Seattle Dermatologist Offers Sclerotherapy Treatments for Patients with Leg Veins
Online, February 18, 2014 (Newswire.com) - Varicose and spider veins are damaged, swollen veins which are visible through the skin. Although these veins can be found on other areas of the body, they most commonly appear on the legs. These veins often like bulging, twisted cords, and are commonly colored blue or red. Although leg veins are fairly common concerns, they can often be painful, as well as embarrassing.
Fortunately, Dr. Jennifer Reichel, director of Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center in Seattle, says that there are effective treatments available for this condition. "I did extensive training on leg vein treatments in my cosmetic fellowship," says Dr. Reichel, "In my experience, treating hundreds of patients; sclerotherapy remains the gold standard treatment for small red vessels on the legs. I have used many lasers on leg veins, and have not found one that works as well as sclerotherapy."
Leg veins can be caused by a variety of factors. Some factors include increased age, pregnancy, changes in hormones, overexposure to the sun, and obesity. Genetics can also play a role in the condition, since the vast majority of patients with leg veins also have family members with the condition.
Dr. Reichel explains that, during a sclerotherapy procedure, a salt solution will be injected with a fine needle into a targeted vein. Multiple veins can be treated in the same session as well. The salt solution will cause damaged veins to collapse, and shrink so they will become far less visible. "I use very fine needles, and am able to inject even into the smallest of 'matting' vessels," says Dr. Reichel.
Sclerotherapy usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes to complete, depending on the size and location of the veins being treated. Although sclerotherapy has been used to treat leg veins for many years, there are possible side-effects associated with the procedure, including bruising or itchiness. Fortunately, these side-effects are temporary. Patients who are pregnant are not considered good candidates for the procedure.
"Sclerotherapy almost always takes more than one treatment to complete," says Dr. Reichel, "I like to space the treatments at least 4 weeks apart, but you can space them more than that. Sometimes it may feel like we are chasing the vessels around, as matting does occur when you treat larger vessels. However, if you are persistent, and have a really good injector, sclerotherapy is the best option."
Interested parties are encouraged to schedule a sclerotherapy consultation with Dr. Reichel at 206.859.5777, or http://www.pacificdermcenter.com.
About Dr. Reichel
Dr. Jennifer Reichel is the founder and director of Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center in Seattle. As a board certified dermatologist, Dr. Reichel has advanced fellowship training in Mohs micrographic skin cancer surgery, liposuction, facial rejuvenation, eyelid lifts, BOTOX®, tissue fillers and lasers. Dr. Reichel is also fully trained in leg vein treatment.
After attending the University of Colorado for both her undergraduate degree and her doctorate of medicine, she then underwent residency training in dermatology at the University of Washington. This was followed by a postgraduate fellowship in Mohs micrographic skin cancer surgery and cosmetic surgery.
Dr. Reichel is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), The American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS), the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS), the Women's Dermatologic Society (WDS), and the Seattle and Washington Dermatologic Societies.
Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center can be reached at (206) 859-5777 or http://www.pacificdermcenter.com.
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