Vein Treatments in San Diego
Aging makes many people stop wearing their favorite shorts, skirts, and even swimsuits due to the formation of unsightly leg veins. If unwanted leg veins are affecting your self-esteem and confidence to wear clothes that reveal your legs or causing leg pain, we have treatments that can be customized just for you.
Restore confidence in your appearance
A customized vein treatment plan can:
Improve the appearance of visible facial and leg veins
Reduce discomfort and heaviness in affected areas
Enhance circulation and vascular health
Create smoother, clearer skin
Experience Advanced Vein Treatments
At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, our vein treatments are led by Dr. Mitchel P. Goldman,MD, FAAD, a world authority on vein treatments who has published multiple medical textbooks on the subject and lectured world-wide on advanced vein removal techniques. Our comprehensive approach includes:
Sclerotherapy
The gold standard treatment for spider and varicose veins, using a sclerosing agent injected directly into the vein causing it to collapse and gradually fade. Our experts are so skilled that 90% of our patients need only one treatment compared to the national average of 3-6 treatments.
Phlebectomy
A minimally invasive surgical technique for removing larger varicose veins through tiny incisions under local anesthesia with virtually no downtime—that’s why it’s called “ambulatory phlebectomy.”
Laser Vein Treatment
Advanced laser technology that delivers precisely targeted energy to tiny unwanted veins, causing them to close and be absorbed by the body. This procedure is usually performed AFTER sclerotherapy which removes almost all of the unwanted veins.
This vein treatment is ideal for spider and varicose veins on virtually any part of the leg, hands, and chest. During a sclerotherapy treatment, a hardening solution (FDA-approved Asclera™ or Sotradecol™ or a glycerin solution) is injected directly into the vein, causing it to dissolve. The vessel turns into hardened scar tissue over a few weeks and then slowly fades. With the unparalleled expertise of our doctors, we can determine exactly where to use the sclerosing solution and what concentration to use for optimal results.
Ideal for varicose veins larger than the width of a finger, this minimally invasive procedure involves making tiny incisions to physically remove problematic veins under local anesthesia. After treatment, patients can walk right out of the office with minimal disruption to daily activities. Our physicians have extensive experience in tumescent liposculpture and phlebectomy procedures to ensure smooth, natural-looking results.
A specialized form of sclerotherapy that uses a foam-based sclerosing agent particularly effective for treating larger varicose and reticular veins. The foam displaces blood within the vein, allowing the sclerosing agent to make direct contact with the vein walls for enhanced effectiveness.
This endovenous laser ablation treatment uses laser energy guided by ultrasound to close problematic veins from within. The procedure is minimally invasive and provides excellent results with minimal recovery time, making it an effective alternative for treating larger varicose veins. This procedure was developed by our doctors and has replaced the need for ligation and stripping procedures.
A unique non-invasive vein closure system that uses medical adhesive to close affected veins. Cosmetic Laser Dermatology was one of the practices that participated in the clinical trials which brought FDA approval to this innovative treatment. Unlike other vein treatments, VenaSeal often doesn’t require post-procedure compression garments, allowing for a more comfortable recovery.
Vein Treatment FAQs
Varicose and spider veins develop due to multiple factors including age, genetics, hormonal changes, chronic sun exposure, obesity, previous surgery, and occupations requiring long periods of standing. They form when valves in the veins become weak or damaged, allowing blood to flow backward and pool in the veins, causing them to enlarge and become visible beneath the skin.
During your consultation, our expert dermatologists will evaluate your veins, medical history, and aesthetic goals to recommend the most appropriate treatment. Generally, sclerotherapy is ideal for small to medium spider veins, while phlebectomy is better for larger varicose veins. VenaSeal or CTEV may be recommended for certain types of varicose veins. Laser treatments are often preferred for facial veins. Many patients benefit from a combination approach customized to their specific needs.
Most vein treatments involve minimal discomfort. Sclerotherapy uses very fine needles and may cause a brief burning sensation. Phlebectomy is performed under local anesthesia, ensuring comfort throughout the procedure. Laser treatments may cause a sensation similar to a rubber band snap against the skin. Our advanced technologies and techniques focus on maximizing your comfort during all treatments.
Once treated, the specific veins addressed will not return. However, new veins may develop over time due to the same underlying factors that caused the original veins. With proper maintenance and lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, weight management, and wearing compression stockings when recommended, most patients enjoy long-lasting improvements. Follow-up treatments may be needed to maintain optimal results.
Side effects are typically mild and temporary. After sclerotherapy, you may experience mild redness, itching, and bruising that resolves within a week. Phlebectomy may cause temporary bruising and swelling. Laser treatments can cause temporary redness and bruising. More serious complications are extremely rare, especially in the hands of our experienced board-certified dermatologists.
Yes, vein treatments can be effectively combined with other cosmetic procedures to enhance your overall results. For instance, sclerotherapy for leg veins might be performed alongside facial laser treatments or injectables to address multiple concerns. Our dermatologists will create a comprehensive treatment plan that safely and effectively combines procedures based on your goals and timeline.
Recovery time is minimal for most vein treatments. After sclerotherapy, patients can resume normal activities immediately, though we recommend walking regularly and wearing graduated compression stockings for optimal results. Phlebectomy patients can walk out of the office immediately after treatment with minimal restrictions. VenaSeal patients often don’t need to wear compression stockings at all. Most patients can return to work and regular activities within 24-48 hours after any of our vein treatments.
Our vein treatments are safe and effective for all skin types. Our experienced dermatologists will adjust the treatment parameters based on your specific skin tone and condition to ensure optimal results with minimal risk. During your consultation, we’ll discuss the most appropriate treatments for your unique skin characteristics and vein concerns.
The number of treatments varies depending on the type and extent of your veins. While many of our sclerotherapy patients need only one treatment (compared to the national average of 3-6 treatments), more extensive cases may require additional sessions. Phlebectomy often achieves significant results in a single procedure. Laser treatments typically require 1-3 sessions for optimal results. We’ll create a customized treatment plan during your consultation.
Prior to your treatment, you should avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements (if medically appropriate) for about a week to minimize bruising. For leg vein treatments, avoid shaving or applying lotion to the area 24 hours before your appointment. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your appointment. Our team will provide specific pre-treatment instructions based on your selected procedure to ensure optimal results and comfort.
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