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| |  Plastic Surgeons Help Eliminate Spider Veins in a Flash BIRMINGHAM, Mich., Dec. 2, 1996 -- Birmingham-based Plastic Surgery Associates (PSA) offers women and men a revolutionary new way to treat unsightly spider veins in the legs and face without needles or surgery. PhotoDerm(R), a computer-based machine, uses bright light similar to a camera's flashbulb to destroy the veins, by delivering controlled "doses" of light through a special handpiece. PSA physicians trained to use PhotoDerm select the amount of light to be used on patients' problem areas. They then place a special crystal atop the skin which emits computer-generated flashes of light that cause veins to gradually disappear without damaging other tissues. When performed in conjunction with sclerotherapy, the traditional method of treating veins, PhotoDerm is able to treat large areas quickly. Port wine stains and vascular lesions can also be treated. "PhotoDerm is a non-invasive procedure and, therefore, involves very minimal risk," said William Vasileff, M.D., F.A.C.S., a plastic and reconstructive surgeon and founder of PSA. Once treated with PhotoDerm, veins begin to deteriorate over a two- to three-week period. The body naturally absorbs the deteriorating material. Usually, two or three treatments are needed within several months to reveal clear skin. PhotoDerm's light is proven safe by the Food and Drug Administration. "The light works much like a laser, but instead of having one wavelength of light, PhotoDerm produces a spectrum of light," continued Dr. Vasileff. "Various sizes of small veins can be slowly made to disappear with this technology." Patients treated with PhotoDerm may feel a sensation similar to the snap of a rubberband, and slight redness may occur for several hours after treatment. Treatment fees for the PhotoDerm sessions range from $250 to $450. PhotoDerm produces best results for people with fair skin. The procedure is not recommended for individuals with darker skin because darker skin pigmentation absorbs more light and may result in burns or scarring. Dr. Vasileff and his colleague, Dr. A. Kevin Muiderman, suggest patients refrain from sun exposure at least two weeks prior to and after treatment to avoid possible hyperpigmentation or darkened patches of skin. Plastic Surgery Associates was founded in l982 by William J. Vasileff, M.D., F.A.C.S. Its certified physicians specialize in various plastic and reconstructive procedures including liposuction, face-lifts, laser skin resurfacing, hair transplants and rhinoplasty.
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