Welcome to The Vein Treatment Center

Established in 1982, The Vein Treatment Center © is the leading New York City medical facility specializing exclusively in the treatment of varicose veins, spider veins, and related venous disorders.

The methods developed at the facility, including Endonvenous Laser Ablation (EVLT) and now Painless Sclerotherapy, have revolutionized the specialty and are used by physicians worldwide.

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Meet Dr. Navarro

Dr. Luis Navarro, a Board Certified Phlebologist and vascular specialist, has devoted his professional life to the development of treatments for venous disorders. He has pioneered numerous non-invasive procedures, including EVLT, Combined Therapies, and now PAINLESS SCLEROTHERAPY.

About Dr. Navarro About the VTC

Painless Sclerotherapy

Advancements in technology have revolutionized Sclerotherapy and the treatment of veins on legs, hands and other areas of the body. The Vein Treatment Center has been treating veins for over 30 years with safe, fast, and long lasting cosmetic results.

Sclerotherapy Vein Treatments

Before & After Photos

View our before and after photo galleries that show the results of vein treatments on the legs, hands, face & more.

See for yourself why The Vein Treatment Center is the NYC leader in treating and removing unwanted varicose veins, spider veins, and all venous conditions.

Legs Hands Face

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Tag Archives: Sclerotherapy

Spider Vein Removal: What to Expect

Are you interested in getting spider vein removal and are curious what to expect during the procedure? Sclerotherapy is a surgical procedure that is used to remove spider veins. Sclerotherapy entails injecting a solution (usually a salt solution) into a vein directly. The solution irritates the blood vessel lining, collapsing and sticking together, causing the blood to clot. The vessel eventually turns into scar tissue and fades from sight.

Spider Vein Removal: What to Expect?
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Sclerotherapy is the most widely used procedure for spider veins that removes the swelling and bulging from your veins without excessive costs or causing any major side effects. Here is everything you need to know about Sclerotherapy and what you need to expect regarding the procedure:

Who is an Eligible Candidate for Sclerotherapy?

Before sclerotherapy, you would have to meet a dermatologist or vascular surgeon to evaluate if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.If you are pregnant, you are ineligible. If you are on contraceptive pills, you can have sclerotherapy. If you have previously had a blood clot, your eligibility will be determined on an individual basis, based on the overall health of the part requiring treatment and the cause of the clot.

The veins mainly used for heart surgeries such as bypass are usually avoided from being used for sclerotherapy unless they are already considered and are useless.

What is the Process of Sclerotherapy?

The process of sclerotherapy usually takes only fifteen to thirty minutes. In this procedure, the chemical solution is injected into your veins through a very thin needle-like instrument. You might feel a little discomfort or bearable pain for only about a few minutes, which will soon subside.

The severity of your spider veins and how many of them you have decides how many veins will be injected per session, and the process could take more time due to the affected area’s size. The sclerotherapy is done in the vein doctor’s or vascular surgeon’s clinic, which will only require you to not perform extensive exercise or aerobics a few days after the surgery.

How to Prepare for Sclerotherapy?

Before two days of surgery, you should stop taking any medications your surgeon does not allow. Ask them about any drugs, over-the-counter medicines, herbs, and supplements you have been taking.

Before taking any antibiotics, contact your surgeon and ask about it. You should also not apply creams or lotions on the surface that is about to be operated on, whether on your face or your legs.

Most doctors for the sclerotherapy procedure ask their patients to avoid medications like ibuprofen, aspirin, Nuprin, Advil, Motrin, or other anti0inflammatory drugs two to three days before surgery.

What Side-Effects can Sclerotherapy cause?

Although sclerotherapy is harmless and poses no such severe side effects people with susceptible skin might feel itching after the procedure, which would last only a few days. Red patches on the operated areas are also standard and will return to their normal shape within a few days. These side effects are always milder, but you should immediately contact your surgeon if you experience any side effects.

Best Spider Vein Removal Center NYC
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What to Expect after Sclerotherapy?

As sclerotherapy is a non-invasive procedure, you can continue your daily activity after the procedure. However, if your legs were under treatment, you might be asked to wear your support hosiery for compression to treat your affected area better.

If you have been using compression socks earlier, checking if they still have enough compression left is better. Your surgeon will also guide you in this regard from where you can buy the appropriate compression stockings for yourself.

You should avoid medications and antibiotics like ibuprofen, aspirin, and anti-inflammatory drugs for at least two days after the surgery. You should also avoid activities that provide hot temperatures like saunas, hot baths, and extreme exposure to sunlight.

Spider Vein Removal – What to Expect: Conclusion

Sclerotherapy is the most used and safest spider vein removal treatment, providing around 80% effectiveness. If you want to remove your spider veins, get in touch with our experts at The Vein Treatment Center ©. We would love to hear from you!

The Vein Treatment Center ©
327 East 65th Street
New York, NY 10065
212-249-6117

Sclerotherapy For Vein Treatment

spider-varicose-veins-problem-on-legs-04Sclerotherapy is one of the most popular treatments for varicose veins and spider veins. The doctor injects a salt solution to irritate and diminish the veins for the treatments. Let’s have a look at the conditions, procedure, recovery, and cost of sclerotherapy.

When Do you Need Sclerotherapy

example-spider-vein-legs-pic-05Varicose veins are those that become enlarged and twisted beneath the skin. Varicose veins swell and become weak, which causes problems like shrinkage of veins, skin irritation, rashes, and pain. Whereas, spider veins occur due to bursting or damage of small blood vessels beneath the skin. The veins become more apparent and form red blue or purplish color on the skin.

Sclerotherapy and is an effective and minimal non- surgical procedure to treat both the conditions.

How to Prepare for Sclerotherapy

example-varicose-veins-legs-pic-06Before the procedure, your doctor will give you a physical exam and review your medical history to know whether you qualify for Sclerotherapy or not. They will tell you about the potential risks, expectations, and outcomes of the treatment. You will probably not qualify for Sclerotherapy if you:

  • Are pregnant
  • Have blood clotting risk or disorder
  • Suffer from a serious medical condition like heart disease
  • Have pre-existing conditions
  • Are a chain smoker
  • Take contraceptives like birth control pills
  • Have severe allergies

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If you do not have any of these conditions and sclerotherapy is the best treatment option suitable for you, your doctor will set the time and date for your appointment. They will take an ultrasound to view the veins which are to be treated.

When your sclerotherapy is two or three days away, make sure that you do not shave, wax, or get some any kind of cosmetic treatment like airbrush or spray tanning. Avoid sun exposure or swimming, especially if your skin is sensitive. Avoid using soaps, lotions or creams with harsh chemicals on your skin. You may use a mild lotion for moisturizing your skin. On the day of appointment wear loose and comfortable clothing.

Procedure for Sclerotherapy

sclerotherapy-procedure-vein-removal-treatment-nyc-02The procedure for Sclerotherapy usually takes place in the doctor’s office. There is no requirement of anesthesia, and the process is done within 15-20 minutes. The doctor will ask the patient to lie down. If the treatment is for the varicose veins or spider veins for legs, then the patient has to elevate their leg slightly.

The doctor will inject a salt solution directly into the vein or veins  that need to be treated. The sclerotherapy solution will irritate the inner linings of the veins. The veins will swell, and the blood flow will be ceased. As a result, blood is forced to flow through normal and healthy veins. The veins scar and collapse, then are reabsorbed into the blood and local tissue, gradually fading away.

The complete removal of the damaged vein can take a few weeks or can take a month or more in some cases. Some patients may require to have several Sclerotherapy procedures for complete removal of varicose veins.

When the doctor inserts the needle, they will apply the pressure and massage the area so that the blood does not enter the injected vessel and disperse the Sclerotherapy solution. If the veins are large, the doctor will probably apply a compression pad on the area to keep the veins compressed while they move on the next vein. The patient would feel minor stinging or cramps during this whole procedure.

Risks of Sclerotherapy

As with any treatments, there are few risks associated with sclerotherapy. Although these risks are minimized when you have a qualified dermatologist perform it but following conditions that can occur with a few patients:

  • Raised red areas
  • Slight bruising
  • Small skin sores
  • Darkened skin on the area of treatment
  • Multiple tiny red vessels may appear for some time after the procedure

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In case of a faulty procedure or severe complications, some serious side effects can occur. These include blood clots, allergies, inflammation, and visual disturbances. The procedure has to be done very carefully as tiny air bubbles, if left in the blood vessels, can cause other side effects. This is why it is necessary to get Sclerotherapy from an experienced and highly skilled doctor or dermatologist. Also it is important to tell your doctor about any medical condition, history, or medication you have.

Recovery

Since the procedure is simple and minimally invasive, you will be able to walk around. Movement is necessary to avoid any chances of blood clotting in the veins. You may have to wear stockings or compression bandages for two weeks until complete recovery. You must avoid strenuous activities and exercise at least for two weeks.

The Vein Treatment Center

At the Vein Treatment Center, our highly experienced & skilled doctors regularly perform Sclerotherapy to remove unwanted veins. Founder and main vascular surgeon Dr. Luis Navarro has pioneered numerous non-invasive vein treatment procedures, including EVLT, Combined Therapies, and now PAINLESS SCLEROTHERAPY.

Most treatments are painless, permanent and have a quick recovery period. For the past 30 years we have been providing our patients with safe, fast, and long-lasting cosmetic results.

If you think you require Sclerotherapy, call us today and book a no-cost consultation and treat your unwanted veins.

VEIN TREATMENT CENTER
327 East 65th Street
New York, NY 10065

Toll-free: 800-300-VEIN

Varicose Veins: All You Need to Know

What are Varicose Veins?

varicose-vein-leg-photo-01Have you noticed large bulging veins on your legs? If so, it’s likely that these bluish-purple bulges are varicosities or varicose veins. More than 23% of US adults suffer from varicose veins. The data translates into the fact that 1 in 4 adults have or will develop varicose veins.

Varicose veins are the twisted, misshaped veins that become enlarged and dilated. Usually, your leg veins get affected the most because of the increased pressure in the lower body veins. The veins, over-filled with blood, appear swollen and have a bluish-purple color. Varicose veins can be painful in some cases.

Symptoms of Varicose Veins

While this venous disorder has many symptoms, the most visible is the twisted veins in your legs. Also, you may experience pain or swelling around the dilated veins. Here are signs that you should not ignore.

  • Veins appearing blue, dark purple, or red
  • Bulging and twisted veins (mostly on the legs) which can look like cords

In case of severe varicose veins, you may develop these symptoms:

  • Aching in the legs
  • Heaviness in the legs; especially after some exercise
  • Discoloration of the skin (turning brown or blue)around the varicose vein
  • Swollen legs and ankles
  • Muscle cramps while standing up suddenly
  • Heaviness after standing or sitting for a long period
  • Varicose veins may lead to spider veins
  • Lipodermatosclerosis –Skin fat above your ankle may become hard causing the skin to become thin
  • Significant bleeding in the veins
  • Ulcers around the ankles

How do Varicose Veins Occur?

There is a complex network of veins running through the human body — the arteries transport blood from the heart to the tissues. The veins then return blood to your heart for blood recirculation. The veins in your legs act against gravity to return the blood to the heart.

However, when veins don’t function properly, symptoms of varicose veins occur. Weak or damaged valves in the veins affect healthy blood flow. Rather than flowing towards your heart, blood begins to accumulate in the veins. As a result, the veins enlarge.

The circulation network in your legs is more likely to experience varicose veins as they are the farthest from the heart. Because of gravity, it becomes harder for the blood to flow in an upward direction.

  • There is a genetic predisposition to develop veins. 60-70% of patients with varicose veins have a family history of veins more frequent on the mother’s side.
  • Varicose veins are more common in women than men; pregnancy and menopause can cause varicose veins
  • Overweight or obsess people have a higher risk of varicose veins
  • With aging your vein valves become weak due to wear and tear, thereby making you prone to varicose veins
  • Standing for too long also dilates the veins.

Diagnosis

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For diagnosis, the doctor physically examines your legs as you stand. Your doctor may inquire about the symptoms, such as aching or heavy feeling in the legs.

Also, your doctor may conduct an ultrasound to identify any abnormality in the functioning of the vein valves. He may find some evidence of obstruction, such as a blood clot in the vein.

For further examination, the radiologist may perform a venogram on your legs. During the procedure, a special type of dye is injected in the affected leg and X-rays are taken. A more modern and effective test is called a MRV (Magnetic Resonance of the Veins) usually reserve for deep venous systems or complicated cases.

Treatments for Varicose Veins

best-treatment-varicose-veins-nyc-03Adopting a healthy lifestyle and tweaking some habits can help you prevent varicose veins. For instance, daily exercise can improve blood circulation. A healthy diet helps to maintain a healthy weight, thereby reducing your chances of forming varicose veins.

If your job requires you to stand for long periods, consider taking breaks. You may walk around or sit for some time. More important the doctor may also advise you to wear compression socks or stockings. However, if the varicose veins become worse and cause pain, you may have to undergo treatment.

Sclerotherapy

painless-sclerotherapy-vein-treatment-04During the sclerotherapy procedure, the doctor injects a solution or foam in small or medium sized varicose veins. The foam scars the varicose veins and closes them. The doctor may repeat the procedure on the same or other veins.

The treated area will bruise and the veins will fade away within a few weeks. Sclerotherapy is a painless procedure and does not require anesthesia. Sclerotherapy is an effective treatment for small and medium size varicose veins if properly performed.

Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)

This procedure was developed and patented at The Vein Treatment Center © by vein treatment pioneer Dr. Luis Navarro.

In the office under local anesthesia a small laser fiber is introduced into the vein and with laser energy, the vein is closed. The procedure takes around 25 minutes, bandages applied, and patient can resume their normal activities within the same or next day.

This procedure is often combined with a Mini-Phlebectomy of the small branches. Afterwards, Sclerotherapy is used to remove the remaining spider veins.

Mini-Phlebectomy

mini-phlebectomy-vein-treatment-nyc-05This is procedure to removed small or medium sized veins, or so called perforators.

Under local anesthesia, through tiny incisions, and with small hooks, the veins are removed. The procedure takes around 20 minutes, dressings are applied, and the patient may resume normal activities the same day.

Vein Ligation and Stripping

Almost abandoned since the development of Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLT) by Dr. Luis Navarro, chief vascular doctor at The Vein Treatment Center ©.

In the hospital, under general anesthesia, an incision is made at the groin, and the main vein is disconnected in the deep system. Through another incision at the ankle or knee, a wire is passed through the vein and up to the groin, and the vein is stripped.

The patient is given anesthesia before the treatment. The surgeon marks incisions in the skin, cuts the enlarged vein, and then removes it. The procedure may causes bleeding, bruising, and pain. However, a patient will recover in 3-4 weeks post-surgery.

Varicose Veins: Contact The Vein Treatment Center ©

Even if you don’t feel pain, but enlarged veins are visible, you should see a vein doctor. In severe cases such as swollen and bulging leg veins, you might need to undergo a minimally invasive procedure. For painless sclerotherapy, EVLA, mini-plebectomy, or laser therapy for veins, contact the Vein Treatment Center © and schedule an appointment with the best vascular specialists in NYC.

The Vein Treatment Center ©
327 East 65th Street
New York, NY 10065
212-249-6117

Our Most Popular Vein Treatments:
Painless Sclerotherapy
Foam Sclerotherapy
Endovenous Laser Ablation
Ultrasound
Mini-Phlebectomy
Laser Therapy

Spider Vein Treatment: What You Should Know

spider-veins-picture-description-causes-treatments-nyc-05Do you need spider vein treatment? Perhaps you want to get rid of the spider veins that have appeared on your legs. The small bluish-purple vessels, i.e., the spider veins, on your legs not only affect your appearance but may also cause discomfort.

Spider veins are faulty veins smaller in size as compared to varicose veins. They may look blue, purple, or red. Spider veins are visible through the skin and may appear as thin webs or lines. For this reason, spider veins are also referred to as thread veins.

Symptoms

Both the spider veins and varicose veins may be forms of a venous disorder or venous insufficiency. Both conditions are likely to affect your leg veins more than the other veins in the body. Varicose veins are due to damaged valves in your large veins. Resulting in an increase venous pressure which may cause spider veins.

Other than their appearance, spider veins may cause slight discomfort, but not pain or heaviness in the legs.

Causes

Spider Veins on Legs

spider-vein-treatment-before-after-photos-pics-01Faulty veins are the main culprit for both varicose and spider veins. When the valves inside your veins stop working normally, spider veins can occur on superficial capillaries due to increased venous pressure. Veins are responsible for returning blood to the heart.

When the blood passes through a vein, the one-way valve inside the veins closes. The valve helps prevent blood from flowing in the wrong direction.

However, when this valve gets damaged, it becomes harder for the blood to flow in an upward direction. Thus, veins start collecting blood and over time, this can result in a venous bulge under the skin, varicose veins, and an increase in venous pressure resulting spider veins.

Spider veins, many times may occur without varicose veins as a result of hormones or congenital factors.

Spider Veins on the Face

spider-veins-face-treatment-before-after-treatment-02The sun’s ultraviolet rays damage blood vessels. When the tiny blood vessels running through your face burst, it may result in spider veins. Increased pressure on the face, such as due to vomiting, coughing, or sneezing, may also cause spider veins.

Causes that make you more susceptible to spider veins:

  • Your gender –women are more likely to have spider veins than men
  • The hormonal impact of puberty, pregnancy, and menopause
  • Also, the use of birth control pills or hormonal menopause treatments which weaken the vein
  • Advancing age causes the vein valves and skin to lose elasticity and get weaker
  • Damaged veins from previous blood clots can also affect the working of vein valve
  • Standing or sitting for a prolonged period makes the veins work harder to pump blood
  • 90% of people inherit spider veins from their family

Spider Vein Treatment

While spider veins are painless, you may wish to have them removed for cosmetic reasons.

Sclerotherapy

sclerotherapy-spider-vein-treatment-doctor-04Sclerotherapy is the most effective treatment for spider veins for the legs and face. It does not require anesthesia and can be performed in the surgeon’s office. During the procedure, the surgeon injects an irritant into the affected vein.

Sclerotherapy irritates the walls of the veins, causing them to stick together and eventually shrink and disappear.

For the best results, you may need several treatments. Your doctor may recommend wearing compression stockings for a few days after treatment. Spider veins will gradually disappear in 4 to 6 weeks.

Laser Treatment

You may visit a surgeon or dermatologist for laser treatment for your spider veins. During the process, the doctor directs the laser light at the spider veins to close them. Laser treatment is effective for for spider veins on the face smaller than 3 mm.

Usually laser treatment is not effective for spider veins on the legs, due to characteristics of the skin and the spider vein per se.

Laser Sclerotherapy

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Laser Sclerotherapy is a combination of Sclerotherapy followed by laser at the same time. This combination enhances the Sclerotherapy treatment for faster results.

Final Thoughts On Spider Vein Treatment & Causes

Spider veins are harmless, but you may want them removed from your legs or face for cosmetic reasons. Whether sclerotherapy, laser treatment, or a combination is needed for your treatment, The Vein Treatment Center can offer you all treatment modalities. 

Contact us today and book an appointment with the best vascular surgeon in NYC.

The Vein Treatment Center
327 East 65th Street
New York, NY 10065

212-249-6117

office@veintreatmentcenter.com