Get a Leg Up on Veins

Advanced Cosmetic Medicine offers solutions for unsightly and sometimes painful leg veins.

The hot summer days are ­winding down – you’ve been running errands in shorts, ­wearing skirts to work, and hitting the pool in your swimsuit. Chances are your legs have been on display all day, every day, and you can’t help but notice all of their imperfections. For many, unsightly leg veins are a real problem. Fall will be here before you know it, and that 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 now to schedule your free consultation for leg vein therapy this upcoming ­cooler season.

    Generally, the best time of year to receive leg vein treatments is during the fall. You may experience a slight reddening or swelling of the skin after ­treatments (and legs can look worse before they look better), so most people prefer to keep their legs covered during this transitional period. During the cooler weather, when they are already covered up from head to toe, is an ideal time to start ­treatments. In addition, Dr. Spoor-Baker instructs her patients to wear compression hosiery for two weeks, which help aid in the healing process, ­making ­treatments work better.

    Spider veins, also known as broken capillaries, are thin and appear in a cluster of red, blue or purple veins, resembling spider legs. Varicose veins are thicker and deeper. Both leg vein ­problems are a result of ­abnormal flow of blood through the veins. 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 varicosities. 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 called ­sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy is a procedure in which medicine is injected into the vessels, which makes them shrink. The second method is a laser procedure in which a light device uses the energy of light to damage the vessels, causing them to shut down. This treatment is used by placing a hand-held unit on the skin. Most patients experience a stinging sensation as the pulses of energy are delivered through the hand piece. No local ­anesthesia or pain medicine is needed and appointments last one hour.

    The number of treatments depends upon the vessels, their size, and other factors. Three to five treatments are the norm, again depending on various ­factors. Leg vein treatments are performed one month apart.

    To schedule a free ­consultation to begin leg vein therapy this fall, call Advanced Cosmetic Medicine at (918) 280-0270.

For more information, contact

Advanced Cosmetic Medicine

3958 S. Hudson

Tulsa, OK 74135

(918) 280-0270