Beautiful, healthy, pain-free legs may have been a dream in the past, but now they are a reality, thanks to the advances in medicine and technology. Treatments are very safe, effective, and require no downtime.
As icing on the cake, almost all insurers cover treatments of symptomatic varicose veins. Unfortunately, many patients miss this opportunity due to the fear of pain and anxiety.
While we celebrate our three-year anniversary in St. Joseph, I want to take this opportunity to reach all of those patients and their relatives who may have heard about us or even visited us, but were unable to garner enough courage to take the next step.
It is often reasonable to fear pain with a medical procedure, however, the treatments at Alsara Vein Clinic are virtually painless. Many of our patients have graciously shared in their testimonials attesting to that. We go to extreme lengths to make sure that the entire process is comfortable and as pain-free as possible. To help take the edge off a patient's anxiety, a nitrous oxide (laughing gas) option is available for a $30 charge.
At other times, it is not really the fear of pain but rather anxiety that serves as a barrier. Some anxiety is normal and considered an adaptive response. For instance, I suffered from anxiety (or even phobia) when going to an urgent care center for a sore throat or even a well-child visit at the local doctor’s office. I had a deep-seated fear as a child that somehow I would end up in the hospital, like some kids I saw on television, with needles in my arms, struggling to breathe through a mask. In retrospect, this would be considered normal anxiety, as I still made it to the doctors’ offices.
An important step in dealing with anxiety is to substitute it with knowledge. Having a complete understanding of the procedure, how its performed and the numerous ways it would make a difference in your life could help replace fear with hope or even excitement. Sometimes it is the fear of the unknown or recollection of a bad experience in the past that holds patients back.
At Alsara Vein Clinic, we have performed thousands of procedures that have improved countless lives. Please take a moment to read and listen to our patients’ stories in Testimonials. Many patients who have come to us have had prior treatments elsewhere. Some had painful vein stripping and some had newer treatments, such as sclerotherapy and radiofrequency ablation (VNUS Closure), that were unsuccessful or offered only partial relief of symptoms. Remember you have not failed until you have given up!
While understanding the procedure doesn’t help alleviate the anxiety or the fear of needles, there is still hope. We offer in-office anesthetic using nitrous oxide (laughing gas). For our needle-phobic patients, we have the revolutionary J-Tip™ that uses forced air to deliver numbing medicine without the use of needles. You will still be alert enough to enjoy a lollipop and be able to drive yourself back home after the procedure.
Above all, the pampering that you receive at Alsara Vein Clinic remains a secret with us so that you can still attempt to gain all the sympathy from your loved ones when you reach home.
On The Day of Your Laser/VenaSeal Treatment Procedure:
When you arrive for yourLaser/VenaSeal treatment, you will be asked to change into a pair of comfortable shorts that we provide you. If you choose, you may bring your own loose-fitting shorts.
Next, our vein specialist or our ultrasound technologist may perform a brief ultrasound scan and mark areas of interest on your leg. You are now are ready for our unique multi-step numbing process.
Multi-step Numbing Process
Your comfort is extremely important to us during the vein treatment process. We strive to reduce any discomfort as much as possible. That's why Alsara Vein Clinic has developed an exclusive multi-step numbing process to ensure your comfort every step of the way.
1. Cream
Starting even before your procedure begins, we apply a cream to the skin on your leg. This cream is produced especially for us, and begins the numbing process while preparing your veins for a smooth procedure.
2. Spray
Immediately before any needle touches your skin, we utilize a special spray which further numbs the surface of your skin, further removing any discomfort.
3. Technique
While injecting more numbing medicine into the skin, we use a special technique which numbs the skin area for the next injection. That way, your skin is numbed from outside and in.
4. Lining (Laser treatment only)
Just before the laser is used, we surround the problem vein with a special medicine which numbs, and provides a protective barrier between your vein and the surrounding tissue. Now, numbing is complete, and the laser energy is safely contained right where it needs to be.
Nitrous Oxide "Laughing Gas" (Optional)
Although the vein treatment process offered at Alsara Vein Clinic generally involves little or no pain, we also offer the use of Nitrous Oxide to help take the edge off a patient’s anxiety, helping him or her to relax through the EVLA procedure.
Nitrous Oxide is the oldest, safest, and most fast-acting sedating agent available. It has been used for centuries and is currently used by over one-third of all dental practices.
Patients experience a sense of well-being, feel more relaxed and somewhat less aware of their surroundings, as well as less responsive to any discomfort.
Nitrous oxide is breathed through a nasal mask and, after a state of relaxation is reached, local anesthesia is administered. Complications with nitrous oxide/oxygen are extremely rare. Its sedative effects are completely gone five minutes after it is stopped. It is eliminated through the normal breathing process. Patients are typically able to drive themselves home or to work. This option is available for an additional charge at your EVLA visit.
Needle-free Numbing System (Optional)
If you are uncomfortable with needles, Alsara Vein Clinic offers a breakthrough needle-free numbing system. Instead of a needle, a pressurized numbing medication is injected through the skin pores using gas pressure.
J-Tip Needle-free- Numbing Available 😃
Laser/VenaSeal Time
Laser Procedure:
During the laser procedure, you'll get to wear a super cool pair of protective glasses. As a bonus, we’ll give you a lollipop of your choice. This helps counteract any odd taste or smell, which can be a byproduct of the laser during the procedure that some patients may experience.
Venaseal Procedure:
Since the Venaseal procedure doesn’t involve the use of heat, there is no need for eye protection or dealing with that funny taste or smell. But if you’re feeling left out of the lollipop fun, just ask! We’ve got you covered.
Laser Treatment of Variose Veins
Before You Go Home (or Shopping!)
As soon as your laser treatment is complete, we will obtain some ultrasound images to ensure the target vein was treated successfully (yes, the effect is that fast) and help you with dressing and stockings. You are now good to go back to work (or shopping!)
Home Instructions
We will go over the easy-to-follow instructions before you leave our office.
You are welcome to resume normal activities immediately, including walking, low-impact activities, standing, or lifting moderate weights. In fact, staying active is crucial in keeping your calf muscles (leg pump) working. Now that we have shut down some of the bad veins in your superficial venous system, the good veins in your deep venous system will take over and rely on the pumping mechanism of your calf muscles more than ever before.
Although you are not quite ready for a marathon or heavyweight championship (or our Hot Leg Competition!), you will likely notice improvement as early as the night of the procedure. So go ahead and enjoy your legs!
In case you forgot to ask us something or have any concerns, there is no need to worry. We will call you the day after your procedure to check and see how you are doing and answer any additional questions.
On The Day of Your Non-laser Procedure:
Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (USGS) or Spider Treatment
We will offer you a pair of comfortable shorts or you can bring your own loose-fitting shorts. Ultrasound and/or Vein Lite is typically used to identify and mark the areas needing treatment. One or more numbing tools may be used to reduce all possible discomfort. These procedures require less time and preparation than Laser/VenaSeal treatment. Our vein specialist will treat you and determine a follow-up plan. All instructions are provided before you leave the office.
You will receive a follow-up phone call the day after the procedure to check on you and answer any additional questions.
While we celebrate our three-year anniversary in St. Joseph, I want to take this opportunity to reach all of those patients and their relatives who may have heard about us or even visited us, but were unable to garner enough courage to take the next step.
At Alsara Vein Clinic, we have performed thousands of procedures that have improved countless lives. Please take a moment to read and listen to our patients’ stories in Testimonials. Many patients who have come to us have had prior treatments elsewhere. Some had painful vein stripping and some had newer treatments, such as sclerotherapy and radiofrequency ablation (VNUS Closure), that were unsuccessful or offered only partial relief of symptoms. Remember you have not failed until you have given up!
Although the vein treatment process offered at Alsara Vein Clinic generally involves little or no pain, we also offer the use of Nitrous Oxide to help take the edge off a patient’s anxiety, helping him or her to relax through the EVLA procedure.
If you are uncomfortable with needles, Alsara Vein Clinic offers a breakthrough needle-free numbing system. Instead of a needle, a pressurized numbing medication is injected through the skin pores using gas pressure.
