Today millions of women are bothered by varicose and spider veins of the legs and face. Dr. Taylor can, in a relatively simple procedure, inject these veins with a sclerosing solution, which causes them to collapse and fade from view. The procedure may also remedy the bothersome symptoms associated with these veins, including aching, burning, swelling and night cramps.

Laser or IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatments can also eliminate and shrink spider veins, especially on the face, neck, and upper body. Rosacea patients can have a significant change in their appearance and symptoms with laser or IPL treatments  of the small blood vessels, known as telangiectasias, of the facial regions. Although the laser treatments will destroy or decrease the vessels that are present in some areas, they will not prevent new vessels from coming out in the future. Frequently, not all the vessels in an area can be destroyed, normally, several treatments are needed on an area.

It is possible that an individual might require injections of a sclerosing agent into some vessels and laser or IPL treatment to other vessels, which can be done separately or at the same time. Many patients with large facial vessels will be treated with both injections and a laser or IPL at the same time, while most spider veins of the legs first require injections. In the legs the injections might be followed by laser treatments at a later date.

The best candidates for sclerotherapy are women in the 20 to 60 age group. If you are pregnant or breast feeding, Dr. Taylor will advise you to postpone any sclerotherapy treatment.

Sclerotherapy and laser treatments can enhance your appearance and your self confidence, but it is unrealistic to believe that every vein will disappear completely as a result of treatment. After each session, the veins will appear lighter. Two or three sessions for each leg may be required to achieve optimal results, depending on the size and number of vessels. New veins continue to appear with time, but the process is usually slowed a great deal with sclerotherapy and laser treatments.

Dr. Taylor performs all injection sclerotherapy and laser treatments in his office. The tiny needles that Dr. Taylor uses for sclerotherapy generally cause minimal pain. Topical anesthetic or injections of anesthetic help decrease the stinging from laser treatments. Patients usually have to wear a compression, like an ace wrap, around the treated leg for several days after treatment, but this depends on the severity of the vessels. Injections of the legs normally do not require special wound care. After laser treatments the areas will have bruising and possible blistering for several days. Any blisters will require wound care. Regardless of the method of treatment, the vessels slowly fade. There may be some bruising and discoloration with the treatments, especially where a large vein or group of vessels was destroyed. This light brown discoloration can be permanent, but usually clears even though it might take several days to several months to clear.

The cost of sclerotherapy is usually $279 - 325.00 per treatment session in the legs with most patients requiring 2 to 6 treatment sessions. The treatment of vessels of the face ranges from $450. - $650.00 for small areas and up to $1,500.00 for larger areas. If the face has a lot of vessels, it usually requires 2 to 4 treatments.

Call 210-490-1757 for an appointment to discuss your specific condition and treatment.