Leg Veins & Facial Veins

Freqently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Surgical Artistry Vein Clinic, Modesto

We plan to add additional leg and face vein information is added every week.  Feel free to bookmark this page to keep up on vein information.  Lasers and leg veins are a dynamic, exciting, and broad field, as is sclerotherapy.  Visit http://www.bigveins.com for information about our vein clinic in Modesto, CA.

 

What causes spider veins and varicose veins?

The heart pumps blood filled with oxygen and nutrients to the whole body. Arteries carry blood from the heart towards the body parts. Veins carry  blood from the body back to the heart.

The squeezing of leg muscles pumps blood back to the heart from the lower body. Veins have valves that act as one-way flaps. These valves prevent the blood from flowing backwards as it moves up the legs. If the one-way valves become weak, blood can leak back into the vein and collect there. This problem is called venous insufficiency. Pooled blood enlarges the vein and it becomes varicose.

Spider veins can also be caused by the backup of blood. Hormone changes, inherited factors, and exposure to the sun can also cause spider veins.

 

Who has varicose veins and spider veins?

Many factors increase a person's chances of developing varicose or spider veins. These include:

  • Increasing Age
  • Having family members with vein problems or being born with weak vein valves
  • Hormonal changes. These occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Taking birth control pills and other medicines containing estrogen and progesterone also increase the risk of varicose or spider veins
  • Pregnancy. During pregnancy there is a huge increase in the amount of blood in the body. This can cause veins to enlarge. The expanding uterus also puts pressure on the veins. Varicose veins usually improve within 3 months after delivery. A growing number of abnormal veins usually appear with each additional pregnancy
  • Obesity, leg injury, prolonged standing and other things that weaken vein valves
  • Sun exposure, which can cause spider veins on the cheeks or nose of a fair-skinned person

 

Why do spider veins & varicose veins usually appear in the legs?

The force of gravity, the pressure of body weight, and the task of carrying blood from the bottom of the body up to the heart make legs the primary location for varicose and spider veins. Compared with other veins in the body, leg veins have the toughest job of carrying blood back to the heart. They endure the most pressure. This pressure can be stronger than the veins' one-way valves.

 

How can I prevent spider veins & varicose veins?

Not all varicose and spider veins can be prevented. But some things can reduce your chances of getting new varicose and spider veins. These same things can help ease discomfort from the ones you already have:

  • Wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun and to limit spider veins on the face.
  • Exercise regularly to improve your leg strength, circulation, and vein strength. Focus on exercises that work your legs, such as walking or running.
  • Control your weight to avoid placing too much pressure on your legs.
  • Elevate your legs when resting as much as possible.
  • Do not stand or sit for long periods of time. If you must stand for a long time, shift your weight from one leg to the other every few minutes. If you must sit for long periods of time, stand up and move around or take a short walk every 30 minutes.
  • Wear elastic support stockings (ie. Sigvaris, Jobst) and avoid tight clothing that constricts your waist, groin, or legs.
  • Eat a low-salt diet rich in high-fiber foods. Eating fiber reduces the chances of constipation which can contribute to varicose veins. High fiber foods include fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains, like bran. Eating too much salt can cause you to retain water or swell.

 

How are spider veins & varicose veins treated?

Besides a physical exam, we can take ultrasound pictures, ultrasound with flow (Duplex) indications, vein illumination or X-rays of the vein to find the cause and severity of the problem.   We have a powerful ultrasound machine in our office.  Not all cases of varicose veins are the same.  

Available treatments include:

Sclerotherapy

This is a common treatment for both spider veins and varicose veins. We inject a solution into the vein that causes the vein walls to swell, stick together, and seal shut. This stops the flow of blood and the vein turns into scar tissue. In a few weeks, the vein should fade. The same vein may need to be treated more than once.

This treatment is very effective if done the right way. Most patients can expect a 50% to 80% improvement. Micro-sclerotherapy uses special solutions and injection techniques that increase the success rate for removal of spider veins. Sclerotherapy does not require anesthesia, and can be done in the doctor's office.  We use extremely small needles, which are reserved in our Modesto office only for sclerotherapy procedures.

Possible side effects include:

  • Temporary stinging or painful cramps where the injection was made
  • Temporary red raised patches of skin where the injection was made
  • Temporary small skin sores where the injection was made
  • Temporary bruises where the injection was made
  • Spots around the treated vein that usually disappear
  • Brown lines around the treated vein that usually disappear
  • Groups of fine red blood vessels around the treated vein that usually disappear

Some of these side effects may improve with anti-inflammatory medication or heat.  Anti-inflammatory gels/creams such as Arnica (Arnica Montana) may be of some help.

The treated vein can also become inflamed or develop lumps of clotted blood. This is not dangerous. Applying heat and taking aspirin or antibiotics can relieve inflammation. Lumps of coagulated blood can be drained, if these areas are uncomfortable.

Laser surgery/treatments

New technology in laser treatments can effectively treat spider veins in the legs. Laser surgery sends very strong bursts of light onto the vein. This can makes the vein slowly fade and disappear. Lasers are very direct and accurate. So the proper laser controlled by a skilled doctor will usually only damage the area being treated. Most skin types and colors can be safely treated with lasers.  Not all lasers have the same capability for treating spider veins.

Laser surgery is more appealing to some patients because it does not use needles or incisions. Still, when the laser hits the skin, the patient feels a heat sensation that can be quite painful. Cooling helps reduce the pain. Laser treatments last for 15 to 20 minutes. Depending on the severity of the veins, two to five treatments are generally needed to remove spider veins in the legs. Patients can return to normal activity right after treatment, just as with sclerotherapy. For spider veins larger than 3 mm, laser therapy is not very practical.

Possible side effects of laser treatments include:

  • Redness or swelling of the skin right after the treatment that disappears within a few days.
  • Discolored skin that will disappear within one to two months.
  • Rarely burns and scars result from poorly performed laser surgery.
    Endovenous Techniques (radiofrequency and laser) – These methods for treating the deeper varicose veins of the legs (the saphenous veins) have been a huge breakthrough. They have replaced surgery for the vast majority of patients with severe varicose veins. This technique is not very invasive and can be done in our office in Modesto, CA.
  • Small skin blisters, bruising

Inside the vein laser (endo-venous laser):

We place a very small tube called a catheter into the inside of a vein. Once inside, the catheter sends out radiofrequency or laser energy that shrinks and seals the vein wall. Healthy veins around the closed vein restore the normal flow of blood. As this happens, symptoms from the varicose veins improve. Veins on the surface of the skin that are connected to the treated varicose vein will also usually shrink after treatment. When needed, these connected varicose veins can be treated with sclerotherapy or other techniques.

Possible side effect of endovenous laser:

  • Bruising
  • Tugging sensation during the healing process
  • Minor laser "burns" on the skin

 

Can varicose and spider veins return even after treatment?

Current treatments for varicose veins and spider veins have very high success rates compared to traditional surgical treatments. Over a period of years, however, more abnormal veins can develop. The major reason for this is that there is no cure for weak vein valves, not even surgery. As time goes on, pressure gradually builds up in the leg veins. Ultrasound can be used to keep track of how badly the valves are leaking (venous insufficiency).  This can be counted with seconds of reflux as seen on duplex (color) ultrasound.  Ongoing treatments can help keep this problem under control.  This means that at times several routine vein procedure sessions may help.

The most important thing a person can do to slow down the development of new varicose veins is to wear graduated (tighter around the ankles than along the thighs) compression support stockings as much as possible during the day.

 

Can laser hair removal be done with the vein laser?

At Surgical Artistry, Inc in Modesto, CA, we have a laser that is taylored specificly for veins.  However, it has been used by others for laser hair removal.  We can use it to remove some small hairs.  Several sessions of laser hair removal are needed.  We can also recommend places that specialize in laser hair removal.  If you mainly have a leg vein or facial vein problem, we can discuss small spots of laser hair removal as well.  We do have an esthetician on staff that can perform waxing if you prefer.

 

What are other uses of laser in esthetics

A great use of our laser is used for red marks, red spots, brown spots on the skin.  Call us to set up an appointment with Dr. Calvin Lee.  Consultations of this sort are very affordable.  Our telephone number is 209-551-1888.   Some details about our laser (link).

Tattoo removal is something that is sometimes fairly successful with lasers.  There are many variables related to the color, age, method of aquiring the tattoo.  There are other locations such as Skin Renew Laser Medical Center which offers tattoo laser removal.

Acne scars, photo-facials, laser resurfacing are other possible uses of laser technology.  We don't currently offer lasers for these uses.  You may consider MD Plus Medical Spa, or Advanced Laser Clinics.  However, keep in mind, there are other ways of taking care of your skin:  we offer consultations on these methods which are without energy sources applied to the face.  We offer microdermabrasion, excellent skin care products, acupuncture for facial rejuvenation, and advice on skin health.  We have a full time aethetician on staff, plus Dr. Tammy Wu, the plastic surgeon is available for these skin care rejuvenation consultations. 

 

What's special about Surgical Artistry, Inc.?

Plastic Surgery, General Surgery, Acupuncture, Veins - all related at Surgical Artistry, Inc.

Surgical Artistry, Inc. is led by a husband-wife team of dedicated, friendly, Ivy League trained surgeons who provide services in Plastic Surgery, General Surgery, Acupuncture, and Vein Procedures.  Dr. Calvin Lee is a board certified General Surgeon who specializes in veins, gallbladders, hernias, breast cancer, and acupuncture.  Dr. Tammy Wu is a board certified Plastic Surgeon who specializes in breast and body contouring such as tummy tucks and liposuction.  They have been practicing surgery in Modesto since 2003.  Under the same roof, botox, lasers, microdermabrasion, facials, and skin care products are also available.

In addition to superb surgical skills, our focus is communication.  Many of our consultations take about an hour to ensure that we become partners in your surgery and that we share the same goals.  In addition, our surgical patients have access to our cell phones to call with any questions, and email is also a possible means of communication. 

We are very comfortable with advanced technology, in fact this web page is made by Dr. Calvin Lee.  Our technology advantage also helps us in your surgical / medical care.  We only use the highest grade technology and the best materials in our practice.  Our high quality standard and accepting nothing but the best is our philosophy for our family, for our lives, and for our patients.

There are many other advantages of having a plastic surgeon and general surgeon working together.  The practice gets a fusion of ideas and techniques that benefit our patients.  For example, for breast cancer, Dr. Calvin Lee and Dr. Tammy Wu frequently work together to remove the cancer and then reconstruct the breast with plastic surgical techniques.  The doctors are always discussing ways to combine their talents. 

Even more special is the addition of Dr. Calvin Lee's acupuncture knowledge which adds a holistic and more natural approach to healing from your surgery.  Our synergy of acupuncture, general surgery and plastic surgery is very unique and found very rarely in this world.  Come experience it in Modesto, California.

If you are committed to self improvement and excellent health; Surgical Artistry is committed to helping you achieve your goals.

 

 

Vein Specialist in Modesto.  Surgical Specialists

 

2336 Sylvan Ave. Suite C
Modesto, CA 95355.

telephone: 209-551-1888


 
Modesto Laser website Copyright 2007- Surgical Artistry, Inc.  Modesto, CA All Rights Reserved.
08/20/2008 last edited.

 

Modesto Vein Treatment Center, Varicose Veins, Spider Veins
We're located next to the post office on Sylvan Ave, Modesto.

 

 

Modesto Laser
Leg Vein Anatomy

 

 

 

 

Our Services include

Veins:

  • Injecting spider veins / telangiectasias (sclerotherapy)
  • Surface laser ablation of spider veins with Dornier 940 laser
  • Facial vein therapy
  • Vein stripping if needed.
  • Sclerotherapy with foam for injecting varicose veins.
  • Foam Sclerotherapy for Reticular veins.
  • Laser closure (ELAS, EVLT, or ELVeS), VNUS closure, TriVex (Transilluminated vein extraction - somewhat like liposuction, not lasers, related to TIPPS).
  • Microphlebectomy - removal of veins through very small incisions (about 1mm).  This is not the same as vein injections.
  • We have high quality compression garments / stockings in stock.

Acupuncture:  Please see more complete listing at our acupuncture website.

  • Allergies
  • Back Pain
  • Smoking Cessation
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Constipation
  • Depression
  • Eczema
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches / Migraines
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Infertility
  • Menopause Symptoms (hot flashes)
  • TMJ
  • Weight loss acupuncture

General Surgery besides veins:

  • Breast Cancer
  • Hernias (Hernia FAQ webpage by Dr. Lee)
  • Gallbladder diseases

Aesthetician Services:

  • Anti-allergy Facials
  • Anti-aging Facials
  • Express Facials
  • Microdermabrasion
  • Skin care consultations.  These consultations also available with Dr. Wu.
  • Skin care products:  Obagi and NIA 24 / medical grade sun screens and sun blocks.  Arnica is also available.
  • Waxing

Plastic Surgery Services by Dr. Tammy Wu:  Please see more complete listing http://www.surgerytoday.com

  • Breast Augmentation - implants, lift
  • Breast Reduction
  • Brow Lift
  • Chemical peels
  • Face Lift
  • Gynecomastia (male breast reduction)
  • Labiaplasty
  • Liposuction
  • Mole removals
  • Mommy Makeovers
  • Post Bariatric procedures / Post Gastric Bypass procedures
  • Tummy Tuck

 

 

 

Veins Modesto, CA.  Varicose Veins.  Spider Veins.
Dr. Calvin Lee
Board Certified
General Surgeon in Modesto, CA specializing in Veins, and laser treatments.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2336 Sylvan Ave. Suite C
Modesto, CA 95355.

telephone: 209-551-1888, call for your vein consultation


email: staff [at] surgerytoday.com

Modesto Vein Treatment Center, Varicose Veins, Spider Veins
Modesto Vein Clinic
Directed by Dr. Tammy Wu, Modesto Plastic Surgeon & Dr. Calvin Lee, Modesto General Surgeon & Acupuncturist

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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