Kathylee Santangelo, MD

Hi, sp720,

Unfortunately, with all vein ablation treatments there is some chance of re-canalization of the vein. Our office was one of the first practices in the US to use Varithena and have been using it for several years now. For most of our patients with severe venous reflux, two treatments with Varithena are required; however, after the two treatments, the majority of our patients doe not experience re-canalization. Venaseal is more invasive than Varithena, and the glue is left permanently in your body. While complications are rare, the risk is higher due to the placement of a foreign body into your vein. In my medical opinion, Varithena is a less risky and invasive procedure than Venaseal. Nonetheless, EVLT endovenous laser ablations and radiofrequency ablations of refluxing veins do have a lower re-canalization rate than both Venaseal or Varithena. 

I hope this helps!

Best,

Dr. KathyLee Santangelo

Hi, dev86574,

Based on the description of your scar being both black and likely indented into your skin, a recommend a dual laser treatment of ResurFX and IPL. This dual treatment is called a PhotoFractional. In one treatment, both the discoloration and skin inconsistency will be addressed. The treatment is noninvasive but does require the application of a topical numbing cream to make it more comfortable for you. It is a quick treatment that will take about 30 minutes once the numbing cream has taken effect. While you will likely see some improvement after the initial treatment, I recommend 3-6 treatments to achieve maximum results depending on level of discoloration and depth of scar.

Thank you and best of luck,

Dr. KathyLee Santangelo

Hi, cclarke1,

I have had much success treating facial telangiectasias with VeinWave, a noninvasive radiofrequency pen-like insulated needle treatment. Tiny vessels will be destroyed and disappear quickly. Most procedures take between 10 and 15 minutes to perform, and no bandages are required following the procedure. Because the VeinWave procedure uses a very, fine needle, most patients experience some discomfort during the procedure, which is described as a brief pin-prick, or even a rubber-band zing; however, the discomfort is minimal and tolerable. I have yet to see any laser or other treatments that provide such quick and complete results as the VeinWave in treating facial telangiectasias. As far as blue veins go, there may be some disappearance with VeinWave, but sclerotherapy injections will likely be more effective for those particular veins. I recommend consulting with a local specialist to outline a treatment plan that will allow you to achieve your desired results.

Best wishes,

KathyLee Santangelo, MD

The appearance of spider veins after a vein ablation is not uncommon and depends on the vascular structure of each patient. For some patients, spider veins may disappear after an ablation, or RVLT, due to the closing down of the spider veins "source". For other patients, new spider veins may appear due to neovascularization, or the appearance of new spider veins caused by the trauma and inflammation as a result of a vein ablation. With time some of these new spider veins may disappear; however, it will be more likely that the spider veins will need treatment with injection sclerotherapy. These new spider veins tend to be highly responsive to sclerotherapy and disappear with 1-2 sessions.

Hi, Phmnin,

I would recommend treatment with VeinWave. VeinWave is a revolutionary technique used to eliminate spider veins on the face. Using the principle of radio frequency energy, a very fine, insulated needle is used to administer the treatment subepidermally but without piercing the vessel itself. Tiny vessels will be destroyed and disappear quickly. Most procedures take between 10 and 15 minutes to perform, and no bandages are required following the procedure. VeinWave provides a walk in walk out procedure, with minimal risk of bruising, scarring, or pigmentation changes.

The results I have personally seen with Vein Wave are astounding, and I recommend this treatment to all patients desiring to eliminate small veins around the nose.

I hope this helps!

Best wishes,