Venous disease impacts thousands in San Diego county
It is estimated that about half of the United States population has varicose veins, and 100 million have a serious disease called venous insufficiency. Venous disease affects quality of life for
thousands in the Encinitas North County San Diego area. Dr. Amanda Lloyd encourages these individuals to learn more about contributing factors and modern treatment options.
Understanding venous disease
Legs contain one-way valves that keep blood moving upward, to the heart. Venous disease allows these valves to malfunction. As a result, pressure builds in the venous system and blood pools in the feet. In an attempt to reduce pressure, the body makes new veins as conduits. They present as:Overview of Venous Treatments
Video Transcript
What are the types of abnormal veins?
There are 3 types of abnormal veins. Varicose veins are the largest, and are bulging and ropy. The reticular veins are medium, sized and bluish color, and these spider veins are the smallest in size and are purple color.
What happens during a consultation?
During your consultation at the Skin & Vein Institute, you will have an ultrasound done which will create a roadmap so that we know where and what type of abnormal veins you have and can then determine what treatments are going to be the most effective to restore normal circulation to your lower legs.
What are the treatment options?
These abnormal veins each have their own type of treatment. For the large abnormal veins, we use something called endovenous laser ablation, where the laser goes inside the vein, heats the inside of the wall of the vein and makes it sticky so that the vein adheres to itself and your body can take it away.
For the tortuous veins and the reticular veins, endovenous chemical ablation is used. Where a sclerosing solution is injected into the vein, causing the chemical reaction, to make the vein wall sticky so they stick together and your body naturally takes away the vein. The small spider veins are treated with Sclerotherapy where a similar sclerosing solution is injected into the vein making the vein wall sticky so your body can take away these abnormal veins.
What is the treatment downtime?
Endovenous laser ablation, endovenous chemical ablation, and Sclerotherapy all have little to no downtime. In fact after endovenous laser ablation, you need to walk for an hour.
What needs to be done after the treatment?
It is very important after each procedure that you wear your compression stockings so that you receive the maximum results.
What are the limitations after the vein treatment?
There are very few limitations after your vein treatment. It is recommended that you do not fly for 2 weeks after the treatment. It is also recommended that you don’t increase your abdominal pressure by doing something like sit ups for 2 weeks after the treatment.
Are vein treatments safe and effective?
These 3 veins treatments are both safe and effective at restoring the normal circulation in your lower extremities without surgery. Additionally, the appearance to your legs is improved and they feel healthy and vibrant so that you can return to your normal active lifestyle.
There are 3 types of abnormal veins. Varicose veins are the largest, and are bulging and ropy. The reticular veins are medium, sized and bluish color, and these spider veins are the smallest in size and are purple color.
What happens during a consultation?
During your consultation at the Skin & Vein Institute, you will have an ultrasound done which will create a roadmap so that we know where and what type of abnormal veins you have and can then determine what treatments are going to be the most effective to restore normal circulation to your lower legs.
What are the treatment options?
These abnormal veins each have their own type of treatment. For the large abnormal veins, we use something called endovenous laser ablation, where the laser goes inside the vein, heats the inside of the wall of the vein and makes it sticky so that the vein adheres to itself and your body can take it away.
For the tortuous veins and the reticular veins, endovenous chemical ablation is used. Where a sclerosing solution is injected into the vein, causing the chemical reaction, to make the vein wall sticky so they stick together and your body naturally takes away the vein. The small spider veins are treated with Sclerotherapy where a similar sclerosing solution is injected into the vein making the vein wall sticky so your body can take away these abnormal veins.
What is the treatment downtime?
Endovenous laser ablation, endovenous chemical ablation, and Sclerotherapy all have little to no downtime. In fact after endovenous laser ablation, you need to walk for an hour.
What needs to be done after the treatment?
It is very important after each procedure that you wear your compression stockings so that you receive the maximum results.
What are the limitations after the vein treatment?
There are very few limitations after your vein treatment. It is recommended that you do not fly for 2 weeks after the treatment. It is also recommended that you don’t increase your abdominal pressure by doing something like sit ups for 2 weeks after the treatment.
Are vein treatments safe and effective?
These 3 veins treatments are both safe and effective at restoring the normal circulation in your lower extremities without surgery. Additionally, the appearance to your legs is improved and they feel healthy and vibrant so that you can return to your normal active lifestyle.
- Spider veins
- Blue reticular veins
- Ropey, bulging varicose veins
Symptoms of venous disease usually progress as follows:
- Leg swelling
- Aching and pain
- Numbness, itching, or rash
- Discoloration
- Other changes in skin tone and texture
- Ulcers
- Phlebitis
Risk factors
Venous disease is largely genetic. It occurs more frequently in women than men, especially during pregnancy or other periods of hormonal change. Risk factors include long periods of sitting or standing, age, and excess weight.
Treating venous disease
Developing an effective treatment plan begins with a clear determination of where the problem originates. Think of your leg veins as a large tree. The trunk is the greater saphenous vein, the branches are bulging veins, and twigs are reticular and spider veins. Dr. Lloyd finds the source of the problem, and recommends appropriate treatment ranging from conventional sclerotherapy to chemical ablation and advanced laser techniques. Dr. Lloyd is a diplomate of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine and is an elected member of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, utilizing her skills in laser and energy-based technologies for excellence in patient care.
The first step toward managing venous disease, for more comfortable and attractive legs, is a call to Skin & Vein Institute in Encinitas, CA. If you are a new patient, contact us at (760) 642-6674. If you are an existing patient, reach us at (760) 452-2080.
Success Stories
Sarah B.
Originally posted on Google
Dr. Lloyd is amazing! She was able to get my skin better than it has ever looked. Her injectables are the best I have ever had and totally natural. So glad I found her!
Larissa S.
Originally posted on Google
I had the absolute best experience with Dr. Lloyd and her team. Dr Lloyd is so smart and skilled and her team was very professional, informative and kind. She and her team were also the sweetest to follow up with me the next day and a few after that. Top notch, cant recommend more!
Dr. Nancy
Originally posted on Google
The Skin & Vein Institute has everything that you will need when considering an excellent skin care facility. They have a fabulous spa-like office suite where you can watch videos on how-to take the best care of your skin, you can treat yourself to a cup of tea, or check out the new mini skin care items in the sample bowl!
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Meet Dr. Amanda Lloyd
Dr. Amanda Lloyd is a respected Board Certified Dermatologist based in Encinitas, CA, with over 14 years of experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from UCLA Honors College and a medical degree from the University of Vermont College of Medicine. Dr. Lloyd completed her dermatology residency as chief resident at Baylor University Medical Center. She then was a fellow in Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery after which she became board certified in Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology. A Fellow of the American Society for Mohs Surgery, she is also a member of the AAD and ABVLM. An editor for JAMA Dermatology, Dr. Lloyd contributes to advancing dermatological knowledge. Her dedication to patient care and education underscores her trustworthiness and expertise.
Meet the Doctor