On the Surface

One of the main reasons that women decline to show their legs in public these days is not because of shape, but because of unsightly leg veins.

One of the main reasons that women decline to show their legs in public these days is not because of shape, but because of unsightly leg veins. Leg veins can produce an unattractive pattern on otherwise beautiful legs; however, there is a solution. Mallory Spoor-Baker, D.O., offers safe and effective treatment for spider and varicose veins, allowing you to feel beautiful again and be unafraid to wear that pair of shorts.

Spider veins, also knows as broken capillaries, are thin and appear in a cluster of red, blue or purple veins. These veins 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 – pregnancy, standing for long periods of time, and obesity, to name a few – that puts excessive pressure on an individual's legs 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, has a lot to do with whether people develop these conditions," states 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. There are two methods in which to eliminate leg veins.

"The first method is an injection therapy – a slerotherapy procedure in which chemicals are injected into the vessel," Dr. Spoor-Baker explains. "The second method is the GentleLASE Plus method – a light device, like a laser, uses the energy of light to damage the vessels and causes them to shut down." The GentleLASE Plus treatment is used by placing a hand-held treatment unit upon the skin. The treatment feels like a "pinch," so anesthesia or pain medication is not needed. Treatment sessions last from 15 to 20 minutes.

The number of treatments 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.

Generally, the best time of the year to have treatments done is during the winter. There are a couple of reasons for this. First of all, after a treatment you may experience a slight reddening or local swelling of the skin, and in rare cases, some blistering. Most people would prefer to keep their legs covered during the transitionary time between treatments and until treatments are completed; so winter, the season when individuals are already covered up from head to toe, is a very good time to go in for leg vein therapy. In addition, Dr. Spoor-Baker puts her patients in a compression hose that helps speed the process and makes the treatment work better. The compression hose is not made like regular sheer pantyhose, so again, the cold season that enables us to cover our legs with slacks and long skirts is desirable for this type of treatment.

Leg vein treatments are done four to six weeks apart. Dr. Spoor-Baker offers free consultations to individuals who call to inquire about leg vein treatments.

Dr. Spoor-Baker has a general medical practice and can perform other cosmetic treatments as well as 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 wight loss programs. For more information on how you can improve your appearance as well as your health, call Dr. Mallory Spoor-Baker at (918) 280-0270.

For more information, contact

Advanced Cosmetic Medicine

3958 S. Hudson
Tulsa, OK 74135

(918) 280-0270