Description of the procedure
Sclerosation using laser and radiofrequency (RF) is closing, coagulation of capillaries and smaller veins using heat. It is a bit less painful than foam sclerotherapy, although the experience of ‘heat-induced pain’ is very individual.
In that manner – thermically – we induce inflammation of the vein wall, blood clotting inside of her lumen and gradual disintegration, while directing the flow into healthy capillaries.
Candidates
Tiny, web-like – blue and purple capillaries; very effective for treating areas affected by changes – because there is no limitation of the area treated by the ‘dose’. However, often the treatment needs to be repeated 2-3 times in the interval of a couple of weeks until the total effect is achieved.
Preparation
It necessary to familiarize the surgeon with your therapy and preparations you are taking. It is suggested to eat a light meal and take liquid prior to the procedure.
Course of the procedure
Delicate, tiny needle enters the very capillary, at the specific spot from which it branches furtherly. At that moment, there is a sharp, but very short sting that is an indicator of the effectiveness of the procedure. The experience of pain is very individual, but anesthesia is not necessary. The amount of time necessary to do the procedure depends on the volume of the treated changes, and it can take up to one hour.
Recovery
There is no compression therapy (elastic stockings) after the procedure; with active walking regime – immediately after the procedure, it is necessary to walk for about 30 minutes. It is recommended to take plenty of fluid.
After the procedure – common regime of daily activities and personal hygiene, without limitations.
During 8-10 days, redness and bruising at the area of intervention are possible, with mild local pain, which disappears gradually.
In cases of treating large, extensive areas affected by capillaries, often on both legs, it is indicated to wear stockings of the 1st degree of compression, which the patient receives after the treatment, according to the previously taken measurement. Elastic stockings are to be worn continuously for 2 weeks, and later by recommendation.
It is important not to put gels or creams against hematoma (Heparin, Ice gel, and the like) on the treated area because it can become irritated. Care should be done exclusively with mild milk or skin lotion.
Precautions and limitations
If the changes are very expanded, the treatment is quite painful because the capillaries are in direct contact with numerous nerve endings in skin.
There is often a chance for relapse – return of the disease, although usually in other areas. It is necessary to repeat the treatment regularly due to maintenance of the satisfactory condition and prevention of spreading of changes. It is necessary – as much as possible – to correct the mechanisms that had lead to the development of the disease.
Side effects and complications
Hyperpigmentation of skin is possible (…%), but it is, luckily, temporary. They usually disappear within a year. Sometimes, surface inflammation can occur as well.
Package
Package includes: Procedure done under local anesthesia, custom-made elastic stockings of 2nd level of compression, 3 postoperative reviews with an additional sclerosation of the treated vein flow, if necessary.
Package does not include: first indicative surgeon’s examination, vein color Doppler; expenses made prior to admittance into Polyclinic Lege Artis.
Furhter reading on Polyclinic Lege Artis’ recommendation of certain methods
Every leg has its own story. it depends on the type of the changes present, vessels we treat, volume, subcutaneous fat tissue, type of skin, pigmentation and – possibly the most important – it depends on quality of muscle lining, i.e. muscle fascia. Those factors are directly connected to the frequency of relapse – partial recurrence of the disease.
Also – if the cause is not removed – flat feet, lack of physical activity, being overweight, hot baths, etc. – the changes progressively return, possibly in smaller volume and, perhaps, in other areas.
Tiny, web-like – blue and purple capillaries, on small areas, react very effectively to chemical sclerozation. If the changes are very expanded, the treatment is quite painful because the capillaries are in direct contact with numerous nerve endings in skin.
Radiofrequency (RF) sclerotherapy is much less painful and there is no ‘dosage’ limitation for treated areas (amount of capillaries). However, often the treatment needs to be repeated 2-3 times in the interval of a couple of weeks until the total effect is achieved.
Related services
