Coeur d'Alene Doctors

Best Laser Treatment for Venous Malformation Inside/deeper Upper Lip?

Venous malformations can be treated very well with a 1064 Nd:YAG laser. The settings are dependent on the size and color of the lesion, so some laser experience with venous disorders would be helpful. More than one treatment may also be needed to completely remove the lesion safely.

Kevin M. Johnson, MD

Coeur d'Alene General Surgeon

How Long Before I See Asclera Results?

I had asclera a week ago on my right thigh and the ONE spider vein I wanted dissolved is Still there and now I have a bunch of red puncture marks and a hard mass the size of a English muffin in the area. Are the puncture marks going to go away? Will the mass go away? And will the One main vein eventually fade? I'm worried I had someone who didn't know what they were doing. :-(

Spider veins are not "dissolved" with sclerotherapy. The sclerosant injected causes the vessel lining to become irritated and disrupted resulting in a clottted vessel. The vessel and clot then need to be broken down by natural healing processes that may take several weeks to even a few months. If you have a mass or redness after any procedure it is best to follow up with your provider for a quick evaluation to make sure there is not a problem.

Kevin M. Johnson, MD

Coeur d'Alene General Surgeon

EVLT Type Procedures Worth It for Varicose Veins?

I am a 45 yr old female and have had varicose veins since age 28. I have been unable to wear shorts or skirts or a bathing suit in public for the last 10 years due to how thick and visible my varicose veins are. I've always worn compression hose. Due to aching, my primary dr. referred me to a vascular surgeon. Ultrasound was "normal" he said. He said continue the stockings nothing else. He said EVLT or like procedures are a waste of money. How can that be??

If some time has passed since your last evaluation, I would consider getting another duplex ultrasound evaluating the deep and superficial venous systems for venous reflux. Occasionally, reflux is not apparent or difficult to see on certain days. It sounds like you have symptomatic venous disease. If reflux is NOT found again then  superficial foam sclerotherapy or microphlebectomy can also be good options for localized disease and pain relief.

Kevin M. Johnson, MD

Coeur d'Alene General Surgeon