a result of weakness in the vein wall, which stretches and bulges. You may have varicose veins, but have no tell-tell signs of bulging veins. Treating varicose veins in the past had required hospitalization. Now, using the COOLTOUCH CTEV TM Laser System you can get rid of them in our office. Diagnosis of vein abnormalities requires special expertise. Varicose veins may cause aching or a heavy feeling in ones legs, throbbing, muscle cramping, and swelling in the lower legs. You may also have itching around one or more of your veins in the legs. Skin ulcers near your ankle require immediate attention. This condition may lead to serious problems if not treated. Moreover, varicose veins may also serve as an indication that the individual is at a higher risk of other disorders of the circulatory system. Every patient receives an ultrasound evaluation of their legs to identify the cause of your leg problems. Our doctors correlate your symptoms with physical findings and ultrasound analysis to make the proper diagnosis for treatment recommendations. Who can be treated?Most patients with varicose veins and stasis ulcers are candidates for treatment. Many patients with smaller veins or with only leg pain or leg swelling are found to have vein incompetence which can be treated. Even patients on blood thinners are being treated now. What are the benefits of a Laser treatment for varicose veins?
How is the CTEV™ Laser treatment performed?Your problem vein is identified just above the knee and the entire leg area is cleaned with an anti septic ointment. The entire procedure is performed with ultrasound visualization of the vein. A small amount of local anesthetic is applied and a needle is placed in the vein. Through this vein is inserted a small laser probe. The probe is then identified with Ultrasound to verify its position and then the laser is turned on and slowly withdrawn from the veins. The laser energy causes the vein walls to shrink and eventually leading to closure of the vein. The vein closes and does not carry any blood in it. The procedure is painless and takes about 30-45 minutes. Once the vein is treated, the probe is removed and a small dressing is applied. A compression bandage is applied and worn for 1 week. Your treatment will usually last only one hour. Is this a safe treatment?The CTEV™ Laser is the safest way to remove varicose veins today. As with any invasive procedure, there are potential complications. These rare complications include:
What is recovery after a Laser treatment?The procedure leaves no scars, is associated with minimal postoperative pain, a rapid recovery period and provides almost immediate relief from symptoms. Minor soreness and bruising can be treated with over-the-counter, pain medication. After the procedure, all patients are encouraged to walk and resume their normal activities. A follow up appointment is made with the doctor in 1-2 weeks. Is the treatment covered through insurance?Most all insurances including Medicare will pay for the evaluation and treatment for varicose veins. Call now for an appointment to get rid of your problem veins. |