VascuLight

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Unsightly leg veins can be a problem for millions of men and women, the world over. This problem affects a wide range of age groups, skin types and lifestyles. It is estimated that in many areas over 60% of the adult population suffers from varicose veins and spider veins. Varicose veins are enlarged vessels that have widened as a result of weakness in the vein wall, which stretches and bulges. Spider veins are the small superficial purple or red veins stretching like a web under the skin.

Imagine beautiful legs free of unsightly veins

Until now, treating varicose and spider veins was a lengthy and painful process with needles or other invasive treatments. Now, using the new combined technologies of the VascuLight™ system, unsightly leg veins of all types can be treated - simply, non-invasively, and successfully. Varicose veins, usually deeper blue veins, need different treatment from discolored clusters (known as "spider veins") that are near the skin surface. For this reason, the VascuLight system is equipped with two different light technologies. Your doctor may use either one or both, depending on your veins.

What types of leg veins can be treated?

Fortunately, there is now an effective non-invasive treatment for most cases.

What technology is used for deeper blue veins?

The laser component of the VascuLight system is used to treat larger, deeper veins (i.e. reticular veins). These veins respond to the precise energy level and wavelength of light that is used. A small spot of laser light travels through the skin and is absorbed by the blood within the vein, on the basis of its color. The resulting heat coagulates or clots the blood and destroys the function of the vein. This process does not affect any of the surrounding tissue. Over time, the vein will be absorbed by the body and will disappear from sight.

Are surface veins and spider veins treated the same way?

These smaller, superficial structures require a different technology for successful treatment, not technically a laser at all. Smaller surface veins are treated using light energy. The light energy is absorbed by the blood, changed to heat, and the vein is destroyed. This Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology is exclusive to the VascuLight system. With both technologies, your doctor has the ability to use exactly what is needed for the best result.

How many treatments will I need?

Many leg veins need multiple treatments, often over a few months before the effect is complete. Even small vessles often require time to resolve. Sometimes a bit of "matting" or "staining" surrounds the treated vessel. By using both technologies in the VascuLight system, your doctor can treat the vein and this minor temporary discoloration and offer a complete, excellent outcome.

What is a treatment like? Is it painful?

A pulse of laser or Intense Pulsed Light energy may feel like a pinch similar to a snapped rubber band. Chilled gel on the skin and other techniques prevent discomfort. The entire procedure is brief and non-invasive — no needles are used at any time.

IPL Leg Vein Therapy

Today's new pulsed light sources provide safe and effective, non-surgical treatment options for the removal of spider veins. Our advanced IPL treatments allow us to deliver a precise dosage of energy to each vein, with minimal risk to the skin. During your treatment, light energy is delivered through a special handpiece with filters to the targeted vein, in a series of short and/or long pulses. The light energy is absorbed by the blood vessels. This heat absorption causes a thermocoagulation (clogging) of the blood vessel, and a gradual absorption by the body.

Will IPL therapy work on my veins?

Prior to treatment we will review your medical history to determine how long you have had a problem with your veins and the severity of the problem. We need to determine your skin type and if there has been any prior surgery or treatment on your veins. We will test to determine if there is any underlying venous abnormality. If there appears to be an underlying abnormality, further testing may be advised prior to your light therapy.

What are IPL treatments like?

First we identify the veins to be treated. The larger veins are usually treated first. Using a delicate hand-piece fitted with special filters, we apply intense pulsed light energy to the vein. Light therapy targets the blood pigments, causing the blood within the vein to coagulate and close down the vein. Most light therapy patients report little if any discomfort. Some experience a transient, mild burning sensation when we pulse the light source.

How many treatments will I need?

Significant improvement is realized in most cases with one or two treatments. The potential for maximum long-term resolution increases after an additional one or two treatments. However, new veins may occur and additional treatments are generally required for optimum results. These treatments may be in three to four week intervals.

Are there other vein treatments available?

Yes. IPL may be combined with Injection Sclerotherapy. During sclerotherapy a sclerosing solution is injected into the vein through a micro-needle. The tiny needles generally cause very little pain. The sclerosing solution causes the vein to blanch (turn white), then gradually disappear. A typical treatment may last for 15 to 20 minutes and consist of multiple injections.

What is recovery like?

You may be asked to wear special support hose to help keep pressure on the veins. This will help keep the veins closed. Bruises around the treated areas usually disappear after the first week. Blistering and scabbing are unusual. A tan or brownish pigment may persist for a few weeks when larger veins are involved. While each vein may require several pulses, most disappear in two to six weeks. Keys to success with light leg vein therapy include the short-term use of compression stockings, and the avoidance of hot baths and strenuous exercise.
Patients are generally encouraged to resume most normal activities immediately. We do ask that you refrain from vigorous activities for the first 24 hours. Although your final results may not be apparent for several months, most of our patients enjoy the comfort and the look of their legs without unsightly red and blue lines.