"I knew I wanted to have some work done, but I wanted to know I was in good hands. I sought impartial advice and met with Wendy Lewis, the New York aesthetic consultant. She recommended Dr Rakus - she was right. I know I'm in safe hands and my treatments have been effective without side effects and have drawn many compliments".
Susan BP 15.12.05
“Apart from the obvious lift effect I really notice the difference in the appearance of my skin. It looks fresh and dewy and, at the age of 43, it is wonderful to have young looking skin again! Thank you."
AB 10.05.07
"Since I started my treatment with Dr. Rakus I can now look people in the face. My confidence has soared!"
JS 03.07.06
Vein Treatment / Micro Sclerotherapy
Micro Sclerotherapy
Thread, spider or red veins of the legs are a common problem which mostly
affects women. These small veins can form anywhere in the leg from the
top of the thigh to the ankle. While these veins pose no major health
problems, they can cause discomfort and be unsightly. Micro Sclerotherapy
can correct these unwanted thread veins.
What is Micro Sclerotherapy?
It is a procedure in which a specially trained doctor or nurse injects
a small amount of an irritant solution using a very fine needle into the
thread veins. The solution displaces the blood within the vein causing
it to turn white. It also irritates the vein making it swell and close,
thus stopping blood from re-entering it. Depending on the size of the
vein a pressure bandage may be worn. However usually support hose is all
that is necessary for no more than a week following the procedure. Treated
veins will disappear within two weeks to two months. More than one treatment
is usually needed, although most thread veins can be treated over a course
of two sessions, each taking 30 to 40 minutes. For very extensive thread
veins a maximum of six treatments could be necessary but rarely more.
Is the treatment painful?
There is a little minor discomfort with a very slight burning sensation
but this disappears within a few seconds.
What are the side effects?
Side effects are rare and easily treated. Some have been reported and
include slightly raised areas at the injection sites that heal within
a day or two and temporary bruising around the treated areas which usually
resolve rapidly. Very rarely, a small dark area of pigmentation
resembling a freckle may remain. These spots usually resolve in time and
respond to bleaching agents. The development of tiny networks of fine
red vessels near the injection site of larger vessels can occur. Most
resolve spontaneously. Allergic reactions to the solution are rare and
easily treated.
What causes thread veins?
The reason why some people are affected and others are not is unknown.
There are though some predisposing factors. Heredity seems to play a part.
Injury to the legs and long periods of standing are causative factors.
In addition, more women than men seem to develop this condition as a result
of pregnancy or hormones.
How can they be prevented?
The use of support hose, weight control and exercise may be beneficial.
Will the treated veins recur?
Thread veins may recur. It may seem that a previously injected vein has
recurred, whereas in fact a new thread vein has appeared in the same area.
Post-treatment instructions
- Elevate the legs as much as possible immediately following the procedure
- Keep moving the legs and walk as much as is practical.
- Wear medium support hose for one week.
- Avoid waxing or shaving the leg(s) in the areas for about a week.
- Preferably shower rather than bathe after the procedure. Avoid rubbing shower gel or soap over the injection sites, but simply splash these areas with water and pat dry.
- Avoid the use of body lotions or creams in the treated areas for the first few days.
- Avoid strenuous activity such as aerobics or keep fit for five to seven days following the procedure. In addition avoid standing still for long periods of time for the first few days.
- Do not sunbathe or use a sun-bed for the immediate few weeks after the procedure to avoid a risk of hyperpigmentation of the treated area.
TATLER May 2006
Treatment junkie Anna Curtis gives her verdict:
Where Dr M R Rakus,
34a Hans Road, SW3
(tel: 020 7460 7324).
Price £850.
Pain factor. 'It's quite anxiety-provoking.
I dosed up on Nurofen and was numbed for an hour with anesthetic gel, but the
laser still felt uncomfortable - a scratching pain like sandpaper across my
skin. But it only lasts 10 minutes.'
Recovery time. Afterwards my skin
was hot, incredibly red and tight like sunburn. I lay low for a day until the
red had faded to a pinkish glare, and a day later it was almost gone.
Verdict. Fraxel is the whole number
- a facelift without the knife. The pigmented marks on my décolleté have
almost gone, my skin is beginning to feel softer and more youthful and, along
with some help from Restylane on my upper lip, my lines are definitely fading.'
My hairdresser (people who always notice!) made me thrilled when she said “What have you done to your makeup. It looks good, you appear refreshed and your jaw line is tighter. A new face cream? Tell me about it”
It wasn’t makeup or creams, but Thermage performed by Dr. Rita Rakus. I’ve trusted her for many years now and I know that if she suggests a new treatment I can rely on her judgment. I’m so pleased that I had Thermage.
Lynda W 15.03.06
