Vein Therapy

Vein Therapy FAQ

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How does CoolGlide Vein Therapy work?

CoolGlide systems deliver pulses of light energy which cause the blood within the vein to coagulate, eventually destroying the vessel which is later reabsorbed by your body. Blood flow will then be redirected to veins deeper below your skin, where it should be.

Who can be treated with CoolGlide systems?

CoolGlide laser systems feature a unique design and long wavelength that allow them to treat patients of all skin tones. Your physician will advise you if CoolGlide Vein Therapy is right for you.

What types of veins can be treated?

CoolGlide systems can remove unsightly veins from all parts of the body. Small, facial veins (or "telangiectasia") can be treated quickly without bruising or complication. Spider veins and large blue leg veins can also be treated with excellent results. Knotty varicose veins are not good candidates. A careful evaluation with your physician will help you determine which vessels can be treated and the best course of vein therapy treatment.

How does this compare to Sclerotherapy?

Your doctor will advise you on the best course of action, but many physicians and patients prefer CoolGlide Vein Therapy because there are no painful injections.

What about blood blisters and port wine stains?

Blood blisters or "hemangiomas" respond very well to CoolGlide Vein Therapy, usually with just one treatment. Patients with port wine stains and other vascular lesions who had given up on finding a solution have been overwhelmed by the success of their CoolGlide vascular treatments. Consult your physician for a thorough evaluation.

How many vein therapy treatments will I need?

Often, patients find that one or two treatments are suffcient. However, the number of vein therapy treatments necessary depends on the number, color and size of the vessels being treated. Since individual results vary, ask you medical professional about your specific condition.

Do vein therapy treatments hurt?

Most patients experience a stinging sensation as the pulses of energy are delivered through the handpiece. Although no local anesthesia or pain medication is typically required, many patients opt to use a topical anesthetic prior to treatment. Following a vein therapy treatment, the pain is minimal to nonexistent.

What happens after the vein therapy treatment?

Following your vein therapy treatment, some redness or bruising may occur. When larger veins are treated, a tan or brownish pigment may persist for a few weeks or months following treatment. Patients who have leg vein treatments may be advised to wear support hose for a short period of time.

What are the possible side effects of vein therapy?

Although many patients report few if any side effects, those most commonly noticed are slight reddening and local swelling of the skin. These effects typically last for less than 24 hours. some patients may experience bruising and in rare instances, blistering may occur. Consult with your medical professional for complete infomation on the benefits and risks of vein therapy.

Are there any restrictions on my activity after treatment?

Patients generally resume most normal activities immediately. However, it is recommended that you avoid vigorous activities such as strenuous exercise for the first 24 hours after the vein therapy treatment. The use of sunscreen is recommended on any treated areas exposed to the sun. As always, it is a good idea to limit you sun exposure.

When will I see results?

Most patients find the majority of the treated veins have shown significant improvement within two to six weeks after vein therapy. However, your final results may not be apparent for several months. Over time, it is possible for new veins to appear, but these too can be removed with the CoolGlide Laser system.

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