An EVLT is usually, 98% to 99% of the time, a one-time treatment. That is 98-99% that after treatment, the vein is closed and it stays closed for at least several years. Since our data only goes back years, that is all we can demonstrate, though it’s possible we may learn the vein stays closed forever.

Redo procedures do occur, but they should be uncommon after a treatment.

- Dr. Wright

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A: Bluish veins are usually too large to be treated effectively with a Veinwave. Without seeing it, I cannot be sure. The Veinwave can be used near the eye but it tends to be a bit more painful. You should seek evaluation by a physician experienced with Veinwave to advise you the best course of treatment.

- Dr. Wright

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A: Ankle brownish skin pigmentation is a classic sign of venous insufficiency and resulting tissue damage. The fact that no veins are seen is irrelevant, as large varicosities frequently may be visually masked by the swelling that usually is present with this condition. Further, many varicose veins bulge “in” and can be palpable though not visual. Finally determining whether vein treatment will help is dependent on the confirmation of the above issues by an expert.

- Dr. Wright

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A: With routine daily use of support hose and time, patients who have tingling with the numbness usually will find the symptoms resolve. Some patients who undergo vein procedures, especially vein stripping, may experience some residual numbness that does not resolve. If it is very bothersome, you can talk to your doctor about possibly taking neurontin or other medication for nerve pain.

- Dr. Wright

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A: Technically, you do not want someone to occlude your saphenofemoral junction. The occlusion should extend to a short distance below the saphenofemoral junction. All of the LASERs in routine use for saphenous vein ablation work very well. There is some research that some may be slightly better tolerated but they all work.

- Dr. Wright

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A: It would help you greatly to wear a pelvic support garment. Your OB/Gyn should give you a prescription, and a medical equipment supplier would measure and fit you. I have also heard reports that the Spanx(r) garments (which you can obtain online or at stores) and compression with elastic biker shorts with a pad against the vulva will help some.

- Dr. Wright

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A: Yes, Endovenous Lasers can be used to treat refluxing perforator veins. Insurance companies often times will not cover this treatment as they consider it too “experimental.” However, in some cases doing an appeal with your insurance company can result in coverage for this. At any rate, the treatment is effective.

- Dr. Wright

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A: You need to see a qualified Phlebologist for a clinical evaluation. Some patients need treatment for varicose vein problems in their teenage years. A few patients have abnormally formed veins at birth which become more evident with time. It is important to have a thorough clinical and ultrasound exam in order for anyone to give you further advice. If you are having symptoms, I strongly encourage you to seek evaluation no matter what your age. Varicose and abnormal veins are not strictly an age-related concern; symptoms at any time must be taken seriously.

- Dr. Wright

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A: The ELVeS and EVLT are use primarily used to treat the saphenous veins from the mid-calf up to the thigh. Refluxing saphenous veins are often give rise to the more superficial tortuous veins on the thigh and further down the leg. Although the laser fiber has some flexibility, it cannot travel very tortuous tributary veins. The same problem with radiofrequency ablation (RFA). There are other approaches that can be used for those veins. These methods can be as effective to treat them and have excellent results as well.

- Dr. Wright

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A: Did you know that if you are fair skinned, you are more at risk for facial spider veins?

As you certainly know, people with fair skin have a higher tendency for their skin to be more damaged by the sun than their darker skinned friends. Sun damage can cause a variety of harmful skin issues, the most immediately noticeable of which are sunburns. Repeated sunburns cause damage to the skin, and skin damage caused by the sun can lead to facial spider veins. So yes, sunburns and spider veins can go hand in hand (sometimes).

Spider veins can be completely unrelated to sun exposure, however, so if you have spider veins already, they may well not have been caused by too much fun in the sun.

What can you do to protect your skin against facial spider veins? Your number one defense is to wear daily — EVERY day — sunscreen with a high sun protection factor. You should probably be doing this anyway if you are frequently exposed to strong sunlight, as it can prevent a plethora of other medical complications in the future. Also, a hat or similar extending protection keeping your face from the sun’s rays may be beneficial.

If you have already noticed spider veins on your face,the Veinwave may be an option to eliminate them.Veinwave involves radiowave pulsed on the vein to close it so you don’t have the visible spider veins anymore. Luckily, facial spider veins are usually more of a cosmetic nuisance than a painful medical problem, as varicose veins can be. Your doctor can help you determine whether or not your spider veins are a substantial problem, or merely something you wish to be rid of for aesthetic reasons.

- Dr. Wright

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