varicosities

Treatment of varicosities

The medical term is telangiectasias, and means small, dilated blood vessels under the skin, of up to 1mm in diameter, visible to the naked eye.
Varicosities can be arborescent, sinuous, dot, spider, fan or star shaped. Their colour varies depending on their diameter and depth, and can be red (fine and superficial) or blue.

They are most frequently found on the lower members (outside of thighs, interior of knees, the popliteal fossa, the ankle) but telangiectasias can also be found on the face, lower back and nape of the neck.

These dilated veins may appear during pregnancy, a sudden weight gain or exposure to UV rays. They may arise following varicose vein surgery or after a powerful sclerosis deviating blood flow to the healthy network around the sclerosed vein – a phenomenon called “matting”.

Although there is no established link between the presence of varicosities and pain and heaviness in the legs, some patients experience relief after the treatment.
Varicosities can be considered unsightly by male or female patients and are a frequent reason for consultation in aesthetic medicine and phlebology.

For isolated telangiectasias not supplied by feeder veins, there are several types of non-invasive treatment that can be carried out in an aesthetic medicine practice or by a vein specialist :

• Sclerotherapy
• Laser
• External radiofrequency

Concerning telangiectasias supplied by feeder veins (discovery of an underlying venous insufficiency) these are treated first of all by support hose, and once the venous insufficiency has been addressed, the treatment of the varicosity can begin.

A full and detailed examination of the vein system is compulsory prior to all treatments.
Thanks to her dual qualifications in phlebology and aesthetic medicine, this vein examination can be carried out by the doctor at the first consultation.

Before treating varicosities

A full clinical examination of the vein system is required by a vascular specialist, phlebologist or angiologist completed by a Venous Doppler Ultrasound to detect any refluxes which could be responsible for the presence of the varicosities.
This examination is non-invasive and pain-free and is used to :

• highlight refluxes from dilated veins invisible to the naked eye which supply these telangiectasias,
• establish the mapping of the vein network.

Treatment of varicosities by YAG Laser

Laser is being increasingly used in the medical field, in particular in aesthetic medicine and phlebology. Vascular laser is a safe, approved medical treatment for removing varicosities.

Recommendations before the Yag Laser session

• The skin should not be tanned.
• Do not apply anything to the areas t be treated; no creams or make-up.
• Avoid medication that causes sensitivity to light or the sun, self-tanning lotions, and products containing beta carotene.

How a vascular laser session takes place

• In a doctor’s surgery without the need for prior anaesthetics.
• Using a hand piece in combination with a cooling system, an impact is delivered to the varicosities. The method causes minimum discomfort.
• The session lasts from 20 to 30 minutes.
• Depending on the importance of the area to be treated, several sessions may be required, at 6 week intervals.
• After the session, redness, swelling, occasionally followed by transient scabbing may appear and disappear without leaving scars.

Recommendations after the treatment of varicosities by laser

Avoid exposure to the sun or UV rays and you are strongly advised to protect the treated area with sunscreen with an index higher than 50+ for 1 month. The skin should be carefully moisturised each day.

Side effects of the laser treatment

• Hyperpigmentation, often fleeting
• Hypo pigmentation
• Burning
• Scarring