Health: New Treatment To Get Rid Of Unsightly Veins
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A new way to get the kind of legs you're proud to show off. It's a quick and easy treatment, that a growing number of women are turning to. 3 On Your Side Health Reporter Stephanie Stahl shows you the results.
It's hard to believe 31-year-old Annie Dyas was ever embarrassed about her legs.
"It was terrible. I probably had them at least 10 years," said Annie. She started noticing raised veins on her legs in her early 20's, that she says became very painful. That's when she turned to Dr. Ari Soffer, a cardiovascular specialist.
"I'm not kidding you. It's really has been like a life changing thing," said Annie. She says the unsightly veins disappeared with a little help from some foam.
"It kills the vein from the inside out," said Dr. Soffer.
It's called Foam Sclerotherapy. After the skin is treated with a numbing topical, the FDA cleared soapy substance is injected into the vein, guided by ultrasound imaging.
Foam Sclerotherapy causes scars to form along the wall of the blood vessels that will cause them to harden, constrict and eventually disappear.
"I believe this is revolutionary. It's completely painless," said Dr. Soffer.
Before and after pictures provided by Vein Clinics of America, which offers the treatment locally. The lumpy veins disappear
"I'm so impressed by what they've done. I couldn't be happier," said Annie.
The FDA says Foam Sclerotherapy can cause tiny blood clots, bruising, and redness, issues that usually go away in a day or two.
It costs $300 to $600, per treatment, and sometimes several sessions are needed for the best results. The injections are usually covered by most insurance.
RELATED LINK:
Vein Clinics of America - http://www.veinclinics.com
Reported by Stephanie Stahl, CBS 3
