Don’t Let Leg Veins Get You Down

For many, unsightly leg veins are a real problem

For many, unsightly leg veins are a real problem, and winter is the perfect season to begin treatment to get rid of those unattractive and sometimes painful leg veins. Mallory Spoor-Baker, D.O., of Advanced Cosmetic Medicine suggests calling her now to schedule your free consultation for leg vein therapy.

Generally, the best time of year to receive leg vein treatments is during the colder months. There are a couple of reasons for this. First of all, you may experience a slight reddening or local swelling of the skin after a treatment, and in rare cases, some blistering. Most people prefer to keep their legs covered until treatments are completed; therefore cooler seasons, when individuals are already covered from head to toe, are a very good time to go in for leg vein therapy. In addition, Dr. Spoor-Baker instructs her patients to wear compression hosiery that helps speed up the process and makes treatment work better. The compression hose is not made like regular sheer pantyhose, but is thicker.

Spider veins, also known as broken capillaries, are thin and appear in a cluster of red, blue or purple veins; they resemble spider legs, hence the name. Varicose veins are thicker and deeper. Both leg vein problems are a result of abnormal flow of blood through the veins.

Basically, any condition that puts excessive pressure on an individual’s legs – pregnancy, standing for long periods of time, and obesity, to name a few – can result in varicosity. Genetics and age are also contributing factors. Due to hormones, spider and varicose veins are more prevalent in women than in men. “Heredity and occupation, as well as overall health status, have a lot to do with whether people develop these conditions,” says Dr. Spoor-Baker.

Although spider veins and varicose veins can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful, the main reason most people decide to have them treated is cosmetic – they are simply unpleasant to look at.

Two methods are available to eliminate unsightly leg veins. “The first method is an injection therapy – a slerotherapy procedure in which chemicals are injected into the vessel,” explains Dr. Spoor-Baker. “The second method is the GentleLASE Plus method – a light device, similar to a laser, uses the energy of light to damage the vessels, causing them to shut down.” The GentleLASE Plus treatment is used by placing a hand-held treatment unit on the skin. The treatment feels like a pinch, so anesthesia or pain medication is not needed. Treatment sessions last approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

The number of sessions depends upon the vessels, their size, and other factors, according to Dr. Spoor-Baker. Two to five treatments are the norm, again depending upon various factors. Leg vein treatments are performed four to six weeks apart.

At Advanced Cosmetic Medicine, Dr. Spoor-Baker performs numerous other cosmetic treatments in addition to leg vein therapy. These include removal of age spots, birthmarks and freckles; removal of facial spider veins and vascular lesions; cellulite therapy; osteopathic manipulation; and complete weight loss programs.

For more information on how you can improve your appearance and your health, or to schedule a free consultation to begin leg vein therapy, call Advanced Cosmetic Medicine at (918) 280-0270.

For more information, contact

Advanced Cosmetic Medicine

3958 S. Hudson

Tulsa, OK 74135

(918) 280-0270