Dr. Nabili received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), majoring in chemistry and biochemistry. He then completed his graduate degree at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His graduate training included a specialized fellowship in public health where his research focused on environmental health and health-care delivery and management.
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
Can laser be used to treat varicose and spider veins?
Spider veins and small varicose veins can be treated with
laser treatment applied from the surface of the skin. The laser applies an
intense energy that essentially destroys the small blood vessels in the surface
of the skin. Results are variable, and multiple treatments may be necessary to
have some benefit. This is generally less invasive than sclerotherapy and vein
stripping (no insertion of needles or catheters are required). Possible problems may involve a
temporary discoloration of the skin.
Larger varicose veins may be treated with endovenous
(inside the vein) catheter ablation or laser surgery. This
basically involves inserting a probe (or catheter) into the large vein in the
lower leg (saphenous vein) and closing
the vein by applying heat generated through laser. This technique has proven to
be less painful, and it also has a faster recovery time compared to the vein
stripping surgery.
What type of doctors provide treatments for varicose and spider veins?
Doctors providing surgical treatments (stripping and laser ablation) include
general and vascular surgeons. Sclerotherapy and laser treatments are often
performed by dermatologists. Some general, vascular, and plastic surgeons also
perform sclerotherapy treatments. You may want to consult more than one doctor
before deciding on a method of treatment. Be sure to ask the doctors about their
experience in performing the procedure you want.
What are the side effects of these treatments?
A patient should carefully question the doctor about the safety and side
effects for each type of treatment. Thoroughly review any "informed consent"
forms your doctor gives you explaining the risks of a procedure.
For surgical removal of veins, the side effects are those
for any surgery performed under anesthesia, including nausea,
vomiting, and the
risk of wound infection. Surgery also results in scarring where small incisions are made and
may occasionally cause blood clots.
For sclerotherapy, the side effects can depend on the
substance used for the
injection. People with allergies may want to be cautious. For example,
Sotradecol may cause allergic reactions, which can occasionally be severe.
Hypertonic saline solution is unlikely to cause allergic reactions. Either
substance may burn the skin (if the needle is not properly inserted) or
permanently mark or "stain" the skin. (These brownish marks are caused by the
scattering of blood cells throughout the tissue after the vein has been injected
and may fade over time). Occasionally, sclerotherapy can lead to blood clots.
Laser treatments can
cause scarring and changes in the color of the skin.
How long do varicose vein or spider vein treatment results last?
Many factors will affect the rate at which treated
varicose veins recur. These include the underlying diagnosis, the method used
and its suitability for treating a particular condition, and the skill of the
physician. Sometimes the body forms a new vein in place of the one removed by a
surgeon. An injected vein
that was not completely destroyed by sclerotherapy may reopen, or a new vein may
appear in the same location as previous one.
Many studies have found that varicose veins are more likely to recur
following sclerotherapy than following surgery. However, no treatment method has
been scientifically established as being free from recurrences. For all types of
procedures, recurrence rates increase with time. Also, because venous (vein)
disease is typically progressive, no treatment can prevent the appearance of new
varicose or spider veins in the future.
Is one treatment for varicose veins or spider veins better than the other?
The method you select for treating venous disease should be based on the
physician's diagnosis, the size of the veins to be treated and the patient's:
treatment
history,
age,
history of allergies, and
ability to tolerate
surgery and anesthesia, among other factors.
As noted above, small spider veins
cannot be surgically removed and can only be treated with sclerotherapy. On the
other hand, larger varicose veins may, according to many studies, be more likely
to recur if treated with sclerotherapy.
There are many symptoms involved in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy. The first early pregnancy symptom is typically a missed period, but others include breast swelling and tenderness, nausea and sometimes vomiting, fatigue and bloating. Second trimester symptoms include backache, weight gain, itching, and possible stretch marks. Third trimester symptoms are additional weight gain, heartburn, hemorrhoids, swelling of the ankles, fingers, and face, breast tenderness, and trouble sleeping. Read more to learn about recommended procedures and tests for each stage of a healthy pregnancy.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot in a vein located deep in the muscles of the legs, thighs, pelvis (lower torso), or arms. The most common symptoms of a deep vein thrombosis are swelling and pain in the leg that has the blood clot. A DVT is difficult to diagnose without specific tests in which the deep vein system can be examined.
Edema is the swelling of tissues as a result of excess water accumulations. Peripheral edema occurs in the feet and legs. There are two types of edema, non-pitting edema and pitting edema. Causes of pitting edema is caused by systemic diseases, most commonly involving the heart, liver, and kidneys. Local conditions that cause edema are thrombophlebitis and varicose veins. Edema is generally treated with medication.
Itching can be a common problem. Itches can be localized or generalized. There are many causes of itching to include: infection (jock itch, vaginal itch), disease (hyperthyroidism, liver or kidney), reactions to drugs, and skin infestations (pubic or body lice). Treatment for itching varies depending on the cause of the itch.
Restless leg syndrome (RLS or restless legs syndrome) is a common cause for painful legs that typically eases with motion, and becomes worse and more noticeable at rest. This characteristic nighttime worsening can frequently lead to insomnia. Treatment of the symptoms of restless leg syndrome is generally with medication as well as treating any underlying condition causing restless leg syndrome.
Obesity is the state of being well above one's normal weight. A person has traditionally been
considered to be obese if they are more than 20 percent over their ideal weight.
That ideal weight must take into account the person's height, age, sex, and
build.
Phlebitis is the inflammation of a vein. Thrombophlebitis is when a blood clot causes the inflammation. Phlebitis can be superficial or deeper in the veins. A blood clot deep in a vein is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Some of the common causes of phlebitis include prolonged inactivity, varicose veins, trauma to a vein, underlying cancers, clotting disorders, etc. Symptoms of phlebitis may be mild (pain, tenderness, redness, or bulging of a vein. Treatment of phlebitis depends on the cause.
Birthmarks and other abnormal skin pigmentation is caused by the body's inability to produce enough melanin. Abnormal skin pigmentation can cause conditions such as vitiligo, pigmentation loss, melasma, albinism, port wine stains, macular stains and hemangioma.
Pregnancy planning is important to help prevent exposure of the mother and fetus to potentially harmful medications and substances during the early days, and throughout the pregnancy. Nutritional planning, prevention of birth defects, conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease need careful monitoring. Gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and pregnancy induced hypertension are conditions that may arise during pregnancy. Immunizations, inherited disorders, exercise, air travel, intercourse, and birth control are important factors to consider when planning a pregnancy.
Lymphedema is a condition in which one or more extremities become swollen as the result of an impaired flow of the lymphatic system. There are two types of lymphedema; primary, secondary. Filariasis is the most common cause of lymphedema worldwide; however, in the U.S. breast cancer surgery is the most common cause. Symptoms include swelling of one or more limbs, thickening, cracked, and secondary bacterial or fungal infections of the skin. There is no cure for lymphedema.
Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of disease. Regular exercise can also reduce the symptoms of stress and anxiety. There are fitness programs that fit any age or lifestyle.
Women's health is an important topic area to guide a woman through the stages of her life, as well as knowing the conditions and diseases that may occur. Educating yourself so that the transitions into different phases of life is key to a healthy, happy, and productive life.
Pregnancy can bring challenges like weight gain, stretch marks, varicose veins, heartburn, constipation, hemorrhoids, problems sleeping, and wondering if it is safe to have sex while pregnant. Learn how to manage and move through these challenges during pregnancy.
Klippel-Trènaunay-Weber (KTW) syndrome is a condition characterized by port-wine stains or birthmark malformations in the skin, soft tissue and bony growths (generally involving a limb), and vascular anomalies (varicose veins). The cause of Klippel-Trènaunay-Weber syndrome is not known, however, recently, there have been some cases that run in families. There is no significant treatment for Klippel-Trènaunay-Weber syndrome.
Skin RSS
Healthy Living Tips
This site complies with the