LEARN ABOUT OUR TEAM!
FEATURED DOCTOR
Dr. Michael LearyDr. Leary is a board certified for Emergency Medicine. He has had a successful career in a level 1 trauma center. Dr. Leary has been recognized as a leading Orange County vein specialists and is board certified on the American Board of Phlebology and the American Board of Emergency Medicine.
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VEIN TOPIC
Archive
Archive for February, 2009
1.) Why consider Dr. Michael Leary from the California Vein Specialists?
2.) What is "Sclerotherapy" ( Injection Therapy)
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Actual patient*
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Laser Therapy
Laser Therapy is effective in select cases - the proper laser must be used, and the feeder veins supplying the treated veins need to have properly treated prior to laser therapy in order for the laser to be effective. Our laser is particularly effective on facial spider veins (telangiectasiae), and no general anesthesia is required nor is bruising produced.
Laser therapy, while variably effective in eliminating leg veins, should only be used selectively by an experienced practitioner well trained in vein therapies. Laser therapy only treats the target vein, and does not treat the underlying feeder veins causing the problem.
Spider veins on the face are much more responsive to light based treatments, including laser and intense pulsed light therapies. Elos technology very effectively treats and eliminates dilated capillaries on the face by combining light energy with radio-frequency energy, thereby eliminating dilated vessels as well as brown discoloration (“age spots”).
4.) My legs have symptoms of fatigue, burning, heaviness, restlessness... What is this and how do I treat it?
While much has been written about lasers for the treatment of varicose and spider veins, sclerotherapy (vein injections) continues to remain the gold standard for eliminating spider veins (telangiectasiae) and smaller varicose leg veins.
Proper sclerotherapy must be performed by an experienced health care provider for excellent results to be reliably obtained. Gently and accurately injecting the unwanted veins with a sclerosing solution causes the target vein to immediately shrink, and then dissolve over a period of weeks as the body naturally absorbs the treated vein. Because the sclerosant is injected directly into the vein, there is no damage to the surrounding skin as can be experienced during laser therapy. Unlike a laser, the sclerosing solution additionally closes the “feeder veins” under the skin that are causing the spider veins to form, thereby preventing a recurrence of the spider veins at the treated sight.
Many patients suffering with spider veins and varicose veins of the legs report associated uncomfortable symptoms such as fatigue, burning, heaviness, restlessness, cramping, and pain. Commonly, these symptoms improve dramatically from one set of injections, frequently within 24-48 hours. While the aesthetic improvements take a few weeks to progress, the painful symptoms resolve much faster. Generally, a series of treatments are required to eliminate leg veins – a typical treatment regimen would include 3-5
30-minute sessions, each 2 weeks apart. A consultation with our physician will be required to provide an accurate assessment of your individual condition. At that time, you will be given an estimate of the number of sessions you will require.
5.) So why am I getting varicose veins? What is an effective way of getting rid of varicose veins? Hear what Dr. Michael Leary has to say:
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AFTER TREATMENT
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*Individual results may vary.
"I am so pleased with how my legs look and feel! Over the past 20 years, I have had various types of treatments in several cities for my varicose veins, and Dr. Leary is the best. Never have I seen such noticeable improvement in such little time. Dr. Leary and your entire staff are caring and professional. You were recommended to me, and now I see why. I will definitely be recommending you to others!"
Pat B.
Dear Dr. Leary and Staff,
Happy New Year! I had EVLT last January 29 on my left leg. I have been more active this past year, attending "boot camps" and walking/running a lot. I have no more lumps, and the purple discoloration is miniscule!
YAY!!! As soon as I have time, I am coming in for spider vein treatment on my face and right leg.
Thank you, and the best to you all in 2009!
With Regard,
Christina Winegar
Hello,
Thank you again,
I guess that I don't know where to start without boring you, so I'll be as brief as possible. I think of all the years that I have worn long skirts or pants; of going to the beach and not taking my sarong off to hide my legs. I have envied women wearing short skirts and not wearing black stockings to hide their legs as I often did. And I have been doing all of the above, since I was 23 years old.
When I heard your commercial on Air America Radio, I was curious, and looked California Vein Specialists on-line. I read Dr. Michael Leary's bio, was most impressed, and made an appointment for my consultation.
Your staff immediately made me feels welcome. Dr. Leary gave me an ultra sound exam on my legs, explained what procedures would be done, and made me feel very much at ease.
The following procedures over the past few months have proved so successful, that my family and friends are amazed! My husband and children had never seen me without veins and are thrilled to see me wearing shorts and dresses that I would never have worn before.
I will never be able to thank you enough, for what you've done for me. I promise to "spread the Gospel" and become a missionary for California Vein Specialists. Maybe I can help other people to realize their dream as well, of VEIN - FREE LEGS!!!!!!!!!!!
Barbara de Leon
I have to tell you again that I'm absolutely thrilled with the work that Dr. Leary has done - I've had 4-5 sclerotherapy appointments with him and it's been terrific. The difference is amazing - I'm definitely ready for summer! When I was in this morning I told him that I wish I'd done this ages ago. He is phenomenal and his work is wonderful. The entire team is so warm, friendly and accommodating - I've already told friends and am encouraging them to call you so I hope they do! I'll see you on the 27th!
Want to learn more? Contact us now at: 949-515-9377
Locations
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Newport Beach
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Fountain Valley
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Find out the distance from your City to our Newport Beach office:
Zip Code City Distance & Time
92845 Garden Grove 21 min./17.08 miles
92708 Fountain Valley 13 min./9.42 miles
92649 Huntington Beach 19 min./12.30 miles
92646 Huntington Beach 10 min./5.57 miles
92647 Huntington Beach 18 min./13.19 miles
92805 Anaheim 24 min./18.72 miles
92804 Anaheim 27 min/17.37 miles
92807 Anaheim Hills 23 min./2049 miles
91709 Chino Hills 44 min./38.62 miles
92625 Corona Del Mar 9 min./4.55 miles
92627 Costa Mesa 4 min./1079 miles
92679 Trabucco Canyon 30 min./26.90 miles
90630 Cypress 25 min./19.86 miles
92629 Dana Point 32 min./27.82 miles
92610 Foothill Ranch 26 min/21.53 miles
92028 Fallbrook 1 hour/72.58 miles
Unwanted veins on the face are usually treated differently than those on the legs. Since the effects of gravity are not contributing to the formation of facial veins and capillaries, facial spider veins are generally smaller than those of the legs. It is therefore generally unnecessary to inject facial veins.
Facial veins are effectively treated with specialized light based procedures, including vascular laser treatments and broad spectrum pulse light treatments. The physicians at California Vein Specialists utilize a one mm spot size vascular laser to safely and effectively eliminate larger facial spider veins. Commonly treated areas include the nose, chin, and cheeks, as well as cherry red spots on the lips, chest, arms, and trunk. Because the treated area is only one millimeter per impulse, there is no unnecessary treatment of uninvolved surrounding skin, thus minimizing the occurrence of white spots due to hypopigmentation. Our effective laser treatment will usually eliminate facial veins in one or two treatments.
Elos based technology is also used to effectively treat small vessel disease of the face, including troublesome rosacea. An easily tolerated series of Aurora SR treatments is highly effective in strikingly reducing unwanted facial veins and the associated symptoms of flushing. Additionally, the treatments remove superficial pigmented lesions while restoring shine, luster and smoothness to the skin. The proprietary delivery of simultaneous light and radiofrequency energy causes the complexion to become more even and less blotchy, while stimulating collagen production with resulting reduction in fine lines and pore size.
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Sclerotherapy is an extremely safe and effective procedure when performed properly. As with any medical procedures complications can occur. I will review the most common and rare complications.
1) Localized urticaria are small raised hive like bumps that may appear at the injection site, they may feel itchy and may appear red. They will usually resolve in a few minutes. Usually patients don’t notice them as soon as they put stockings on.
2) Hyper pigmentation is a brownish discoloration that occurs over the treated vein. It usually appears a few weeks after treatment. Hyper pigmentation is due to a hemosiderin (iron) deposition in the skin. Most staining clears gradually in about six months. Sometimes it will last up to a year and rarely over a year. Hypertonic saline causes more staining and if a sclerosant is too strong there is more risk of staining. Sometimes if areas of reflux are not treated (feeding veins) staining can occur. Certain people with high iron stores are more prone to staining and patients with more pigment in their skin tend to be more prone to staining. Also patients who are on Minocycline tend to stain. It is important to drain any trapped blood in treated veins, as the blood is the source of iron. Treatment for staining is usually tincture of time. IPL and some laser treatments may speed up the resolution. Bleaching agents are usually of no help.
3) Matting is an area of blushing or redness that can appear after sclerotherapy. Matting is made up of very small red telangiectasias or tiny red vessels. The cause of matting is unknown. Factors such as obesity or a family history of matting, excess estrogens may predispose to matting. Sometimes a vein that has not been completely closed may cause matting. Too strong of a sclerosant, such as hypertonic saline may cause matting and using too much pressure when injecting may cause matting. Most matting will resolve on its own but at times can remain permanent. When matting occurs meticulous search for a cause should be sought, this includes ultrasound exam and transillumination to find small feeding veins that may have been missed. Laser may also work to remove matting.
4) Cutaneous ulceration is a very rare complication of sclerotherapy. It is occurs with the use of hypertonic saline most commonly. Hypertonic saline is a sclerosant that we feel should not be used. It is not very effective and has numerous drawbacks. Ulceration can occur with other sclerosants but is very rare. If a small ulcer develops, they are usually small and will heal within a few weeks. Ulcers can leave dark shallow scars.
5) Deep venous thrombosis is a very rare complication of sclerotherapy. Studies have shown that the incidence of DVT is less than the incidence that occurs in the untreated general population. Important steps to avoid DVTs after sclerotherapy include wearing compression hose and being active.
6) Allergic reactions are very rare complications of sclerotherapy, but can occur with the use of any sclerosant.
The most common complications of sclerotherapy are fairly common and often self-limiting.
Read MoreOur Doctor Trains Other Doctors
| At California Vein Specialists we continue our commitment to excellence and high quality patient care. Dr. Michael Leary is constantly learning the newest technology and studies to continually set the highest standards in patient care and physician training. We are proud to announce that Dr. Michael Leary has received his board certification in Phlebology, the study of veins and venous disorders, and is a diplomat of the American Board of Phlebology. Dr. Leary is one of the very first physicians in the nation to meet the rigorous standards of education, experience, and evaluation required for certification by the American Board of Phlebology. | ![]() |
Dr. Leary is also board certified in Emergency Medicine, and had a successful career in a level 1 trauma center with a faculty appointment at the University of Virginia in 1989. He practiced Emergency Medicine at prestigious Eisenhower Medical Center from l991 until founding California Vein Specialist in 2002. He has received extensive postgraduate training in phlebology. Dr. Leary has been recognized as a leading Orange County vein specialists and for his skill in performing endovenous laser procedures by acting as a national physician training center for the company that introduced the procedure.
BOARD CERTIFIED
- American Board of Phlebology
- American Board of Emergency Medicine
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PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP
- Member American College of Phlebology
Diplomat American College of Phlebology
Member American College of Emergency Medicine
Diplomat of American Board of Emergency Medicine
Fellow of American College of Emergency Medicine
Member of American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery
VEIN HEALTH EDUCATOR
- National Physician Trainer for Biolitec ElVes
Ready to take your next step? Meet our friendly team now!
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Foam sclerotherapy is a good alternative to EVLT, but I find that the laser ablation is more complete. Over ninety nine percent closure rate. I also find it to be less painful then foam procedures, especially when using the newer laser frequencies such as the 1470. Nerve injury would be a very rare complication from the EVLT. The only nerve injury we have ever encountered is a temporary superficial numbness. This usually resolves in a few weeks and again is very rare. I find the laser the best way to close the large saphenous vein, and the foam procedures are best to close the connecting trunk veins. So a combination of the two procedures is ideal. This avoids all surgery.
You may or may not be able to prevent varicose veins during pregnancy. Fortunately you can take steps to minimize the severity of varicose veins and treat the veins you do have during pregnancy. Here are some simple steps for treating and minimizing varicose veins during pregnancy:
It is good to exercise regularly to help promote your circulation and decrease the risk of blood pooling in your veins. Even a short walk around the block can help keep your cardiovascular system functioning well.
Elevate your feet often to increase blood flow. This is important whether you are at work at your desk or lying down at night. When your legs become fatigued and sore, try to sit with your feet propped up on a table or chair. Also try to sleep with your feet elevated on a pillow. Sleep on your left side. The largest vein in your body is the vena cava and carries the largest amount of blood through your body. Because it is located on the right side of your body, lying on your left side will decrease added pressure on the vein.
Avoid standing or sitting still for long periods of time. Take frequent breaks to stretch while at your desk and shift your weight while standing. This can help decrease the amount of pressure on your legs and help keep your circulation moving. Wiggle your toes regularly and flex your muscles to also promote better circulation in your legs.
Buy some pregnancy support hose that provide graduated compression. This will not only help reduce bulging but will also help reduce any swelling you experience in your extremities during pregnancy. These stockings unlike normal pantyhose are quite thick and help maintain blood circulation. They can also help prevent blood from pooling in your legs if you put them on first thing in the morning. Put them on before you stand up out of bed in the morning. By putting them on before standing you will prevent blood from pooling in your lower legs.
Try to rest frequently. Because your growing uterus is putting added pressure on the veins in your lower body, blood flow can become strained causing larger and swollen veins in your legs, vulva and rectum. Increasing hormones also relax the walls of your veins as well as the ligaments and joints in your body. The less you exert your body, the less pressure you will put on your veins.


Laser Spider Veins










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