How Serious Are Vascular Lesions?

Vascular lesions refer to a wide range of conditions that affect the blood vessels. These conditions can be congenital or acquired, and they can occur anywhere in the body, including the skin, brain, and internal organs. Vascular lesions can be benign or malignant, and they can vary in size, shape, and location.

There are several types of skin vascular lesions, including hemangiomas, port-wine stains, telangiectasias, and angiomas. Each type of lesion has unique characteristics, and the treatment options vary depending on the type, location, and severity of the lesion. For example, small spider veins are a simple cosmetic issue, while larger varicose veins can cause pain and discomfort, leading to serious complications if left untreated. Oak Dermatology offers a wide range of technologies designed to treat vascular lesions.

What are vascular lesions?

Vascular lesions are abnormal blood vessels that are visible through the skin, often appearing as reddish or purplish patches. These vessels occur when either too many new blood vessels form (angiogenesis) or existing ones fail to function properly. Vascular lesions may range from spider veins – which are small, thin red lines that look like a spider web – to varicose veins, which are larger and more obvious. They can be benign or malignant and can occur anywhere in the body. Treatment options for vascular lesions depend on the type, location, and severity of the lesion and may include laser therapy, sclerotherapy, or surgery.

How serious are vascular lesions?

Most vascular lesions are not a cause for concern, especially if you have no painful symptoms. Spider veins are primarily a cosmetic issue and are usually harmless. People with spider veins may feel self-conscious about their appearance, but the condition does not usually require medical attention.

However, vascular lesions can lead to serious complications in some cases. For example, varicose veins can cause severe pain and discomfort, as well as swelling and discoloration. They may lead to leg ulcers or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) if left untreated. It's important to speak with a medical professional if you experience any of these symptoms. Other serious vascular issues include peripheral artery disease (PAD), and Raynaud's disease. PAD is a condition where the arteries in the legs become narrowed or blocked, which can cause pain, cramping, and weakness in the legs. Raynaud's disease is a condition where the blood vessels in the fingers and toes constrict, causing numbness and pain.

What treatments are available for vascular lesions?

Oak Dermatology offers several advanced technologies designed to help patients manage vascular lesions in Naperville, IL:

• Sclerotherapy: This minimally invasive procedure involves injecting a glycerin solution directly into the affected veins, causing them to collapse and eventually fade away.
• Alma Harmony XL PRO: delivers powerful light energy to target and eliminate veins without damaging surrounding tissue.
• Cutera Excel V: This treatment uses a high-power 532nm and 1064nm laser to target abnormal blood vessels and pigmentation problems.

Which treatment should I choose for vascular lesions?

During a consultation, one of our top-ranked dermatologists will carefully examine the affected area and discuss your best treatment options. We may recommend one or a combination of options to achieve the best possible results. Whether you have spider veins, varicose veins, or another concern, patients can feel confident that they receive individualized attention tailored to their needs.

Manage spider veins, varicose veins, and more

Vascular lesions can range from harmless to life-threatening. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications and improve outcomes. Contact Oak Dermatology in Naperville, IL, Itasca or Joliet to book a consultation and learn more about state-of-the-art solutions like sclerotherapy, the Harmony XL PRO or Cutera Excel V.