Vascular Lesions

What Are Vascular Lesions?

BIRTHMARKS

Vascular lesions are essentially abnormalities in your body's vascular system (blood vessels). These abnormalities can manifest in various ways, appearing as birthmarks, tumors (called hemangiomas), sores, ulcers, or small, red, bumpy lesions that develop after an injury or infection (pyogenic granulomas).

The causes of vascular lesions vary depending on the type. Hemangiomas are thought to be caused by a problem with the development of blood vessels before birth. Vascular malformations are usually caused by errors in the development of blood vessels that occur during early fetal development.

Treatment varies depending on the lesion's type, size, location, and severity. Some lesions may not require any treatment and will resolve on their own. Other lesions may require treatment options like laser therapy, sclerotherapy, surgery, or medication.

WHAT IS THE DOWNTIME?

Downtime will vary depending on the treatment. Generally, minimal to moderate.

WILL I HAVE RESTRICTIONS?

Typically, there are no restrictions other than wearing a compression garment depending on the location of the vascular lesion.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE?

Female or male non-smokers in generally good health.

Ready to Talk?

We offer complimentary consults, no obligation.

I'M READY!

Treatment and Recovery

Treating vascular lesions depends on several factors, like the type of treatment used and the lesions' severity. The recovery and downtime will depend on the treatment. Here are some general guidelines. Individual experiences may vary:

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a non-invasive laser treatment often used for spider veins and broken capillaries on the face and legs. Downtime is minimal to non-existent. There may be some redness and swelling after the procedure, but this usually subsides within a few days.

Sclerotherapy (injection therapy) involves injecting a solution into the vein to collapse it from the inside out. Downtime is minimal to moderate. There may be some bruising and swelling after the procedure, but this usually subsides within a week. You may need to wear compression stockings for a few days to help with the swelling.

Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a laser to heat the vein from the inside out. Downtime is minimal to moderate. After the procedure, you may have some pain and swelling, but this usually subsides within a week. You may need to wear compression stockings for a few days to help with the swelling.

Surgery is typically only used for the most severe cases of vascular lesions. Downtime is moderate to extensive. Significant pain and swelling may occur after the procedure, and a hospital stay for a few days may be necessary. You may need to wear compression stockings for several weeks after the procedure.