Vein Treatments

Vein Treatments in the Forever Young, San Ramon Office

Dr. Basile has many years of experience treating veins. Dr. Basile purchased the first Lumenis (then called ESC Sharplan) laser on the entire west coast in 1998. The laser was specifically invented to treat larger leg veins (up to 4mm) below the level of the skin, not just the superficial spider veins.

Will I need injections (sclerotherapy) or laser treatments?

For leg veins Dr. Basile recommends a combination of Laser for the larger "feeder veins" and Sclerotherapy (injections) for spider veins. Dr. Basile uses Sotradecol, a "detergent" because it is painless and achieves excellent results with one to two treatments. Asclera will be available in June of 2010 as an alternative to Sotradecol. It has been used extensively in Europe with excellent results as well.

Are the treatments painful?

The laser feels like a warm snap of a rubber band while the sclerosing solutions are painless. There is the obvious sting of the needle breaking the skin.

Is there any downtime after treatment?

None after laser treatments or sclerotherapy. Actually, you will be encouraged to walk immediately after your session. Sclerotherapy of larger varicose veins is followed by the application of compression stockings. Again, you will be encouraged to walk after the treatment to help flush the saline from your leg. There is no downtime for either forms of treatment.

How do you treat spider veins on the face?

These are best treated with a Epilight IPL Photofacial. Cold gel is applied to the area and the laser feels like the snap of a warm rubber band against your skin. Up to three treatments may be needed spaced three weeks apart depending on the extent of the spider veins.

How are veins on the hand removed?

Sclerotherapy followed by compression gloves worn continuously for a few days is the treatment prescribed by Dr. Basile. The gloves are not attractive, so you should factor that into your plans if you do not want to be seen wearing the gloves.

How large a vein can you treat with the laser?

Veins that are up to 4mm wide can be treated with the laser if you choose. Veins larger than 4mm are eliminated with sclerotherapy. Larger veins do require you to wear a compression stocking for a few days.

Do you do Foam Sclerotherapy?

Dr. Basile does not perform foam sclerotherapy as a 2008 report in the New England Journal of Medicine reported a high incidence of embolism (foam particles wandering in the bloodstream) which ended up in the eyes causing scotomas (floaters) and to the brain causing headaches in the patients studied. Dr. Basile feels the risk of complications with foam sclerotherapy is not worth any benefit it may or may not have over saline sclerotherapy.

For more information, visit:
• Botox® Cosmetic
• Restylane® USA
• Radiesse®
• Lumenis®