Remove Varicose & Spider Veins at BC Laser & Skin Care Clinic in Vancouver

Sclerotherapy for Varicose and Spider Veins

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy involves the injection of medications (sclerosing agents) into varicose veins which cause irritation of their inner walls resulting in collapse and permanent closure of these veins. The majority of varicose veins can be treated by sclerotherapy. Even the Saphenous veins ( the large veins in your groin ) may be removed by this method. Sclerotherapy is performed in the doctor’s office and does not require loss of time from work or other activities. It does not entail anesthesia and there is no scarring. You may be required to wear leg stockings after this procedure. If sclerotherapy has not worked for you in the past it may be that you have underlying veins that cannot be seen with the naked eye and can only be found with ultrasound mapping. The source of the problem is then treated and usually better results are achieved on the remaining veins.

Sclerotherapy at BC Laser is designed to treat both men and women for long term results. To see if sclerotherapy is right for you book your appointment with BC laser today by calling 604 580 2464

Ultrasound-guided Sclerotherapy

Ultrasound is used to map out the entire vein anatomy of the lower limbs. The cause of the varicose and spider veins are identified and treated at its source and then followed by further treatments to the veins. Treating varicose and spider veins in this way make the results more successful long term and with fewer risks. There is no surgery involved, no anaesthesia or downtime and very little discomfort. Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy can be used with great accuracy to find the problem veins prior to treatment.

Click on a question to expand its answer below:

Am I at risk of venous disease?

Here are some factors for men and women that indicate if you might be predisposed to chronic venous disease:

Heredity (family medical history within a family)
Prolonged standing or sitting
Heavy lifting
Hormonal influences
Pregnancy
Obesity

How do compression socks and stockings work?

Gradient compression socks or stockings help improve the blood flow by compressing the veins and making the valves in the veins work more efficiently.

This is done by delivering the highest level of compression at the ankle and gently decreasing this pressure up the leg. Improving blood flow helps the wearer experience immediate relief from tired, aching legs.

How many mole treatments will I need?

Typically the number of sessions for laser mole removal may vary from 1-3 sessions depending on the number of moles treated, size and so on. In certain cases, a touch up may be needed following the original treatment to remove any last remaining pigment.

What can I expect after laser mole removal?

After laser mole removal the treated area may appear to darken or get redder. The mole will form a scab will fall off within a few weeks. An antibiotic cream may be recommended and healing will take place over the coming month and it is important to remember to use sunscreen following the procedure.

What is Cellulite?

Cellulite is used to describe superficial areas of trapped fat, which cause uneven dimpling or “orange peel” skin. It appears in 80% of post-adolescent women. Common areas where cellulite is found are the thighs, buttocks, and the abdomen. Cellulite is not related to obesity as it occurs in overweight, normal, and thin women.

How do we get Cellulite?

Cellulite occurs in the fat layer just beneath the skin. In that area, fat lobes exist with collagen. These strands of collagen connect the skin to its underlying muscle. The "cottage cheese" appearance of the skin is caused by 2 main factors:

The swelling of fat cells distend the skin creating the appearance of "orange peel."
The contraction of the vertical strands of tissue due to hormonal fluctuations or decreased circulation.

With decreased circulation the brain literally forgets that it has these stores of energy and therefore the fat is not used.

Can Cellulite be removed by Liposuction?

This technique of extracting fat by vacuuming it from under the skin is not effective for cellulite. In fact, liposuction may worsen the appearance of the skin by sucking out the cushion of fat that resides just under the skin. The result is additional dimpling of the skin. Additionally, liposuction is a invasive surgery with many risks associated with the procedure.

What treatments are available for cellulite?

There have been many herbal remedies, creams and potions as well as expensive body wraps that have been recommended for reducing the appearance of cellulite. These have been ineffectual. Endermologie was the latest treatment until the last few years. Endermologie requires the use of a body suit prior to treatment and many need as many as 15 - 18 treatments before seeing any results. Thereafter a monthly or bi-monthly treatment is needed for maintenance.More recently in Canada we have seen an increase in the use of mesotherapy or Lipodissolve. This technique has been in use in South America and Europe for about 10 years. Lipodissolve may be used in conjunction with the latest technique in cellulite reduction, Velashape, to enhance results. Velashape 2 gives excellent results for cellulite reduction and after an initial set of treatments , only 2-3 monthly maintenance is required.

Q (Fat reduction with Coolsculpting ): I am 45 years old and losing weight but my biggest problem remains my stomach. It just is not getting smaller. It is the only part which bothers me when wearing all kinds of clothes. What are my options?>

A: Congratulations on losing the weight! Dietary lifestyle and eating habits are the only sure way to long term success. For those areas where the fat seems to be staying there are several different options. One option at BC Laser would be Coolsculpting by Zeltiq. It uses a machine to freeze fat in specific areas and fat cells are then eliminated over a period of a few months. The results we have seen are amazing and you will definitely feel it in the way your clothes fit.

Q (BOTOX® for too much sweating): I have a real problem with sweating and I have heard that Botox for excessive sweating is an option for treatment. Is it covered under medical?

A: Botox for excessive sweating is a great treatment option for many people as it offers relief for upto 6 months at a time or sometimes even longer. Most extended health care programs cover the cost of the Botox and you would only have to pay the administering doctor an injection fee. Currently another option, which may be available in a couple of years, is Ulthera. There are trials underway at present for this option and this may be a more long lasting solution.

Sclerotherapy and Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy