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Injection Sclerotherapy is a method of treating varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency using medication that is injected into a vein, causing it to close. Varithena® is a new, cutting-edge treatment option approved by the FDA in 2013. It is one of the most popular and effective treatments available to improve symptoms of superficial venous incompetence and the appearance of visible varicosities. Phlebologist and Sclerotherapy Specialist Dr. Sam Gupta can help diagnose and treat varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency with a variety of treatment modalities, including Sclerotherapy and Varithena®. Dr. Gupta is certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine.
At Alsara Vein Clinic, we treat vein problems all day, every day.
Call us at 816-396-0245 for a Consultation
Ultrasound Guided SclerotherapyInjection Sclerotherapy, also known as Echosclerotherapy, is a method of treating varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency using medication that is injected into a vein, causing it to close. Healthy veins then take over to correct blood flow back to the heart, resulting in symptom improvement. Using ultrasound guidance is essential in achieving long-term results and ensures the most complete treatment of all diseased veins.
When the injectable agent comes in contact with the inside lining of the vein, the treated vein collapses and is soon replaced by a thin cord of fibrous tissue. The vein is now permanently closed. This process is called sclerosis, hence the name "sclerotherapy". The treated vein is then slowly absorbed by your body and eventually disappears.
Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (USGS) is a highly versatile treatment and useful to treat any residual varicose veins that may persist after Endovenous Laser Ablation varicose veins treatment. This ensures comprehensive treatment of the entire diseased network of veins for long-term benefit.
This USGS treatment assumes a major role in the treatment of venous insufficiency, as well as smaller veins, such as telangiectasias and spider veins. USGS is considered the "Gold Standard" for treating spider veins, which are smaller versions of varicose veins that are visible under the skin surface. The success of the sclerotherapy relies upon the experience and skill of the provider. Choosing the right sclerosant, target, volume, concentration, and “exposure time” make the difference between success and failure. Your Vein Specialist at Alsara Vein Clinic is highly skilled in administering USGS treatments.
Varicose Veins Treatment using Varithena®
Varithena® is a new, cutting-edge treatment option approved by the FDA in 2013. It is one of the most popular and effective treatments available to improve symptoms of superficial venous incompetence and the appearance of visible varicosities. Administered under ultrasound guidance, it damages the interior lining of the problem vein and causes it to close shut. Over a period of several months, the body will slowly absorb the treated veins by the process of fibrosis.
Varithena® is not used for all forms of varicose veins. It is approved for the treatment of incompetent great saphenous veins, accessory saphenous veins, and visible varicosities of the great saphenous vein (GSV) system above and below the knee. Typically, Varithena® is used for residual varicosities after the truncal veins have been sealed with other treatment modalities such as thermal ablation (EVLA, RFA) or VenaSeal™. Treatments are tailored to individual patients' needs and circumstances. Your Vein Specialist will make the determination for you.
Post-treatment bandages are applied, and compression stockings are used for a minimum of 1 week. It is important to stay active and avoid prolonged inactivity. Also avoid excessively heavy weightlifting, high impact activities, and exposure to heat.
Localized numbness, tenderness, redness, tingling, and bruising are not uncommon. These changes are typically near the injection site and resolve over time.
Vein Treatment Menu
Alsara Vein Clinic's spider vein specialist offers the latest, state-of-the-art spider vein treatments. The most effective treatment options currently available are injection sclerotherapy (the gold standard), ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy (used to seal the deeper "feeder veins"), ohmic thermolysis (the revolutionary VeinGogh), and surface laser. We have all of these and some other options available. Typically we use a combination of treatment modalities to help you enjoy the best possible outcomes that are long-lasting in the fewest visits possible. Spider vein treatmentimaging is performed using Ultrasound, Veinlite®, and AccuVein®. Combined with Alsara Vein Clinic's expertise, years of experience, and obsession for outstanding results, you can get the results you always desired. Schedule a Consultation today.
Board Certified Providers
We use ultrasound guidance to rid unsightly spider veins at their source
Alsara Clinic uses the latest technology to provide the most effective, safest, and longest-lasting result
Many patients come to us after failed treatments elsewhere
We treat veins all day, every day; more importantly, we love what we do
Injection sclerotherapy is the quality standard for spider veins treatment. Using a special light, the vein is isolated and a small amount of medication (sclerosant) is injected inside the vein. The medication "closes" the vein and stops the flow of blood.
Although the appearance of treated spider veins improves (diminishes) immediately, the spider veins are slowly absorbed by the body over a course of several weeks or months. Typically, several veins can be treated in one session and more than one session may be required depending on the extent of your spider veins. It is also possible that repeat injections in a single vein may be necessary since some spider veins are more "stubborn" than others.
VeinGogh is a breakthrough treatment technology for spider veins that allows us to treat even the smallest and the curviest vein where sclerotherapy may not be an option. An extremely tiny needle focuses energy (ohmic thermolysis) directly onto the spider vein and closes it immediately.
This VeinGogh spider vein treatment is not dependent on skin types, like lasers and other light-based therapies, and provides a superior solution for sealing vessels that have shown resistance to other treatment options. The tissue on the skin surface is rarely affected and many patients report minimal, if any, discomfort compared to laser or intense pulsed light therapies used elsewhere to remove spider veins. As with sclerotherapy, over time the body absorbs the "closed" veins.
Generally, patients will require sclerotherapy treatment first, as it is still the first option in treating spider veins. VeinGoghtreatment is then recommended for any spider veins remaining that meet the criteria in size. Rest assured, Alsara Vein Clinic uses the most sophisticated technology available and highly skilled staff to meet your needs for spider vein removal treatments.
We offer Free Consultations to allow you to meet with our Board Certified Vein Specialists. We'll provide you with a detailed screening examination and a discussion of the best treatment options for your spider veins. Everyone is different, so it is critical you schedule a consultation with one of our vein specialists.
It is important when scheduling your spider vein treatment to consider the timing in which treatments are performed in relation to sun exposure. We recommend avoiding sun exposure (including tanning beds, etc.) 1-2 weeks after a treatment is performed. In addition, we recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater for 3 months post-treatment.
The recipe for beautiful legs is here. We have a collection of the most effective spider vein treatment options available anywhere. View our before & after spider vein treatment gallery. Combined with our expertise and obsession for outstanding results, you can get the legs you always desired but never thought possible. Schedule a consultation
Alsara Vein Clinic specializes in spider vein treatments using cryo sclerotherapy and VeinGogh.
Vein Treatment Menu
Spider veins are the smaller versions of varicose veins caused by the same risk factors as underlying varicose veins. Based on the size of the surface veins (commonly referred to as “spider veins”), veins may be bluish in color (venulectasia), green (reticular veins) or red/purple (telangiectasia).
At Alsara Vein Clinic, we have almost every treatment modality for the treatment of spider veins. Over the years, we have realized that “inside-out” is the best approach to give you an optimal, long-lasting outcome. We first scan the affected areas using ultrasound looking for any “feeder” veins beneath the skin surface. If present, we use Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy to close an entire cluster of spider veins at its source beneath the skin that is otherwise not visible from the outside. Any remaining surface veins are then treated using Injection Sclerotherapy (the Gold Standard) by injecting medication (Sclerosant) directly into the affected surface veins. We use Ohmic Thermolysis or Surface Laser for any remaining veins that are not eligible for sclerotherapy due to their size or location (near ankle or foot). These modalities use a spectrum of light that targets spider veins from the outside and closes them by heating the hemoglobin within the affected veins.
Occasionally, veins near the surface of the skin are too large to treat with sclerotherapy and not small enough to treat with Ohmic Thermolysis or Surface Laser. Microphlebectomy is a minimally invasive treatment to remove larger surface veins including varicose veins that appear on the skin surface. This is not to be confused with surgical vein stripping, which is a much more invasive procedure performed in the hospital setting under general anesthesia and traditionally was used to remove larger, deeper varicose veins. Microphlebectomy is performed in the comfort of our office. Using very fine instruments, the unwanted bulging veins are removed through minuscule openings without the need for sutures and typically without causing any scarring. The patient is able to resume normal activities quickly and is immediately rid of the unsightly veins that are removed permanently.
We go to extreme lengths to make sure the treatments are safe and effective, but as painless as possible.
Alsara Vein Clinic offers the Next Generation of Spider Vein Treatments
Learn more about our Spider Vein Treatments and watch spider vein treatment videos.
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.
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.
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.
Immediately before any needle touches your skin, we utilize a special spray which further numbs the surface of your skin, further removing any discomfort.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!)
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.
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.
You can always reach an on-call Vein Specialist 24/7 by calling 816-396-0245.
Maybe you’ve seen the blue or purple squiggly veins on your legs that look like lines on a roadmap and wondered how to get rid of them. Maybe you are experiencing pain, cramps, restlessness, or have sores on your legs, and you were told by your Primary Care Provider that you have varicose veins. Perhaps you wondered “What the heck are varicose veins anyway” and “How do I get rid of them?”
In simplest terms, varicose veins are faulty blood vessels that have become overstretched and swollen with blood.
When your heart beats, it pumps blood through arteries to every part of your body carrying oxygen and essential nutrients. Since you have a limited amount of blood (about 5 liters in an adult), the deoxygenated blood returns to the heart via countless veins in your body. The veins in your legs are farthest from the heart and must work against gravity to push blood back to the heart. Compounded by other risk factors, some veins wear out over time and become “varicose”. The pooling of blood in varicose veins may cause symptoms such as heaviness, tiredness, itching, burning, cramping, restlessness and pain. Left untreated, the increased pressure of blood in the leg veins can leak out, causing problems such as edema, skin discoloration, sores in legs that heal poorly, and frequent skin infections. This condition is called Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI).
Although varicose veins affect both men and women, they are slightly more common in women who tend to have them at an earlier age. This may also have to do with the fact that men are less inclined to seek timely medical care. Hence, it is not a surprise that men have more advanced stages of varicose veins and CVI by the time they see a vein specialist compared to women. People in general are more likely to get them as they get older.
Frequently there is a genetic predisposition to vein problems. That means that if your mom or your sister has them, you are more likely to also have them. Things that put pressure on your legs and feet — like being overweight or standing for a long time, every day, without exercise — can also cause varicose veins. Pregnancies also make veins worse due to increased pressure of the uterus and the extra blood volume.
Once a vein is varicose, it is a diseased blood vessel much like a “weed” in your yard. Just like weeds compete for space and nutrients in your yard (and are formidable competitors!), varicose veins have weakened walls that facilitate easy entry of blood but instead of pushing the blood back in circulation, the blood tends to pool in them causing a wide variety of problems including life-threatening blood clots.
In the past, varicose veins were “stripped” much like pulling weeds from the yard. This was a painful, imprecise, and invasive surgery with significant downtime, scarring, and risk of complications. Even worse, many patients required additional treatment due to other veins rapidly becoming varicose.
In the last 15 to 20 years, our increased understanding of venous disease, modern tools available for accurate diagnosis, and minimally invasive treatments have revolutionized how we treat vein problems in legs. After your vein specialist has performed a detailed ultrasound scan of your legs, he/she will create a “road map”. Then, using tools such as Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA), your Vein Specialist can seal the underlying varicose veins at their source, much like closing the large root of weeds from the inside. Any smaller, persistent veins can then be treated using injection sclerotherapy that is analogous to using a weed killer in your yard. Some unsightly varicose veins are removed by microphlebectomy, the careful removal of unwanted veins through tiny openings using very fine instruments without the need for sutures or risk of scarring.
Current treatments are very safe, effective, and provide long-lasting relief without any downtime or painful recovery. Since varicose veins and CVI are serious problems, almost all health insurance companies, including Medicare and Medicaid, offer coverage for necessary scans and treatments.
Contact Alsara Vein Clinic at 816-396-0245 to set up a Consultation today.
Treatment of ropey varicose veins may require one or more combinations of the following: Endovenous Laser Ablation, Injection Sclerotherapy (including Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy and Catheter Assisted Sclerotherapy), and Microphlebectomy.
Large bulging veins that appear on the skin surface as ropey veins are frequently a major branch of a deeper (inside the leg) saphenous vein, such as the Great Saphenous Vein, which is often, but not always, involved. Ultrasound testing is frequently necessary to determine the level of involvement. If the saphenous vein is involved, it would likely need to be sealed first using Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA). This step in itself is sometimes enough to “shrink” the bulging vein. Any remaining unsightly veins may be either closed with sclerotherapy (using medication to seal the vein) or sections of the bulging veins may be removed by microphlebectomy. Unlike vein stripping, microphlebectomy is a simple, out-patient procedure performed under local anesthesia. Using very fine instruments, sections of unwanted veins are carefully removed through tiny openings without the need for sutures and with minimal risk of scarring. Vein treatments may be staged (occur on separate days) or a combination of treatments may be performed on the same day if recommended by your Phlebologist (Vein Specialist).
Now you may be able to get rid of the unsightly ropey varicose veins during your lunch break (and start looking for that pair of shorts you thought you could never wear!).
Learn more about Alsara Vein Clinic vein treatment options on our Varicose Vein Laser Treatments page.
Vein Screening reveals vein problems in legs