IPL Vein Treatment
Finding a way to remove unsightly spider veins from the legs or other areas of the body is a concern that affects many people. Choosing the right treatment for an individual's specific needs is essential. With the right candidate, IPL (Intensive Pulse Light) vein treatment offers a quick and easy way of removing unwanted superficial veins with a minimal amount of pain. Does this Spark an idea?
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About Spider Veins
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Caused primarily by heredity, spider veins are more of an annoyance than a health problem. Spider veins are small visible clusters of superficial purple or red veins stretching in a spider-like pattern underneath the skin. They are linked to increased pressure within the vein system, which may occur due to weight gain, hormonal changes during pregnancy and sitting or standing for long periods of time.
How IPL Works
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By administering intense pulse-light frequencies, which are directed through a hand-held device, heat is generated and the vessel walls are damaged. The blood inside the vessel coagulates, causing the vessel to collapse and seal. Over a period of weeks, the spider vein contracts and becomes invisible as it is absorbed by the body. The surrounding tissue remains unscarred and undamaged.
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What to Expect
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Described as feeling much like a rubber band snapping the skin, IPL vein treatment is relatively less painful than other options; such as sclerotherapy methods that require repeated invasive vein injections with a needle. However, the physician may choose to apply a topical anesthetic to the area prior to treatment to help make the patient more comfortable.
Each treatment takes anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of the area and the severity of the condition. Skin may appear redder after the treatment and may occasionally be bruised. Keeping out of the sun until healing is complete is highly recommended. Although there may also be a small bump on the skin which will disappear in a few hours, a patient may return to her normal activities right away.
Candidates for IPL Treatment
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It is important to understand who is a good candidate for the IPL procedure. A non-smoker who is in good physical and mental health and has no issues with bleeding or blood vessel disorders is a good candidate. The IPL procedure works best on individuals with fair skin.
Among those who should avoid IPL treatment are pregnant women, individuals taking Accutane, those who have scarring around the treatment area and those who have been tanning or have acute sun burn. IPL treatment is not recommended for those who are dark- skinned.
Additional Considerations
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In general, two to six treatments will be needed to clear the area, which are spaced four to six weeks apart. As IPL vein treatment is considered a cosmetic treatment, it is not covered by health insurance. The price of IPL vein treatment ranges from $200 to $400 per session.
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