Veins
YAG Laser
Fighting vascular conditions with modern laser technology
What is YAG Laser?
YAG Laser is a non-ablative laser that primarily targets unwanted blood vessels and capillaries. YAG lasers emit near-infrared light and can perform in two different settings: pulsed or continuous. Our system, the Lumenis Long Pulsed nd: YAG Laser, delivers long pulses that selectively target the deeper layers of the dermis, and heat these tissues and underlying vascular networks without interfering with the surface of the skin (hence, being “non-ablative”). Targeting unwanted vasculatures with this treatment provides beautiful cosmetic results. These areas can have a wide array of effects on the vasculatures, which make for great cosmetic treatments.
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One common use for the YAG laser is for the treatment of spider veins. The surfacing of these dilated veins can be seen under the skin as bluish hue and can be cosmetically bothersome.
The YAG laser can penetrate through the deeper layers of the skin and into the unwanted veins. The heat produced by the laser causes coagulation of the blood inside these vessels, therefore triggering the body’s natural cleanup process to occur. These unwanted vessels are then removed and results can be seen within several days to weeks. Several treatments may be needed depending on multiple factors such as hormones, genetics, age, lifestyle, or severity of the veins, but results should be noticeable after a single treatment in most cases.
YAG laser treatment of existing unwanted veins is a powerful way to restore the youthful appearance of the affected skin areas.
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YAG laser can also be used to cosmetically treat rosacea and/or facial flushing. In these conditions, superficial blood vessels become more visible under the skin resulting in a red, flushed appearance of the affected area. Similar to YAG laser vein treatment, the YAG laser targets these blood vessels, providing heat and causing them to collapse. As the body begins to heal these areas, the blood vessels degrade and are removed, alleviating the flushed appearance. This helps to restore the skin’s normal pigmentation with less redness and flushing. Multiple treatments may be needed depending on multiple factors such as hormones, genetics, age, and severity of the rosacea.
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YAG lasers can also be used to treat red or blue birthmarks. Various types of birthmarks are categorized as vascular birthmarks, which tend to appear red or blue in their coloration. Vascular birthmarks are due to abnormalities in vascular arrangements just beneath the skin – quite different from pigmented birthmarks, which tend to appear in shades of brown due to significant build-up of melanin (pigmentation molecules produced by the skin). The vascular birthmarks are treatable by the nd: YAG laser since it can penetrate the deeper skin layers where these vessels exist. As discussed in previous sections of this page, the laser’s ability to heat and destroy these surface blood vessels allows it to treat these red and blue vascular birthmarks in the same way.
YAG FAQ’S:
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Once the unwanted blood vessels are effectively treated and cleaned up by our natural protective system, those vessels are permanently removed. Blood vessels can reappear elsewhere or in the same locations depending on multiple factors such as hormones, genetics, age, and lifestyle (ie. smoking, alcohol, etc.) and may require maintenance treatments.
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To start, you and Dr. Brandish will develop an individualized treatment plan to determine if the YAG laser is the best tool for the desired result.
At the session, the patient will rest with eyes protected from the laser, skin prepped and cleaned for treatment. The laser handpiece will be placed against the desired area of treatment and laser pulses will be initiated as needed. The sensation tends to be mild to moderate discomfort, but the potential use of topical anesthetics and the YAG laser’s cooling tip can help cool these areas to make treatment much more comfortable.
Sun exposure should be limited for several days after treatment and skin should be protected with sunscreen to maintain laser results.
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Side effects with the YAG laser may vary slightly depending on what treatment it’s being used for, but generally, side effects include:
– Mild to moderate discomfort with laser pulsed during treatment
– Redness and swelling may occur after treatment
– More rarely: changes in skin pigmentation, bruising, blistering and risk of infection
These side effects are generally mild and dissipate within a few hours to days following treatment.
Sclerotherapy
Injections for spider and varicose vein removal
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy treatment involves the injection of special solutions called sclerosants into unwanted vessels such as varicose and reticular veins. The sclerosant causes the vessels to shrink and be removed by the body’s cleansing system.
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Sclerosants are solutions that act as irritants to blood or lymphatic vessels. This solution can be injected into unwanted vessels, irritating the vessel lining. Ultimately, the vessels are then effectively signaled for removal by the immune system. There are different types of sclerosants, all with unique properties but with similar effects on the vessels. Dr. Brandish uses a specific sclerosant that is almost painless with injections.
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By using sclerosants to induce vascular shrinking, sclerotherapy can be a great way to treat the presence of unwanted spider or varicose veins. As blood vessel walls and valves weaken, they tend to dilate and blood begins to pool within them. These unwanted veins tend to bulge and become more visible beneath the skin which can create undesirable cosmetic appearances. With sclerotherapy, the sclerosant solutions can help the affected veins and vessels constrict and shrink, which helps to reduce their appearance and bulge in the skin. This will achieve a more smooth and even appeared in the skin, and it may even help alleviate symptoms that are common with varicose veins, such as aching discomfort, soreness, etc.
Sclerotherapy FAQ’S:
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Sclerotherapy Is a very effective treatment for varicose veins but longevity can vary depending on multiple factors. Some conditions that predispose to varices include genetics, hormones, trauma, and lifestyle habits such as smoking, etc., and will therefore have a great effect on longevity.
Importantly, once the veins begin to respond to the sclerosant solutions, results generally last for years. It is important to know that sclerotherapy does not prevent new veins from forming and therefore maintenance treatments may be necessary.
Multiple treatments may be required over a series of weeks to months for optimal results. Sclerotherapy offers a powerful solution for different cosmetic vein conditions that lasts a long time.
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To start, you and Dr. Brandish will develop an individualized treatment plan to determine if Sclerotherapy is the best tool for the desired result. She is an expert injector with years of experience using sclerotherapy injections to treat varicose veins.
Once sclerotherapy is identified as the right treatment, Dr. Brandish will cleanse and prep the skin for injection. To minimize any discomfort, a small needle is used to inject the sclerosant agent into visualized unwanted veins. Devices such as a vein light and /or Accuvein light may be used to directly visualize these vessels in the tissue for safe, precise, and effective treatment results. That being said, most often the veins being treated are usually quite visible without assistive measures.
After the treatment, it is recommended to wear a high-pressure supportive hose for 1-2 weeks post-treatment for more effective results.
Results of sclerotherapy with smaller veins may be noticeable within a few days to weeks. More significant varices may require more time elapsed before results begin to show.
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The most common side effects of sclerotherapy are swelling, bruising, pain, redness, and mild firmness around the treatment areas. Side effects are usually mild and resolve within a few days.
The advanced precautions are taken at Brandish Clinic help make optimal treatments much easier with minimal downtime.
As with any medical procedure, it’s important to understand that recovery times may vary patient-to-patient, and this is also the reality with cosmetic procedures like sclerotherapy injections.
More information about side effects can be found on the Mayo Clinic’s website.