Leg vein removal (sclerotherapy) at the Oregon practice of Dr. Peter Goodkin may be right for you. Contact us today.
Peter Goodkin M.D.
9775 SE Sunnyside Road #500
Clackamas, Oregon 97015
P / 503-654-7546
F / 503-786-3542
A member of the ACMMSCO©™
Sclerotherapy (Leg Vein Removal) in Our Oregon Office
Sclerotherapy is the popular technique we use for reducing the unsightly "road map" appearance of enlarged red, purple, and blue spidery blood vessels on the legs. We don’t use this technique for varicose veins, the big, bulging kind. Those larger, often symptomatic vessels require Duplex Doppler Ultrasound analysis and subsequent surgical treatment. The surgical techniques have evolved in recent years. If you'd like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Peter Goodkin regarding sclerotherapy in our northwest Oregon office, contact us today to arrange it.
Commonly asked questions about this popular procedure are as follows:
- How is the sclerotherapy procedure performed?
- What does the procedure feel like?
- How long does the procedure take?
- How will I feel after a sclerotherapy treatment?
- How many treatments are needed?
- How long do the results last?
- How safe is sclerotherapy?
- How soon may I return to my normal routine?
- When do you use a laser?
- How effective are lasers for leg vein removal?
How is the sclerotherapy procedure performed?
Dr. Goodkin uses a tiny needle to inject a solution into the small clusters of spider veins/venulectasias on the legs and thighs. The solution displaces the blood in the blood vessel just long enough for it to irritate the wall of that group of vessels. Once irritated adequately, the vessel closes down and is slowly absorbed by your body.
What does the procedure feel like?
A pin-prick sensation is experienced for each group of vessels treated with sclerotherapy. Since we use brand new, very sharp, very small needles, the sensation is minimal. There is somewhat of a burning sensation when certain solutions are used. The sensation stops as soon as the momentary injection stops.
How long does the procedure take?
The average sclerotherapy session at our Oregon area office lasts about 10–20 minutes.
How will I feel after a sclerotherapy treatment?
The skin is red at the injection sites, and there may be small welts for a couple of hours. There may be some bruising. There is usually no pain after the sclerotherapy procedure. The use of support hose for a week is recommended.
How many treatments are needed?
The average patient takes four leg vein removal treatments at monthly intervals. Some people might see enough improvement with two sessions. Others might require six, depending on the extent of the problem. All of the leg vein removal sessions at our Oregon office are handled on an individual basis; your care is personalized according to your schedule and desires.
How long do the results last?
The results of this leg vein removal treatment often last for years, but the (usually hereditary) factors leading to the development of spider veins have not been altered, and new vessels may gradually form over time. A touch-up sclerotherapy session at our Clackamas, Oregon office can be performed when necessary.
How safe is sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy has been performed for nearly a century and has a long safety record. It is not unusual to have brown lines temporarily replace the purple lines. This is caused by the blood trapped in the vessel at the time of closure and results in inflammation. Most brown lines disappear within two to three months. A pinkish blush reaction may occur, often in women taking estrogen supplements. These also usually disappear on their own. If they don’t, they can be reinjected or treated with our Vbeam® Laser. Other side effects are rare. Dr. Goodkin, a dermasurgeon, will discuss these possible problems at the time of your consultation. Contact our dermatology practice today to learn more about leg vein removal at our northwest Oregon office.
How soon may I return to my normal routine?
You feel fine immediately after the sclerotherapy treatment. No pain medicine is necessary. Support hose are recommended for one week. Exercise is fine after 24 hours.
When do you use a laser?
Dr. Goodkin reserves the Vbeam® Laser for very small red vessels close to the skin's surface or red blush areas. The GentleLASE® can be used to touch-up some larger bluer vessels. Most people don’t require the laser touch-up.
How effective are lasers for leg vein removal?
All laser techniques compare results to the sclerotherapy "gold standard." Particular lasers may help blood vessels of a certain size, depth, or color, but it might take an array of different lasers and/or intense pulsed light (IPL) devices to treat most people well. Dr. Goodkin and his staff are your best information resources for determining how this treatment for leg vein removal at our Clackamas, Oregon office will most benefit you.
To learn more about leg vein removal (sclerotherapy), contact our Oregon dermatology office — it's helped hundreds of people become more comfortable with the appearance of their legs.