Wellmed Beauty

Varicose veins are in part an aesthetics issue. They can also be a symptom for a larger medical problem involving larger veins directly beneath the surface of the skin which need specialized medical attention.

A few anatomical explanations should make these medical issues more understandable.

Our lower extremities have two large vein systems; 90% of our returning blood flows through a deeper channel found between our muscles. About 10 % of the returning blood flows directly under our skin and is sometimes visible in the larger veins which can be pushed and expanded to the surface. A few examples are when taking blood pressure tests or when giving blood donations. Both systems are inter connected by tiny channels which enables blood to move from the outer system to the lower system if needed.

The biology of this network is ancient to our bodies and had a heat regulatory function. It was not originally designed for modern day upright, sitting, long standing or office habitats. Both systems are low pressure systems and rely on motion and contraction from adjacent skin and muscle to transport blood back to the torso much like the squeezing effect when milking a cow or goat. There are one direction valves in the larger veins which prevent the blood from moving in the wrong direction. It is precisely the damage done to these valves which causes venous insufficiency in the lower extremities.

These sail shaped valves are extremely thin and are sensitive to over expansion. Genetic predominance, pregnancy, or poor circulation allows blood to collect in this system, over expanding and ripping these sensitive valves. Consequently blood flow becomes bi directional and gravity does the rest. Returning blood flow slows in the system and floods the entire network. We see this on the surface as spider veins, or bulges caused by veins pushed to the surface where there is less resistance.
The medical terms vary from Varicose veins, saphenous insufficiency, secondary varix, to spider veins and so on. The medical solutions range from aesthetic to a vascular high priority medical health issue. Treatment procedures also vary from laser corrections to minimal invasive catheterization procedures which close the injured vein and reroute blood circulation to the deeper vein channels.

Laser technology for the treatment of varicose veins or spider veins has been in use for over a decade. Constant technical development insured better effects on target areas and more patient comfort. ELOS technology has in recent years extremely added to this process.

ELOS uses a unique thermolysis process that optimizes energy control while increasing patient comfort. The first impulse is a 910nm selective laser pulse. Most of its energy is absorbed by hemoglobin found with in the visible spider vein. This heat is instantly transmitted onto the wall of the vein called the endothelium. Intense high temperatures permanently denature proteins in the endothelium which swell and close the veins from its wall inwards.
The intense heat pulse is achieved through a specific heat sensitive bipolar radio wave, which is the second impulse on the ELOS applicator. The pre-warmed or primed endothelium target cells instantly absorb this energy and heat themselves over the 65 degrees C required for proteins to denature. The result is coagulation of the vein, which with time, degenerates and is absorbed by the defense and repair mechanisms of the body.

The ELOS ( ELectric Optic Synergy ) technology is a unique product of the Syneron Corp. The almost simultaneously applied energies form a synergy of both energy sources enhancing their positive qualities while reducing their patient discomfort and inaccuracy, which would result in burning or local pain, if their energies would not be used together. This method has a matured technology which will dominate this procedure of choice for a long time to come.

Treatments run from: 15 - 60 mins.
Treatment sessions: 1-4x
Possible discomfort: The treated area can slightly swell or redden in color up to 24 hrs. after a session.
Results: Can be seen after 10-14 days as the coagulated veins are re-absorbed by the defenses of the skin.
Pain Managment: There is no need for prior local anesthesia.
Location: The laser treatment is completely ambulatory and is preformed directly in the medical office.

What situations can contradictory to this treatment?
- use of photosensitive medication (please consult your physician),
- extensive scar tissue or keloid scarring,
- pregnancy,
- severe diabetes,
- heart arrhythmia or use age of a pacemaker,
- excessive solarium or sunbathing,
- acute fever or illness associate with rash or other skin lesions,
- tattoos directly adjacent to treatment areas.

The menstrual cycle does not affect treatment procedures or results.