Medical spas across the country are increasingly adding vein treatment to their service menus. However, medical spas must train personnel to treat small, minor cosmetic veins and hire a seasoned professional who can identify when a case is a deeper medical issue. Failing to do so can lead to veins recurring, scarring, or even more serious problems in the deep vein system.

PROPER PROCESSES
There are two levels to vein disease: cosmetic and medical. Cosmetic issues, such as small spider veins, have minimal impact on overall health. While most medical spas are equipped to handle these cases, many believe they can easily eradicate all small surface veins. However, some patients require more complex treatment and may even require a specialist.
For the patients well-being and the medical spas reputation, it is critical to invest in educating the staff on proper treatment, hands-on training, and having a professional who can confidently mentor staff and identify when a case requires more in-depth medical attention that medical spas cannot provide.

DUAL PATHWAYS
Spider veins are two-pronged. One issue is the visible veins, and the others are the invisible veins, feeding the surface veins. Medical spas often have the impression that they can easily eradicate the surface veins with one session of laser treatment; however, in some cases, this is only a temporary solution.
Laser vein treatment uses focused light energy to heat and damage vein walls, closing the vein and causing blood to reroute to healthier veins. Laser treatment can treat the veins, but if there are underlying feeder veins that are not treated, they will come back. Cases often require the double-injury technique, combining lasers and sclerotherapy to prevent recurrence.
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment for small spider and varicose veins. The solution is injected into the vein, causing it to collapse and fade. Sclerotherapy directly targets both the superficial and underlying feeder veins with a fine needle. Multiple sessions are often needed.
While medical spas are equipped with the tools to provide these treatments, they often lack the education and training to deliver them properly. While laser treatment can be a fairly simple procedure, improper administration can lead to redness, bruising, and scarring, depending on skins melanin content.
Sclerotherapy does not come with as many cosmetic risks; however, if the person doing the treatment is unskilled or misses a vein, it can cause several problems. Since sclerotherapy is a tedious process that requires injecting a fine needle into the vein, it requires extensive training and practice to avoid complications. Injecting too forcefully or with too much solution into one area can cause complications. Additionally, the staff must be educated on the potential side effects of the medication injected into the veins. This is especially important for individuals with allergies, heart or lung disease, proneness to blood clots, or those who are pregnant.

FOUNDATIONS OF COMPETENCE
Be honest about the severity of vein treatment the medical spa can handle. If veins are small, purplish, or red, a trusted medical spa can treat them just fine. However, there are certain instances where leg swelling can be an indicator of an underlying medical issue, lymphatic disorder, or abnormal fat distribution.
Additionally, certain small facial veins may be rosacea, which requires a more complex treatment plan. Varicose veins 4 millimeters or larger can indicate more serious vein disease involving valvular insufficiency or venous obstruction. A seasoned medical professional who can make a diagnosis is crucial. There are many nurses and nurse practitioners who do a phenomenal job and can be a great asset to a medical spas staff.
When it comes to treating veins, especially with sclerotherapy, there is a learning curve to overcome before treating patients. Hand-eye coordination develops over time, reducing the risk of improper injection. Thankfully, many vein societies offer education, mentorship, and training. They offer several training opportunities, from educational courses to certifications. Mentoring with an established vein specialist can also be highly beneficial.

THE ETHICAL STANDARD
With proper training and staff, medical spas are a great option for treating minor, uncomplicated cosmetic issues. It is pivotal to utilize an educated, trained staff with a seasoned professional diagnosing and overseeing procedures. Be honest and refer people out if they require a more complicated treatment. Patients will be happy and appreciative in the long run.