L.A. Vein Center

Varicose Veins

Veins are the vessels that return blood to the heart once it has circulated through the body (as opposed to arteries, which carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the body). They have one-way valves that help keep blood flowing in the proper direction. If these valves stop functioning the way they are supposed to, blood can flow backwards and pool in the vein, causing it to stretch. Spider Veins Vs. Varicose Veins Unlike spider veins, which are primarily superficial, varicose veins develop in deeper tissues. Varicose veins are swollen, dark blue or purple blood vessels that you can see and feel beneath the skin. The vessels that develop are larger and therefore more prominent when problems occur and form when the valves within a vein weaken and allow some blood to flow backward. The vein weakens under the additional strain and balloons outward, bulging under the skin surface. This venous disease is characterized by twisted cords of veins that bulge above the skin’s surface. Common areas in which varicose veins occur include the calves and thighs. How Common Are Varicose Veins? As much as 55% of American women develop varicose veins, but men may experience this problem, as well. According to research, up to 45% of men in our country struggle with some type of problematic vein issue in their lifetime. Patients with varicose veins may develop aching, throbbing, cramping, itching, ulcers and other symptoms that may indicate a need for medical attention. If you are experiencing these issues, please call L.A. Vein Center at (818) 325-0400 today. See What Our Patients Are Saying! “I had varicose and spider veins for a long time and they were finally causing some circulation problems. My general practitioner recommended to L.A. Vein Center and Dr. Lee. I’m very glad he recommended to L.A. Vein Center. My experience was very pleasant. The staff was extremely friendly and most of all, Dr. Lee did a great job with the surgery. I would recommend this place to anyone that needs checkups concerning their veins.” – M.S., Porter Ranch, CA To read more patient testimonials, click here! *Individual results may vary Causes And Risks Factors Of Varicose Veins While varicose veins can affect nearly anyone, they tend to occur more often in patients possessing certain risk factors, including: Older age- 50 percent of women over the age of fifty have varicose veins. Genetics- Approximately 50 percent of patients with report that a close family member also has this condition. Hormones- Fluctuating levels of progesterone and estrogen have been identified as a primary factor in the formation of varicose veins in women. Pregnancy- In addition to the hormonal changes during pregnancy, varicose veins may develop due to increased venous pressure from the growing uterus. Obesity- Excessive weight may also place excessive pressure on vessels, leading to valve weakness. Prolonged standing or sitting- Circulation is promoted by movement. When we sit or stand for too long, blood may more easily pool in the lower extremities. Lack of physical activity Many patients bothered by their symptoms and appearance, and therefore seek treatment. Visit L.A. Vein Center in Los Angeles, California to see a specialist and begin your varicose vein treatment. Varicose Veins And Blood Flow If you notice one or more bulging veins on your legs or another area, this is an indication that valve damage has occurred to that vessel. Veins transport blood and nutrients throughout the body, and then back to the heart. Muscle contractions in the legs help to progress the upward movement of blood against gravitational forces. To keep blood moving in the right direction, veins have one-way flaps called valves. Weakness in a valve allows blood to accumulate, causing the vein to swell. What Are The Symptoms Of Varicose Veins? The primary indicator of varicose veins is the obvious appearance of bulging vessels. Additional symptoms include: Restless legs A sensation of “heaviness” Swelling Cramping, throbbing, or aching pain that worsens with inactivity Itching Skin discoloration (in severe cases) Generally, varicose veins do not pose a serious health threat. However, certain conditions may result from untreated venous insufficiency, including bleeding, skin ulceration, superficial blood clotting, or deep vein thrombosis, or deeper clots. Dr. Lee may examine using ultrasound in order to assess the risk for any of these concerns. How Are Varicose Veins Diagnosed? Your doctor can usually diagnose varicose veins after a physical examination of the affected area. Additional testing may also be performed, such as an ultrasound to evaluate the structure and blood flow within the veins.

Video: Varicose Veins

Spider Vein Treatment

Approximately half of the women in America struggle with the appearance of spider veins. However, this problem is not experienced by just women; up to 45% of all men develop vein diseases like spider veins or varicose veins. Spider veins are those localized clusters of purple, red, and blue veins that sit just beneath the skin. Medically known as telangiectasia, is the “branching,” jagged appearance of veins, similar to webbing, hence being called spider veins. Spider veins can be problematic because they often develop on highly visible areas, such as the face or the legs. Additionally, many people notice that they seem to spread exponentially over the years, eventually covering larger areas. This is where a vascular doctor, such as Dr.Lee can help! What Causes Spider Veins? The reason that spider veins develop is because blood backs up in a localized area. This is why we often see this problem in the lower extremities. Weakness in the vascular valves enables blood to pool in certain vessels. When this accumulation of blood occurs in smaller, superficial veins, we see the discolored webbing of the veins on the surface. Causes of spider veins include: Prolonged sitting or standing on a regular basis, such as for work Genetic makeup Excess weight Pregnancy and other conditions that affect hormonal balance Sun exposure No special diagnostic testing is typically necessary to identify spider veins. A physical examination and observation of the skin usually leads to an accurate diagnosis. However, diagnostic ultrasound may be recommended if a more extensive condition is suspected. The presence of spider veins can be quite frustrating. Rather than hide your legs, we invite you to explore your treatment options at Los Angeles Vein Center in Sherman Oaks. Our team has the training and experience to remove your spider veins. What Treatment Is Available For Spider Veins? Modern treatment for spider veins typically involves minimally-invasive techniques that achieve outstanding results without downtime or discomfort. Sclerotherapy For Spider Veins The most common procedure used to eliminate spider veins is sclerotherapy. The non-surgical treatment promotes vein closure by introducing a medicated substance into these vessels. Using a tiny needle, Dr. Lee injects the sclerosing agent into superficial vessels in a short office visit. As the substance comes into contact with vessel walls, controlled damage occurs and the vein gradually closes. Over time, these veins become less noticeable until, ultimately, they disappear. Depending on the extent of the problem, multiple sessions may be scheduled. Laser Therapy For Spider Veins Patients of Dr. Lee may elect to have spider veins removed with a combination of sclerotherapy and laser treatment. Our experience with this approach has demonstrated superior aesthetic results in a shorter, more comfortable treatment plan. Because spider veins are largely a cosmetic issue, it is uncommon for treatment to be covered by insurance. The rare exception is when a vein has begun to bleed. In such instances, insurance will likely cover treatment of the bleeding vein, but not others. Who Typically Gets Spider Veins Unlike varicose veins, which largely affect women, spider veins may develop in both sexes. Still, women are more prone to this condition than men. Family history of vein diseases may also increase a person’s risk of developing visible veins on the face or legs. The risk factors for spider vein development are similar to those associated with varicose veins. Hormonal changes from birth control, pregnancy, and menopause all correlate to the development of these clusters of veins. Lifestyle factors such as sitting and/or standing for long periods of time are also involved in overall risk. Can Spider Veins Cause Leg Swelling Or Pain? In most cases, symptoms related to spider veins revolve around appearance. The discoloration and webbed matrix of superficial veins is usually difficult to disguise. In some cases, patients have reported feeling sensations such as swelling, burning, itching, or aching stemming from spider veins. Can Anyone Undergo Treatment? Sclerotherapy is a reliable treatment option for spider veins in most cases. Ideal candidates are adults aged 30-60 who are in good general health. Pregnant women and nursing mothers need to postpone treatment until 3-months after breastfeeding has stopped. It is important to have realistic expectations of the results that are possible with sclerotherapy. We discuss these in detail during your consultation with our friendly staff.

Video: Spider Vein Treatment

Sclerotherapy

We always think of lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin as the signs of aging. But don’t forget about those tiny clusters of red, purple, and blue squiggly lines on our thighs, calves, and ankles. It’s from their resemblance to a web that they get their name — spider veins. Most spider veins aren’t painful, except in the way they make you feel when you put on shorts or a bathing suit. They are another unfortunate byproduct of getting older. Dr. Lee can get rid of those spider veins and small varicose veins with Sclerotherapy here at L.A. Vein Center. What Is Sclerotherapy? Sclerotherapy has been the most effective method for removing spider veins for nearly a century. It’s true. Sclerotherapy was first developed in the 1930s specifically to treat and erase spider veins. It involves injecting a tiny amount of usually saline solution into the vein. This irritates the vein wall and it closes off. The body then scavenges and removes what’s left over the next few weeks. Dr. Lee has extensive experience with spider veins, and she feels sclerotherapy is the best solution to remove them. In some cases, a combination of sclerotherapy and laser energy is used. What Are Spider Veins? Spider veins are small superficial clusters of veins that are close to the skin surface. Because they are carrying dark, de-oxygenated blood, they are visible on the skin surface. They are common in women as they age. There is a genetic component to developing spider veins, as well. What Are Varicose Veins? Varicose veins are larger than spider veins. They tend to develop as a single vein, rather than the clusters of spider veins. Varicose veins can be large enough that they will push up the skin, creating a raised path on the surface. If you’ve ever seen a mole’s pathway through a Midwest lawn, that’s what varicose veins resemble on the surface skin of the legs. Varicose veins can sometimes be painful. They often are aided in their development by occupations that require the person to be on their feet for long periods of time. What Causes Spider Veins And Varicose Veins? As we age, everything on our body seems to slacken and become a little weaker. In our legs, this matters for de-oxygenated blood that is returning to the heart through our veins. The veins have to fight gravity the entire way, and they rely on the muscles and tissues in the legs to help push the blood upward. With age, the leg tissues and muscles, as well as the vein walls themselves, can become less rigid. Plus, the veins have valves in them to prevent backflow, and these can begin to malfunction. The result of all of these factors is that blood can pool in places, usually near the valves. When this happens, veins near the skin surface can become visible. The smaller, clustered veins are spider veins. The larger veins that can even push up the skin surface are known as varicose veins. Am I A Candidate For Sclerotherapy? Sclerotherapy is a simple procedure. It takes just a few minutes for Dr. Lee to treat a series of veins. If you have unsightly spider veins, there aren’t really any restrictions on these procedures. Reactions to the sclerosant are virtually nonexistent. Sclerotherapy does not work on larger varicose veins, the veins that push the skin upward. Too much sclerosant would be required. These veins must be treated with laser or radiofrequency ablation or with manual vein stripping. What Are The Benefits Of Sclerotherapy? The benefit of sclerotherapy is that you can say goodbye to those unsightly clusters of purple, red, and blue veins on your ankles and calves. Once Dr. Lee injects the veins, they initially diminish dramatically, fully going away in a few weeks as your body scavenges the closed off veins. You’ll love how your legs look. What Do I Need To Know Before My Sclerotherapy Session? No. These are simple treatments that take just a few minutes. You should have in mind which spider veins you’d like to target, but that’s about it. What Does The Sclerotherapy Procedure Process Look Like? Dr. Lee uses a very fine needle to inject the sclerosant solution, consisting of either hypertonic saline or sodium tetradecyl sulphate, directly into the vein or the area of the spider vein cluster. This solution irritates the vein wall, causing it to collapse and close off the vein. This instantly diminishes the appearance of the vein. Over the next few weeks any remaining signs vanish as the body absorbs the now-unused vein. Any blood that was routed through the vein is instantly rerouted to an adjacent, healthy vein. It takes just a few minutes for Dr. Lee to treat a number of spider veins.

Liposuction

Dr. Lee is proud to provide liposuction weight loss surgery in Los Angeles to help you achieve a slimmer and more toned body. Liposuction is a minimally invasive weight loss procedure that suctions localized fat cells from the body to slim and smooth stubborn areas that have been unresponsive to traditional weight loss techniques such as diet and exercise. This procedure has successfully helped patients achieve an enhanced appearance for many years. Although effective, the conventional liposuction procedure was often painful and involved long recovery times. New technology has allowed for different liposuction techniques that improve the accuracy and reduce the pain associated with this procedure. Today, liposuction can be performed using the tumescent technique or with the help of ultrasound imaging or a laser, which has transformed liposuction into a much safer and less invasive procedure. “I had a fantastic experience at Dr. Lee’s office when I had my liposuction procedure done. Her office staff makes you feel at ease when you arrive. Dr. Lee and her staff are extremely knowledgeable, attentive and thorough before, during and after the procedure. Dr Lee called me after the procedure to check in with me to make sure I was doing okay. I would recommend her to any of my friends and family. I’m very happy that she helped make my “problem” areas disappear! Thank you Dr. Lee.” *Individual results may vary – K.S. Los Angeles, CA Who Is A Candidate For Liposuction? Liposuction is ideal for patients who are in good overall health and maintain a healthy lifestyle but have one or more problem areas with unresponsive fat deposits. It is important to realize that liposuction is not a means for major weight loss, but instead removes localized areas of stubborn fat after the patient has attempted other natural weight loss methods. What Areas Of The Body Can Be Treated With Liposuction? Liposuction can be used to remove unwanted areas of localized fat from nearly any area of the body, and is most commonly used on the: Stomach Arms Back Hips Knees Love handles Saddlebags Neck Chin Thighs In many cases, more than one area can be treated during the same procedure in order to reduce operating costs and recovery times. Your doctor will develop an individualized treatment plan for you during your initial consultation. What Happens During The Liposuction Procedure? Liposuction is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. In most cases, a tumescent technique is used to help patients achieve their desired results through a much less invasive procedure. Ultrasound-assisted or laser liposuction techniques may also be used, depending on the amount of fat to be removed and the patient’s age and overall health. During the procedure, several tiny incisions will be made while saline and a local anesthetic are injected into the area to expand and firm the fat, making it easier to remove. A small, thin tube called a cannula is then inserted through the incisions to suction out the fat. No stitches are needed after liposuction since the incisions are small enough to heal on their own. The entire procedure usually lasts from one to three hours, depending on the amount of fat being removed. How Long Does Recovery Take For Weight Loss Surgery? After the liposuction procedure, patients will be able to return to work and other regular activities as soon as they feel comfortable, which is usually after a few days. Exercise and other strenuous activities should be avoided for a few weeks. It is not uncommon to experience mild swelling, bruising and discomfort in the treated area, which can be reduced through pain medication and the use of compression garments. Your doctor may also place drainage tubes in the area to collect any fluid for the first few days after treatment. When Will Results Be Visible? The results from the liposuction procedure are often visible right away but will continue to improve as swelling and bruising subside. Results may appear gradually over a period of several months. Scars usually heal well and will fade with time to become less and less noticeable. The results of liposuction can be permanent as long as patients maintain a healthy and active life. If substantial weight is gained after this procedure, results may be altered.

Video: Liposuction

Dermal Fillers & Injectables

With the ever-increasing number of injectables on the market, patients can get confused about the differences between the different brand names. While they may not agree on the way to best do it, injectables all have the same goal — to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, creases, and folds; to replace areas that have lost volume, such as the cheeks; and to plump or fill out the lips. To make it simple, you can really break injectables into two categories, neuromodulators and dermal fillers. What Is A Neuromodulator? The word neuromodulator is a fancy word for muscle tamer. Neuromodulators are made with the botulinum toxin, the same bacteria that cause botulism. Decades ago in Los Angeles, scientists found that when used in very minute amounts, the botulinum toxin can temporarily cause a muscle to stop contracting. And since certain muscle contractions cause wrinkles — think crow’s feet and lines between your eyebrows — why not use the something to stop those contractions? Xeomin and Dysport are both neuromodulators. What Is A Dermal Filler? Dermal fillers are true to their name; they fill the wrinkle or crease, or add volume, from beneath. When injected beneath a wrinkle, dermal fillers plump that area, pushing the skin upward and removing the wrinkle, depression, or fold. What Are The Different Types Of Dermal Fillers? You can break dermal fillers into two primary groups: synthetic and natural. Naturally derived fillers are the most popular fillers worldwide with brands such as Restylane. Most are based in a naturally occurring substance known as hyaluronic acid. In the body hyaluronic acid is tasked with plumping, hydrating, and firming the skin. It does this by binding with water molecules under the skin surface. At L.A. Vein Center in Los Angeles, we offer dermal fillers and injectables to address different areas of the face. Belotero lasts from six months to one year. Synthetic fillers are made from different materials with the goal of adding structure under the skin for support. Some of them also trigger the body to produce more collagen in the injection area. Also at L.A. Vein Center in Los Angeles we offer the synthetic filler Radiesse, which is composed of calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres suspended in a water-based gel. The calcium microspheres and gel instantly provide plumping of the wrinkle or crease, plus results continue to improve as the body builds more collagen in the area. Radiesse results last a year and sometimes longer. Other fillers are deemed “semi-permanent” and have longer life spans. What Are The Risks With Dermal Fillers? Risks with all injectables come down to basically two things: allergic reactions and migration or lumping. Because hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the human body, allergic reactions are rare. Synthetic fillers can be more prone to allergic reactions in the patient. Otherwise, the real risk with dermal fillers is injection into the wrong location. This can allow the filler to migrate to an unwanted area where it can be seen; or the filler can form a lump, which can also be seen where it pushes up the skin. This is an advantage of hyaluronic acid fillers because their effects can be reversed with a simple injection of an enzyme in case the filler has moved. In any case, these risks are rare, and are usually the result of an inexperienced injector. That’s why it’s paramount to trust only an experienced injector such as Dr. Lee and the team at our Los Angeles clinic with any injectables.

Leg Ulcer Treatment

What Are Leg Ulcers? Leg ulcers can be caused by inadequate blood flow from the arteries or the veins. Inadequate treatment or improper diagnosis could potentially lead to loss of limb. Because of this, the best person to evaluate a leg ulcer is a vascular surgeon such as Dr. Lee who can treat both arteries and veins. Venous Skin Ulcer (Stasis Leg Ulcer) Aside from causing complications with blood flow, conditions of the vascular system can also affect the skin and other systems of the body. Also known as a stasis leg ulcer, a venous skin ulcer is a wound or open sore that appears on the skin when the leg veins do not carry blood back to the heart, a condition known as venous insufficiency. Venous skin ulcers develop on the lower leg as a complication of long-term untreated venous insufficiency, and can cause pain, odor, pus, tenderness and redness. This condition can often be prevented by treating venous insufficiency before venous ulceration occurs. Venous skin ulcers develop on the skin after the blood vessels in the leg and the surrounding tissue break down, leaving a visible wound on the skin. These ulcers are often found above the ankle and below the calf. The skin in the affected area may initially appear dark brown, red or purple and may feel thickened, dry and itchy. Ulcers can eventually develop from this abnormal skin if left alone. What Happens If Leg Ulcers Go Untreated? Patients with untreated venous insufficiency have an increased risk of ulcers forming in areas where blood is building up. In particular, patients who have had deep vein thrombosis and post-thrombotic syndrome are more prone to developing venous ulcers. If left untreated, these wounds may become chronic and seemingly incurable. It is important to treat ulcers as soon as they appear to help facilitate the healing process and prevent infection. How Can Leg Ulcers Be Treated? A venous ulcer can be treated by a multi-modality approach. First, adequate arterial blood supply to heal the ulcer is mandatory. Next, superficial venous insufficiency can be treated with minimally invasive radiofrequency catheter ablation of the abnormal vein causing pooling of blood in the leg. Some people with post-thrombotic syndrome after deep vein thrombosis, have blockages in their deep pelvic veins. These blockages can be opened up with stents during a venogram procedure using intravascular ultrasound in the angiosuite. In addition, the wounds may need daily or weekly wound care and compression therapy until they heal. Dr. Lee’s extensive experience and training in both arterial and venous disease can help diagnose your condition and determine the best treatment option for you.

Venaseal™ Vein Closure

What Is The VenaSeal™ Closure System? The VenaSeal™ closure system is the only non-thermal, non-tumescent, non-sclerosant procedure approved for use in the U.S. that uses an advanced formulated medical adhesive that closes the diseased vein. What Does VenaSeal™ Treat? The VenaSeal™ closure system treats symptomatic venous reflux disease in the lower extremity superficial venous system, often the underlying cause of painful varicose veins. How Does Venaseal™ Vein Closure Work? During the procedure, a trained clinician fills a syringe with the medical adhesive, which is inserted into the VenaSeal™ closure system’s dispensing gun that is attached to a catheter. The catheter is advanced into the diseased vein under ultrasound guidance. The catheter is placed in specific areas along the diseased vein and the clinician conducts a series of trigger pulls to deliver the medical adhesive. Compression is applied to the leg during the procedure. Is There Clinical Data To Support The Use Of The VenaSeal™ Closure System? The VenaSeal™ closure system has been shown to be effective in three clinical studies, with demonstrated safety and high closure rates.3,4,5,7,8 Closure rates in the first in human trial were 92 percent at 12 and 24 months, respectively.3,4 Results from the European Sapheon Closure System Observational ProspectivE (eSCOPE) study published in the Journal of Vascular Surgery demonstrate a cumulative closure rate of 92.9 percent and improvement in quality of life scores at 12 months.5 The twelve month results of the VeClose pivotal study demonstrates safety and efficacy of the VenaSeal™ procedure with demonstrated closure rates of 97.2 percent.8 How Does The VenaSeal™ Procedure Differ From Thermal Energy Procedures? The VenaSeal™ closure system uses an adhesive to close the vein. Thermal energy uses heat to close the vein. The intense heat requires a large volume of dilute numbing medicine, which is injected through multiple needle sticks. How Quickly Can Patients Return To Normal Activities Post Procedure? The VenaSeal™ closure system procedure is designed to minimize patient discomfort and reduce recovery time. After the procedure, a small bandage will be placed at the access site. Patients are able to rapidly return to normal activities.5 Additionally, patients have reported minimal bruising following the VenaSeal™ closure system procedure.8 Is Treatment With The VenaSeal™ Closure System Suitable For Everyone? The VenaSeal™ closure system should not be used in patients who have a known hypersensitivity to the VenaSeal™ closure system’s adhesive, acute inflammation of the veins due to blood clots, or acute whole-body infection. Are There Any Risks Involved Using VenaSeal™ Adverse events observed in the VenaSeal procedure trials—and generally associated with treatments of this condition—included temporary vein inflammation (phlebitis) and temporary burning or tingling (paresthesia) in the treatment zone. A vein specialist can tell you if the VenaSeal™ closure system is the right option for your situation. What Happens To The Treated Vein Left Behind In The Leg? Don’t I Need It? Faulty valves interfere with the normal return of blood through the venous system. Closing these diseased veins helps to re-route the blood through nearby veins, improving circulation and relieving most symptoms. The adhesive was designed to remain permanently in the GSV and is eventually encapsulated by chronic fibrotic growth for vein closure.13 Schedule Your Consultation Today! For more information on Venaseal™ vein closure or to schedule your consultation, give L.A. Vein Center a call today at (818) 325-0400

Video: Venaseal™ Vein Closure