Spider Vein Removal

Spider Veins/Telangiectasias – Treatment With RFA What & How?
Spider veins, medically known as telangiectasia, are characterised as tiny, intricate bursts of deep red or purple spider webs that most commonly appear on the nose, cheeks, thighs, knees, calves, ankles and feet. Although considered medically harmless, many people will suffer from these abnormal leg veins by the time they reach the age of 28 to 80. There are contributing factors for their development including age, hereditary, lifestyle and diet. RFA is a non-surgical, non-invasive procedure used to eliminate superficial spider veins close to the surface of the skin.

What is radio frequency ablation (RFA)?
Radio frequency ablation – the removal of unwanted veins using radio wave energy/heat.

How does it work?
A high frequency, regulated “microburst” of energy is delivered via a micro probe (0.1mm) to the outer layer of skin targeting the vessels with minimal to no involvement of the skin. This causes thermocoagulation of the vessel which will rapidly collapse and is absorbed into the body. There is minimal to no down time and you can resume all normal activities straight after the treatment.

Spider Veins
Are very fine, of superficial surface extent and typically appear a distinct red or bluish colour. The legs and face are the most commonly afflicted areas for spider veins. They can appear as short unconnected lines, almost like hairs, connected in a ragged tell-tale “starburst” or resemble a spider web in pattern. Mild cases of spider veins are limited and not particularly noticeable, more severe cases can be very apparent.

What are the possible complications of the treatment?
It is a safe procedure with little to no significant complications. There can be some mild discomfort during the procedure. Numbing cream can be applied but is not essential. There may be some mild redness for a few days as the pigmentation from the vessels is removed and some mild inflammation. Vessels larger then 1mm may require more than one treatment to remove them. In the lower limbs there is about a 25% chance of recurrence at close by sites due to deeper larger vessels being dysfunctional but the treated vessels should not return.

Can it treat any other conditions?
Angiomas (little red freckles like lesions) and skin tags can also be treated.

What Does Sclerotherapy Feel Like?
Most clients report mild discomfort with a slight stinging sensation at the site of each application . Numbing cream is not used as it can blanch the skin and hide the spider veins from being seen.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?
RFA sessions depend on the number of spider veins you have, and you may need several sessions for successful treatment. Treating the veins that are in view however they will not stop other spider veins from appearing and therefore maintenance treatments may be required, perhaps once or twice a year. Failure of the procedure - in perhaps 1-2 people in every 100, the vein being treated doesn't completely obliterate following RFA. The procedure can be repeated if necessary.

AFTER CARE INSTRUCTIONS
The treated sites will appear bruised, slight Erythema, redness and you may feel slight warming sensation for the first day or two after the treatment. This discomfort is temporary and usually doesn’t require prescription medication.