What is it about?
Aesthetic phlebology is a new sub-speciality that focuses on removing cosmetically unattractive veins with the lowest risks of scars or other blemishes after treatment. In this description of a surgical technique pioneered by Prof Mark Whiteley, a very superficial and prominent vein on the forearm was removed using an endovenous laser technique. By using 1940nm, tumescence and cold air protection of the skin, the vein was successfully removed with excellent cosmetic results.
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Why is it important?
Patients with unattractive bulging veins on the forearm are often told that there is nothing that can be done for them or that the risks of a poor result are too great to risk treatment. Some doctors will remove these with surgery ("phlebectomy"), but this leaves scars. Even if small, such scars on the forearm are easily seen. Alternatively, some doctors use sclerotherapy (usually foam sclerotherapy), but this leaves a risk of brown stains. By using research findings from our research into vein treatments at The Whiteley Clinic, we have been able to treat this vein that is very close to the skin but without damaging or marking the skin at all.
Perspectives
Since performing the first endovenous ablation of varicose veins in the UK in March 1999, we have been searching for the optimal ways to treat leg varicose veins. During this research, we have come to understand the biology of the vein wall in the context of successful venous ablation, as well as the mechanisms of action of all of the treatment modalities. We can now use the information and models we have developed over the last 25 years to develop optimal techniques for treating veins elsewhere in the body. This case is a demonstration of these principles.
Professor Mark S Whiteley
The Whiteley Clinic
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Endovenous laser ablation of prominent forearm vein – description of a surgical technique, November 2023, Center for Open Science,
DOI: 10.31219/osf.io/my5v2.
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