More than 30 million Americans suffer from venous disease, but according to the Society for Vascular Medicine, only 10 percent seek treatment. For New York vein specialist Luis Navarro, MD, these common, yet unsightly concerns are something he’s spent decades treating. This is why we went straight to the renowned vein expert at The Vein Treatment Center to ask him how to minimize or eliminate unsightly veins on the legs, face, hands and breasts, or anywhere else they’re likely to pop up. Dr. Navarro says these permanent solutions can alleviate constant worry and failed attempts to conceal them. Here, the top ways to treat visible varicose and spider veins, and why this vein specialist says it’s easier than ever to get rid of them for good.
Painless Sclerotherapy
Dr. Navarro says the most common treatment for spider and varicose veins is an ‘injection therapy’ called Scleroptherapy. “During sclerotherapy treatment, I inject a mild chemical solution into vein or capillary. This is called a sclerosing agent and it works by irritating the walls of the vessel, causing it to collapse. The body then reabsorbs the vein and blood is re-routed to a healthy vein, restoring proper venous circulation in the area.” Dr. Navarro says, “With the method developed in my office, consisting of cold air (cyrotherapy) and vibration, we make the Sclerotherapy procedure painless.” Treatments consists of 40 injects per session. “We can do this on veins of the legs, hands, and face as well as veins that some patients get on their breasts after a breast augmentation,” adds Dr. Navarro. Depending on how quickly your body heals, the doctor will then determine how many sessions are needed.
Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)
Another minimally invasive treatment used to get rid of large varicose veins is endovenous laser ablation, which was developed and patented by The Vein Treatment Center by Dr. Navarro and associates. “EVLA uses laser and ultrasound technology to close the vein from the inside with laser energy,” says the doctor. “EVLA makes it possible to treat large, unsightly veins in the office without the need for need for general anesthesia, incisions, or downtime for recovery,” says the doctor. “EVLA is often paired with Mini-Phlectomy, in which through 16th of an inch incisions we remove superficial bulges and veins. Small varicose veins and spider veins are later treated with Sclerotherapy.”
Laser Therapy
Dr. Navarro also employs the use of laser therapy to treat the smallest of spider veins or broken capillaries on the face. “These lasers emit high-energy light that is harmlessly and painlessly passed through the skin,” he explains. “The laser energy is absorbed by the red blood cells in the vein, which in turn seals it and causes the vein to disappear in a few weeks.” During the treatment, Dr. Navarro and his team use a cooling device that makes the treatment more comfortable and pain-free.
Speedy Recovery
For all three procedures, Dr. Navarro says, recovery is minimal and consists of using compression garments to prevent bruising, swelling and pain. “These garments support venous blood flow and decreases pressure inside the veins,” explains the doctor. “The recovery is very minimal and it’s very easy to resume your lifestyle right after treatment.”
