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How can we help?
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Southern Arizona Laser Vein Institute
(SALVI) can eliminate unsightly spider veins in just a
few easy treatments, leaving your legs virtually clear
and free from the appearance of spider veins. |
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What are Spider Veins
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Occurring
on both legs and/or the face, Spider Veins are small red and
purple blood vessels that often resemble a spider's web,
hence the name spider veins. Unlike Varicose Veins,
Spider Veins are small and delicate, forming in clusters
versus Varicose Veins which are large and swollen. |
What causes Spider Veins?
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How Spider Veins occur
isn't known for sure. Like Varicose Veins, similar
risk factors are associated with the development of Spider
Veins including heredity, obesity, and predisposed lifestyle
and occupational conditions such as prolonged standing.
More often, gender specific factors are earmarked as the
cause for developing Spider Veins. |
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Nearly 70% of all adult
women will be afflicted with Spider Veins at some time
during their life. Women are at risk because of the
hormonal changes experienced such as menstruation,
pregnancy, oral contraceptive use, hormone replacement
therapy and the use or increased levels of estrogen.
Other factors that place women at risk include heredity
factors, obesity and wearing of high-heeled shoes for
extended periods of time.
Spider Veins and Varicose
veins, though caused by similar factors, are not the same in
any way - and one condition does not lead to the occurrence
of the other. |
Can Spider Veins affect
my health in a negative way?
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Unlike Varicose Veins,
Spider Veins are not harmful and do not pose any direct
health threat. Although most often treated for
cosmetic purposes, Spider Veins are known to cause symptoms
including dull aching, throbbing pain, night cramps,
tiredness, tingling, and heaviness in legs - all seemingly
worsened with menstruation and warm weather. |
More about Sclerotherapy
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Developed in
Europe in the early 1930's, Sclerotherapy eliminates
unsightly and embarrassing spider veins of the legs.
Using an extremely fine and nearly painless needle, the
treatment involves injecting a small amount of sclerosing
solution in to the affected veins. This causes the
veins to gently dry up and become absorbed by the body's
natural healing responses.
Because blood flow is
shifted to healthy veins, Sclerotherapy can improve the
circulation in the legs. And despite all advancements
in laser technology, Sclerotherapy still remains the
overwhelming choice of doctors and patients for spider vein
treatment. Why? Because it is more effective,
less expensive and less painful than any other treatment
available.
Sclerotherapy is an effective method of treating spider
veins and the benefits are quite numerous.
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Eliminates Appearance of Unsightly Veins
- Return
to Normal Activity Immediately following treatment
- Quick,
Simple and relatively Pain Free Procedure
- Relief
of Associated Symptoms
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In-Office Treatment
- Nearly
Immediate Visible Results
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What should I expect
during treatment?
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Sclerotherapy involves the use of a fine needle to inject a
solution directly in to the afflicted veins. The
solution (sclerosant) once injected, eventually seals off
the blood vessel and prevents blood flow to continue through
the treated vein.
Prior to treatment, your
physician will complete a medical history to learn more
about how long the symptoms have persisted and the severity
of the symptoms. Before the procedure, your physician
may make recommendation to discontinue aspirin containing
medications or other medications that may result in excess
bleeding. Your physician will instruct you a head of
time if the treated area should be (or not) shaved prior to
your appointment.
In a
standing position, the veins are marked and the skin is
thoroughly cleaned. Starting with the larger veins, a
syringe with a small needle is inserted in to the vein area.
A small amount of sclerosing solution is injected directly
in to the vein. When the needle is removed, pressure
will be applied immediately to the treated area while the
area is kneaded to help disperse the solution throughout and
reduce bruising. |
How many treatments
should I need?
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Each vein
may require several injections during a regiment of 3 to 5
treatments in order to achieve the desired results.
Treated veins will gradually disappear over three to six
months. |
What can I expect
following treatment?
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Patients who
have had Sclerotherapy report having only slight discomfort
once the procedure is complete. A slight to moderate
burning sensation may be felt after each injection but this
tends to disappear within a few moments. An ointment
may be used to soothe the skins surface and relieve any
burning sensation. A pressure bandage or elastic
stocking may be applied to prevent any post-injection
bleeding.
Most
patients are advised to return to normal activities
immediately following their treatment - although vigorous
activity will be discouraged for the first day.
Walking is strongly encouraged as it increases the blood
flow to the other veins.
Slight
blistering or bruising may appear, but will disappear
usually within a week. Fair skinned patients tend to
bruise more. |
Is the treatment painful?
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Sclerotherapy is a relatively painless procedure.
Because the injected solution is so diluted, most patients
experience only a slight stinging or burning sensation with
each injection. This sensation is often relieved on
it's own in just a few moments.
After the
procedure any pain should be relieved with an
over-the-counter non-aspirin oral pain reliever. |
Is Sclerotherapy
Treatment covered by insurance?
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Most
insurance companies do not cover the costs associated
Sclerotherapy treatment because it is most often performed
for cosmetic purposes. However, some plans may include
coverage if treatment is completed to relieve pain or
discomfort that impedes activity or is deemed medically
necessary.
At the time
of your initial consultation, our staff will discuss the
prescribed treatment, associated costs and payment
arrangements including your insurance coverage. Prior
to your appointment, check your policy and/or call your
insurance provider to find out what their coverage includes.
For your convenience, SALVI accepts most major credit cards. |
