Varicose Veins Spider Veins Vascular Lesions Sclerotherapy
Alma Laser Information
Dr. Zimmerman Las Vegas Nevada
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Before and After Pictures
• Alma Laser
• Sclerotherapy
• Risks/Side Affects
• Possible Compactions of not Receiving Treatment
• Alternative Treatment
• Proposed Treatment Results
1.
Alma Lasers No More Unwanted Flaws AFT Pulsed Light:
Cosmetic flaws may be caused by heredity, medication, pregnancy or environmental factors. Yet most vascular
and pigmented lesions are ideal candidates for non-invasive AFT pulsed light treatments. The widest range
of benign vascular lesions, like port wine stains, telangiectasias,
hemangiomas, erythema, rosacea and poikiloderma of Civatte can be safely and effectively
treated with AFT pulsed light. In addition, pigmented lesions like
lentigos, seborrheic keratoses, cafe-au-lait, ephelides and dyschromia can also be treated.
AFT's selective pulsed light energy is precisely absorbed by the target areas, without damaging healthy skin.
Selectively heating and closing off blood vessels, AFT pulsed light reduces the lesions, while sparing nearby
tissue from injury. With pigmented lesions, the light energy heats the melanin in the lesion and causes it
to fragment. The melanin fragments are then absorbed by the body and eliminated. By providing smooth,
consistent light pulses, the energy delivered to the skin is gentle and
effective.
What are Benign Vascular and Pigmented Lesions?
Benign vascular lesions/ red in color/ are caused by an abnormal clustering of blood vessels. Pigmented
lesions (nevi) less widespread are clusters of melanin in the skin and are brown in color. While some lesions
may fade, others become more pronounced over time.
What to Expect with Alma Lasers:
Patients must consult with a physician to determine' their course of
treatment. Physicians set treatment plans according to the
characteristics such as size and location of each patient's lesions.
Most lesion can be treated within half an hour and for best results,
repeated treatments are required. Before treatment a cold gel is usually
applied to the area to be treated. Then the physician delivers precise
pulses of light to the target area. Patients report little or no pain
with AFT treatment and can return to their normal activities
immediately.
Is It Safe with Alma Lasers?
ATF's high level of light and gentle energy parameters assure safe,
effective treatment. Unique shaped AFT pulses precisely heat their
intended targets, causing remarkably little or no skin damage or
discomfort. This optimal use of energy both increases safety and
eliminates the need for cooling methods. Clinical trials conducted by
leading authorities on pulsed light document its safety and
effectiveness.
The ATF Pulsed Light Advantage Alma Lasers:
Traditional treatments for removing or reducing the appearance of vascular and pigmented
lesions an often long-term and uncomfortable.Frequently administered corticosteroid medications ( Corticosteroids or
glucocorticoids, often just called steroids ) can have undesirable side
effects. Cryosurgery can not be used in many
cases. Surgery and treatment with ablativelasers
can be painful and may cause damage and scarring
to adjacent body areas.In addition unlike AFT,
nearly all conventional treatments require an
extended healing period preventing patients from
resuming their daily routines. In contrast, AFT
treatment requires no down-time and can be used to
treat many types of vascular and pigmented lesions quickly and
painlessly.
Call our office today if you have questions about Alma Lasers:
1-702-360-6686 to schedule your FREE CONSULTATION! Our staff will be glad to assist you.
Your satisfaction is important to us. Your referrals and confidence are greatly appreciated.
We look forward to sharing the art and magic of our practice with you, your family and friends.
This page is designed to provide you with the information you will need to
make an informed decision about whether to have treatment performed. It
is intended to educate, not scare you. If you have any questions at any
time or do not understand any potential risks, please ask for an
explanation by
calling our office at 702-360-6686.
1.
Sclerotherapy
Information Varicose Veins Spider Veins:
Varicose
Veins and Spider Veins are
chronic and recurrent conditions. The variety of treatments
available
will not offer a cure, but rather control the condition. Surgically
removed veins cannot come back, and veins which are completely sclerosed
will generally not return. However, your tendency, inborn in the
majority of cases, of developing new veins will not be relieved by this
or any other form of treatment.
The
treatment of large varicose veins is usually done with a minor surgical
procedure or real time doppler directed sclerotherapy. Medium to small
varicosities, visible blue veins and spider veins are best treated with
sclerotherapy and sometimes light-based phototherapy. Your particular
condition may require a combination of any or all of these treatments.
1.
Risks/Side Affects:
The nature of the procedure to be performed has been explained to me
and/or I have watched a video about the procedure. I understand that
among the known risks are bruising, swelling of the leg, transitory
pigmentation, scarring, keloid formation, and secondary matting (tiny
spider veins). I am also aware that in addition to minor risks discussed above, there
are other risks that may accompany any surgical procedure. They are more
rare, but include loss of blood, infection, inflammation in the venous
system with formation of a thrombus (clot), postoperative bleeding, and
nerve trauma that may lead to temporary or permanent numbness.
The most common side effects experienced with sclerotherapy treatment
included
(Note; smokers have more side effects and poorer results than
non-smokers!)
Transient Hyperpigmentation:
Approximately 20% of patients who undergo
sclerotherapy notice a discoloration (light brown streaks) after
treatment. This usually fades in 4 to 12 months. In rare instances this
darkening of the skin may persist for years. It can sometimes be
improve
with Intense Pulsed Light treatments, that we also offer for the
treatment of brown spots and small vascular lesions
on the body.
1. Sloughing:
This occurs in less than 1% of patients who receive sclerotherapy. Sloughing consists of an ulceration near the injection
site that heals slowly over a few months. Initially, a blister may form,
open, and the underlying tissue become ulcerated. After slowly healing,
this usually leaves a scar (This happens from unintentional injection
into or near a small non-visible artery and is not preventable)
2. Allergic
Reactions:
Very rarely, a patient may have an allergic reaction to the sclerosing
agent. The risk of this is greater in patients who have a history of
allergies.
3. Pain:
A few patients may experience moderate to severe pain, usually at the
site of the injection The veins may be tender to the
touch after
treatment, and an uncomfortable sensation may run along the course of
the vein. This discomfort is usually temporary.
4. Telangiectatic
Matting:
This refers to the development of new tiny blood vessels in the area of
the treated vein This phenomenon occurs 2 to 4 weeks after treatment and
usually resolves within 4 to 6 months on Us own. It occurs in up to 18%
of women receiving estrogen
therapy and in 2% to 4% of all patients.
6. Ankel
Swelling:
This may occur after treating veins in the lower leg. It usually
resolves in a few days, but may last a few weeks, especially
after
treatment of large varicose veins. Ankle swelling is lessened by wearing
prescribed support/compression stockings
as directed.
7. Rare Side Effects:
Deep
vein phlebitis/thrombosis is a very rare complication that occurs in
approximately 1 out of every 10,000 (0.01%) patients treated. The
dangers of phlebitis include the possibility of pulmonary embolus (a
blood clot carried to the lungs) and post phlebitis syndrome which can
result in permanent swelling of the leg. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
requires treatment by hospitalization for intravenous blood thinning
agents for several days and then at least 3 months on oral
anticoagulants.
4.0
Possible
Compactions of not Receiving Treatment:
In
cases of large varicose veins, spontaneous phlebitis and or thrombosis
(blood clot) may occur with the associated risk of possible pulmonary
embolus. Additionally, skin ulcerations may develop around the ankles of
patients with long-standing varicose veins and underlying venous
insufficiency.
4.
Alternative
Treatment:
I
understand that alternative treatments for varicose veins exist. Because
varicose veins and spider veins are not life-threatening conditions,
treatment is not mandatory in every patient and insurances rarely cover
the cost of your treatments. Some patients get adequate relief of
symptoms from wearing graduated support stockings. Pulse dye and Nd:YAG
lasers can be used to treat superficial varicose veins that are 3
millimeters or less in diameter. This technology' is fairly expensive
and may cause temporary, dark, purple-red marks called purpura over the
areas that were treated. Two to four treatment sessions are generally
required. The marks fade in several weeks, but may leave brown
discolorations in some patients. KTP laser can treat small (1-2mm),
superficial vascular and pigmented lesions as well. The underlying
larger feeder veins are not treated by this method unless combined with
sclerotherapy or surgical interruption. Radio Frequency and Laser tipped
catheters can now be threaded into diseased veins that are relatively
straight instead of surgical vein stripping This can be done with local
anesthetic in the office or outpatient surgery center.
Micro or ambulatory phlebectomy is another method to remove superficial
varicose veins under "tumescent anesthesia" in the office The
larger veins are marked while you are standing and they bulge out. Then
the leg(s) is cleansed, draped and that area is filled with a dilute
solution of anesthesia ( lidocaine with epinephrine). Tiny (2-3mm)
incisions are made every inch or so over the marked vein. A tiny
instrument is used to hook onto the section of vein under the incision
and tease out a portion of it That section is excised and the next area
down is treated similarly until the entire diseased area of vein is
permanently removed. Stitches are generally not required. Steri-strips
pull the edges of the incisions together and a compression dressing is
applied which stays on for several days to decrease bruising or
bleeding.
Out-patient
surgical stripping or surgical interruption (phlebectomy) may be used to
treat large varicose veins. This procedure is done by a general or
vascular surgeon in an outpatient surgical facility or hospital and is
usually performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. Risks
of vein stripping are similar to sclerolherapy with the additional risks
of the general anesthetic. General anesthesia has some rare, but
serious, associated risks including the possibility of paralysis, brain
damage, and death.
The other option is to receive no treatment at all.
4.
Proposed Treatment Results:
I know the practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science, and
therefore, reputable practitioners cannot guarantee results. While the
overwhelming number of patients have noted gratifying symptomatic and
cosmetic improvement, specific results cannot be guaranteed.
1.
• Before and After Pictures
• Before
• After
Call our office today: 1-702-360-6686 to schedule your FREE CONSULTATION! Our staff will be glad to assist
you.
Your satisfaction is important to us. Your referrals and confidence are greatly appreciated.
We look forward to sharing the art and magic of our practice with you, your family and friends.
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