Santa Barbara Office

533 East Micheltorena Street
Suite 203
Santa Barbara, California 93103

Phone: 805-884-4900
Billing: 805-964-3838
Fax: 805-884-4913

Santa Ynez Office

3615 Sagunto Street
Suite C
Santa Ynez, California 93460

Phone: 805-688-6171
Phone: 805-884-4900

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Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy to treat varicose veins ("spider veins") using hypertonic saline or Asclera (Polidocanol) is available in Santa Barbara at the Dermatologist and Dermasurgeon office of Keith Llewellyn MD (Aloe Dermatology.)

Sclerotherapy using hypertonic saline or Asclera (Polidocanol) can be performed by dermatologist and dermasurgeon Keith Llewellyn MD in his Santa Barbara office to remove unwanted varicose veins (also known as "spider veins"). Sclerotherapy involves placing a very small needle into the varicose vein and then injecting a solution. The solution historically and generally used is hypertonic saline. This irritates the blood vessel wall lining which then swells and occludes the varicose vein. Typically, 3 to 6 weeks after sclerotherapy, up to 50-80% of the treated spider veins will fade away. Each treatment session usually takes 20 minutes and no anesthesia is required. Most patients require 2 to 4 treatment sessions separated by an interval of 6 weeks.

Keith Llewellyn MD is excited to announce that Asclera (Polidocanol), a brand new FDA approved sclerotherapy agent, is available to Santa Barbara residents at Aloe Dermatology. The FDA approved Asclera on March 30, 2010 and became available to physicians in August of 2010. While polidocanol is new to the United States, it has been used safely in Europe for decades. Asclera works by damaging the lining of blood vessels which ultimately causes them to close and fade away. Asclera does not sting and burn as much as hypertonic saline when injected into varicose veins. Aside from the insertion of a tiny needle into the varicose vein, treatments with Asclera (Polidocanol) are virtually painless. Additionally, Asclera (Polidocanol) can be more effective in treating varicose veins. Overall, patients report better satisfaction with Asclera (Polidocanol) treatments compared to other treatment options for varicose veins.

After a sclerotherapy session, you will be asked to wear compression stockings for at least one week. Additionally, for two to three days after sclerotherapy, Keith Llewellyn MD advises that you avoid hot tubs, hot baths, warm compresses, long plane flights and sun exposure to the treated area. Walking is encouraged, but heavy exercise should be avoided for one week.

If you are walking around Santa Barbara with unwanted varicose veins ("spider veins"), schedule a consultation today with dermatologist and dermasurgeon Keith Llewellyn MD to see if sclerotherapy using hypertonic saline or Asclera (Polidocanol) will help you.

Note: This information is not intended to render medical advice on a particular case. To receive medical advice requires a visit with a medical physician. Keith Llewellyn MD in Santa Barbara is certified to the highest national standards to perform sclerotherapy by the American Board of Dermatology. He is also a fellow of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and the American Academy of Dermatology.

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Serving the following California cities: Goleta, Montecito, Summerland,
Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo, Santa Maria, Los Olivios, Lompoc, Ojai, Buellton, Los Alamos and Carpinteria.