Spider Vein Treatments: Sclerotherapy Versus AFT Laser Therapy

There are two popular Houston varicose vein treatments available for men and women that want to get rid of the visible blood vessels that are just below the skin that are commonly found on the legs and the face. Sclerotherapy and AFT laser treatments are the common procedures plastic surgeons use to get rid of spider veins. They can either be done independently or a combination of the two. How many treatments are needed vary on the person and will be discussed along with the price during consultation.

First, Sclerotherapy is performed by injecting a liquid agent directly into the veins so that it collapses. Men and women with medium to large spider veins are recommended because the needle needs to be able to fit into them. The needle that is used is tiny and people experience minimal to no discomfort. Of course, there are people that are extremely uncomfortable with needles and would not even consider this option even though it has a proven track record at successfully getting rid of spider veins.

The second option is AFT laser treatments. This procedure is done by applying a laser to the skin directly above the spider veins. The laser energy causes the veins to coagulate and shrink. People with small and medium spider veins see better results with this method. Men and women with large spider veins are encouraged to choose sclerotherapy.

Spider veins do not disappear as soon as they are treated. Both sclerotherapy and AFT laser treatments take a few weeks for full results. Multiple treatments are commonly needed and are spaced one to three months apart. Since both methods are successful, it is often up to the size of the veins and how comfortable the patient is with needles. Luckily, choosing an experienced plastic surgeon will help having minimal discomfort throughout the treatment process.

The Houston plastic surgeons at MD Aesthetics Plastic Surgical Center are experts in the disciplines of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery in Houston.  In addition to providing their patients with spider vein treatments, Makeover for Moms and SmartLipo laser liposuction, they are leaders in the TRAM flap procedure for Houston breast reconstruction and breast augmentation Houston.