24, 4, 2024

What should I expect with Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy?

2024-03-26T16:31:48-07:00

Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy: Elevating Vein Health

When addressing both visible varicose veins and those unseen by the naked eye, the efficacy of ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy becomes evident. This advanced procedure combines precise administration with ultrasound visualization, providing a safe and effective solution for various vein conditions. In this piece, we’ll explore the intricacies of ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, the role of polidocanol (Asclera®), treatment frequency, and what to expect during your treatment sessions.

Unveiling Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy: A State-of-the-Art Solution

Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy utilizes technology and medical expertise to target varicose veins that may not be immediately visible. Guided by ultrasound, the foam medication is precisely directed towards these veins. This technique effectively addresses veins near the skin or nerves and navigates complexly twisted veins.

Polidocanol (Asclera®): A Preferred Sclerosant

Polidocanol, known under the brand name Asclera®, stands out as a preferred choice among sclerosant medications. Its patient comfort and minimal risk of side effects make it a prime option for treatment. As a detergent-type medication, polidocanol gently disrupts the inner lining of veins, halting blood flow and eventually leading to vein closure. Approved by the FDA since 2010 for varicose vein treatment, polidocanol has a substantial success record in Europe for decades. Although the transformation of polidocanol into foam for treating larger veins is an off-label use, it has proven remarkably effective and well-tolerated by patients. Our experts at La Jolla Vein Care have extensive experience in foam sclerotherapy, ensuring capable hands for your vein health.

Treatment Frequency: A Tailored Approach

The number and frequency of treatments vary depending on individual anatomy, vein response, and patient goals. Typically, 2 to 5 treatment sessions achieve an 80% improvement. Some larger or stubborn veins may require multiple sessions for a complete response.

Your Treatment Days: Guided Steps Toward Vein Wellness

Preparing for your ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy session is simple:

Consent and Attire: You’ll sign a consent form and change into provided shorts.

Skin Preparation: Alcohol will cleanse your skin, and ultrasound will locate the veins for targeted treatment.

Injection Process: The foam medication will be injected into your veins using a fine needle, guided by ultrasound.

Recovery Period: Elevate your legs on a comfortable wedge pillow for about 15 minutes post-treatment.

Compression Stockings and Walking: After treatment, compression stockings will be applied, and you’ll walk for 30 minutes before leaving. Post-treatment, some achiness and tenderness may occur.

Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy propels improved vein health by offering precision and effectiveness. At La Jolla Vein & Vascular, our committed medical team provides personalized care for your vein health journey. By embracing advanced techniques like ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, you’re setting course for healthier, pain-free legs and elevated well-being.

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Amanda Steinberger, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link, and our website https://ljvascular.com

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency,

Please follow our social media Instagram Profile for more fun videos and educational information. 

For more blogs and educational content, please check out our clinic’s blog posts


What should I expect with Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy?2024-03-26T16:31:48-07:00

30, 11, 2023

Erase Spider Veins and Boost Confidence with Cosmetic Sclerotherapy

2023-10-10T18:16:33-07:00

Erase Spider Veins and Boost Confidence with Cosmetic Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy, a highly recommended and effective treatment for spider veins and reticular veins of the legs, has helped countless individuals regain the beauty and confidence of smooth, vein-free legs. In this blog post, we’ll embark on an informative journey into the world of sclerotherapy. We’ll explore its numerous benefits over alternative treatments, walk you through what to expect during your treatment days, and guide you on the path to achieving the stunning results you desire. Whether you’re contemplating this procedure or simply looking to broaden your knowledge, read on to uncover how sclerotherapy can bid farewell to unsightly spider veins and usher in a new era of leg aesthetics.

Demystifying Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a tried-and-true technique for addressing spider veins. It entails the direct injection of a medication into the affected vein, causing it to collapse and gradually vanish. While sclerotherapy has a long history of effectiveness, newer solutions like Asclera™ have enhanced the process, making it far more comfortable and allowing patients to return to their daily routines without delay.

The Benefits of Sclerotherapy:

  • Minimal Discomfort: The traditional saline solution of yesteryears has been replaced by newer, more patient-friendly alternatives like Asclera™. This advancement has made sclerotherapy considerably less painful and more tolerable.
  • Targeting Feeder Veins: Most vein specialists prefer sclerotherapy over laser treatments due to its ability to effectively address underlying ‘feeder veins,’ a vital aspect often overlooked by laser therapy.
  • Multiple Sessions for Optimal Results: Achieving optimal results typically requires more than one treatment session. The national average ranges from 2 to 5 sessions, with these sessions usually spaced a month apart. Your healthcare provider will create a customized plan tailored to your unique needs and goals.
  • Post-Treatment Compression: Wearing compression stockings after treatment is essential for enhancing results. They play a crucial role in ensuring the treated veins gradually fade away, leaving you with the beautifully vein-free legs you desire.

Foam Sclerotherapy for Larger Veins

In cases involving larger veins, such as varicose veins, vein specialists may employ a specialized form of sclerotherapy known as foam sclerotherapy. Here’s how it differs:

Foamed Solution: Unlike liquid solutions, foam sclerotherapy involves a foamed solution that is expertly injected directly into the vein using a fine needle.

Ultrasound Monitoring: The procedure benefits from ultrasound monitoring, which allows the precise and painless delivery of the foamed solution into adjacent varicose veins. This effectively seals these veins, with the body subsequently breaking down and absorbing them over time.

What to Expect on Your Treatment Days

Your treatment days are designed to be simple and straightforward:

  • Consent and Attire: The process begins with signing a consent form and changing into the provided shorts to allow easy access to the treated areas.
  • Skin Preparation: Your skin is meticulously cleaned with alcohol to establish a sterile environment for the procedure.
  • Injection Procedure: The sclerosant medication is injected into your veins using a fine needle.
  • Compression Stockings: Following the treatment, you’ll receive assistance in donning compression stockings.
  • Post-Treatment Walk: To promote circulation and maximize the effectiveness of the treatment, you’ll be encouraged to take a 30-minute walk before heading home. It’s completely normal to experience mild achiness and tenderness in your legs after treatment, but rest assured, these symptoms are typically short-lived.

Sclerotherapy, whether for spider veins or larger varicose veins, is a trusted and effective method for vein treatment. Its minimal discomfort, emphasis on targeting feeder veins, and prioritization of patient comfort make it the preferred choice among vein specialists. So, if you’re contemplating sclerotherapy or have already made the decision to pursue this procedure, you’re well on your way to embracing the beauty of vein-free legs.

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Amanda Steinberger, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link, and our website https://ljvascular.com

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency,

Please follow our social media Instagram Profile and Tik Tok Profile for more fun videos and educational information. 

For more blogs and educational content, please check out our clinic’s blog posts



Erase Spider Veins and Boost Confidence with Cosmetic Sclerotherapy2023-10-10T18:16:33-07:00

7, 7, 2022

Spider Veins: Before & After Transformation

2022-06-25T16:03:26-07:00

What are spider veins?

Spider veins are the fine, thread-like reddish veins at the surface of the skin. These veins are not healthy. Veins are often considered a cosmetic issue, but they can be associated with underlying feeder veins, not visible to the naked eye.  Feeder veins are the ‘blue veins’ also known as ‘reticular veins,’ that give rise to spider veins. Spider veins may also be a sign of underlying venous insufficiency. For example, spider veins located in the inner ankles and inner thighs can indicate an underlying problem with the saphenous vein. As a result, an ultrasound examination may be recommended to identify and effectively treat the underlying source of these veins.

What are the symptoms?

Vein conditions affect people differently. For some, these veins can be a painless cosmetic concern, and for others they may cause symptoms. The most common symptoms of spider veins are burning, throbbing, and localized pain. They can also feel hot and itchy and bleed.

What causes them?

Spider veins in the legs are caused by the same condition that causes varicose veins. Leaky vein valves allow blood to pool within the veins causing them to stretch and become enlarged. These veins on other areas of the body, such as the face, and chest can be caused by sun damage, hormone changes or liver disease. Hormones, such as with pregnancy, birth control or hormone replacement therapy can weaken the vein wall.

Below you can see the transformation of 3 of our patients who received vein treatment.

spider veinsspider veinsspider veins

If you experience any vein disease symptoms, please call our office at (858)-434-5998 to schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable doctors at La Jolla Vein and Vascular.

For more information on vein health please check out our Youtube Channel or visit our helpful guide of resources. 

Spider Veins: Before & After Transformation2022-06-25T16:03:26-07:00

4, 4, 2014

Non-surgical Varicose Vein Removal

2021-11-04T13:10:44-07:00

Fortunately, Vein stripping surgery is a thing of the past. Modern varicose vein treatments are minimally-invasive with little pain or downtime.  There are different non-surgical treatment options offered at La Jolla Vein Care. The advantages of modern non-surgical treatments are that return to normal activities is almost immediate, there is little pain or bruising and there are no scars! The different non-surgical treatments that are used to eliminate varicose veins at La Jolla Vein Care include:

Before and After Varicose Vein Treatment

This young La Jolla Vein Care patient’s varicose veins were a result of an incompetent great saphenous vein. As a result, her treatment included radiofrequency closure of the great saphenous vein with foam sclerotherapy used to treat the surface bulging varicose veins.

Before and After Varicose Vein Treatment

This is another before and after picture of the same patient whose bulging varicose veins were removed without surgery at La Jolla Vein Care, utilizing radiofrequency and foam sclerotherapy treatments.

1) foam sclerotherapy, which uses an injection of a solution to collapse the vein, 2) radiofrequency ablation, which uses radiofrequency energy to heat and collapse the vein, 3) clarified or mechanochemical ablation which utilizes a small wire that spins while delivering a liquid solution to the vein and 4) microphlebectomy, which uses tiny incisions to remove the veins. More information can be found about each treatment type on our website.  The best treatment type depends on the size and locations of the veins affected and the patient preference.   Many times, a combination of treatments will be recommended.

 

Non-surgical Varicose Vein Removal2021-11-04T13:10:44-07:00
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