Are breast implants safe?

The FDA’s longstanding position is that implants are safe as long as women understand they can have complications, including scarring, pain, swelling and implant rupture. However, the FDA has been grappling with how to manage a recently confirmed link to a rare cancer. FDA regulators said it is “impossible” for them to determine how frequently the cancer — a form of lymphoma — occurs because the U.S. does not track the total number of implants on the market. Estimates of the frequency of the disease range from 1 in 3,000 women to 1 in 50,000+. As of July 2019, the FDA requested that Allergan voluntarily recall certain breast implants and tissue expanders from the market. Get more information about breast implant removal here. Most confirmed cases of the disease, known as breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), have involved a particular brand of textured implant that we do not use. The disease is not breast cancer, but a form of cancer that attacks the immune system and usually forms in the scar tissue surrounding implants. It grows slowly. Doctors can successfully treat this disease by removing the implants.

What are the risks associated with breast augmentation?

Smoking, vaping and nicotine use increase the risk of complications after any surgery, including breast augmentation. As such, we strongly urge discontinuing the use of tobacco products one to two months prior to surgery, and one month after surgery, to ensure optimal healing and results. Some of the possible complications associated with breast augmentation include: Anesthesia risks Bleeding Blood clots Asymmetry Infection Changes in nipple or breast sensation Unfavorable scarring Wrong or faulty position of the implant Implant leakage or rupture The formation of tight scar tissue around the implant (capsular contracture) Fluid accumulation (seroma) Wrinkling of the skin over the implant Pain, which may persist Possibility of revision

Do you offer financing or special pricing?

At Fox Valley Plastic Surgery, we offer multiple discounts for cosmetic procedures: 15% off the surgeon’s fee for your second cosmetic procedure, and 30% off the surgeon’s fee for the third procedure. We also discount the operating room fee 50% for your second procedure and any that come after, while anesthesia charges by time. We also partner with reputable companies like CareCredit® and Alphaeon® Credit, which offer low or zero-interest financing to make your transformation more manageable. If you have any questions about payment or financing, don’t hesitate to contact our office. Our team will be happy to guide you through the available options to help you get the look you want with convenient monthly payments that fit your budget.

When can I return to work after my breast augmentation?

The ability to return to work depends on whether the implant was placed under or over the pectoral muscle, and the patient’s pain tolerance and motivation. If your implants are placed over the muscle (subglandular), you can expect to take two to three days off before returning to desk work. If your implants are placed under the muscle (submuscular), you should plan to take off five to seven days, by which time you can comfortably discontinue the use of pain killers. Lifting is absolutely forbidden for the first seven to 10 days, so an early return to work is not advised for patients with active jobs. Avoid strenuous activity for the first two weeks, and do not lift anything heavier than 10 pounds before for the first six weeks (this includes small children and pets). While it is important to rest frequently during the first week, we recommend walking 15-20 minutes four times a day to help prevent blood clots from forming.

Are breast implants right for me?

Breast implants can help you achieve a fuller, more proportional figure, but there are several things to consider before undergoing breast augmentation, such as: Breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime, and future surgery may be required to replace one or both implants Pregnancy, weight loss, and menopause may influence the appearance of augmented breasts over the course of your lifetime Breast augmentation patients require regular examinations to ensure the health of their breasts and the condition of their implants Patients who are considering implants should carefully weigh the risks and benefits of breast augmentation and make the decision that is right for them. Download booklets from the Patient Forms page to learn more. Specifically, please read at least one of these booklets: Mentor® Breast Implants Patient Education or Sientra® Breast Implants Patient Education.

Spider Vein Treatment

Spider veins are small, threadlike clusters of red, blue or purplish veins that often appear on the legs or face. While generally harmless, they can make it difficult to feel confident in your appearance. At Fox Valley Plastic Surgery, we offer numerous treatment options for eliminating spider veins, helping you achieve clearer skin with a personalized approach tailored to you.

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What Are Spider Veins?

Spider veins, also called telangiectasias, are small, damaged blood vessels that sit near the surface of the skin. They appear as thin, web-like clusters and are commonly found on the face or legs, with colors ranging from pale red to deep purple depending on vessel size and depth.

Spider veins develop when tiny blood vessels (capillaries) weaken and expand, often due to genetics, prolonged standing, hormonal changes or sun exposure. Most spider veins are asymptomatic, although some may experience mild itching or a feeling of heaviness in affected areas. For most people who seek treatment, the primary motivation is cosmetic.

SPIDER VEIN TREATMENT: KEY DETAILS

Procedure Time: 15-45 minutes, depending on treatment and area
Anesthesia: Some to no numbing required
Recovery: Little to no downtime
Results: Progressive fading over 3-6 weeks
Number of Sessions: Typically 1-4, depending on treatment type
Approximate Cost: $150-$1000 depending on area and treatment

What Causes Spider Veins?

Healthy circulation relies on a complex network of arteries and veins. Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, while veins bring deoxygenated blood back to the heart. In some areas of the body, particularly the legs, this system requires the veins to work against gravity. One-way valves in the veins are nature’s solution to gravity, preventing blood from flowing backward and pooling in the lower extremities.

Excess pressure on the venous system can weaken these valves and allow blood to backflow, forcing the vein to stretch and weaken. When affected blood vessels are larger and deeper, the result is varicose veins. When the smaller, superficial capillaries are damaged, it causes the appearance of spider veins.

Key risk factors of spider veins include:

Aging
Genetics
Prolonged sitting or standing
Obesity
Hormonal changes
Sun exposure
Gender (women are more likely to develop spider or varicose veins)

Healthy lifestyle habits, like maintaining a healthy weight, limiting sun exposure, wearing compression stockings and improving vascular strength through exercise, can lower your risk of developing spider veins. For spider veins that do appear on the face or legs, Fox Valley Plastic Surgery is an IAC-accredited vein center with a wide range of treatment options, from sclerotherapy and RF ablation to the most advanced lasers for rosacea and facial veins.

Spider Vein Treatments at Fox Valley Plastic Surgery

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is one of the most widely used treatments for spider veins. It involves injecting a sclerosant solution directly into the affected vein, causing it to collapse and seal shut. Over the following weeks, the treated vein fades as the body gradually absorbs it.

It’s an effective option for small to medium-sized leg veins, works well on clusters, and can reach veins at varying depths. Most patients need between two and four sessions for optimal clearance, with visible improvement beginning three to six weeks after treatment.

ThermoClear

ThermoClear is an advanced, non-invasive treatment that uses precise thermocoagulation technology to safely and effectively reduce or eliminate a variety of common skin imperfections. By delivering a controlled microburst of heat directly to the targeted area, ThermoClear can treat concerns such as skin tags, cherry angiomas, broken capillaries, sebaceous hyperplasia, milia, and other benign skin lesions with minimal discomfort and little to no downtime. Most treatments are quick, require no injections or stitches, and allow patients to return to their normal activities immediately, making ThermoClear an excellent option for achieving clearer, healthier-looking skin.

Ruby BBL™

Ruby BBL (BroadBand Light™) uses targeted light energy to heat and collapse superficial spider veins without any needles. It’s a noninvasive option well-suited for patients with rosacea, facial spider veins or scattered surface veins that are difficult to inject. Treatments take just 15 to 30 minutes and require no downtime, so you can resume your normal routine right away.

Which Spider Vein Treatment Is Right for Me?

The most appropriate spider vein treatment depends on a few key factors: the size of the veins, where they appear and your preferred approach. Below is a side-by-side comparison to help you understand your options at Fox Valley Plastic Surgery.

	Sclerotherapy	ThermoClear	Ruby BBL™
Best for	Small to medium leg veins	Very fine spider veins & facial veins	Superficial facial/body veins, rosacea
Method	Injection	Radiofrequency	BroadBand Light™
Needles	Yes (very fine)	Yes (ultra-fine)	No
Sessions	2-4	1-3	2-4
Downtime	Minimal	None	None

During your consultation, our experienced team will evaluate your veins using advanced imaging and recommend the treatment (or combination of treatments) that makes the most sense for your anatomy and goals.

Why Choose Fox Valley Plastic Surgery for Vein Care

Fox Valley Plastic Surgery is an IAC-accredited vein center, a distinction that requires independent review of diagnostic testing, treatment protocols and patient outcomes against nationally recognized standards. We are one of a select few clinics in Wisconsin with IAC accreditation, and it shows in our results.

Nationwide, vein procedures carry an average three-year closure rate of 93%. At FVPS, that number is 97.1%, exceeding the national benchmark and reflecting what a coordinated, experienced team can accomplish when the same high standard is applied to every patient.

A big part of our success is Sue Miller, our vein center manager. Sue is a registered vascular technician, a registered diagnostic medical sonographer and a registered radiologic technologist, and she coordinates every step of your care from initial diagnosis through follow-up. Different providers may administer specific treatments, but Sue provides continuity you won’t find elsewhere throughout the entire process.

Hear From Our Patients

“Sue was fantastic and explained the process to me so I had no surprises on how long it would take to see results and how much it would cost. Getting rid of spider veins is very tedious and Sue expertly picked and poked every last one. The results were amazing and I highly recommend FVPS’s Sue Barta.”

— Jenny O.

“FVPS is professional from receptionist to doctor. When I came in this past summer for vein pain, (even after having the initial vein closure done 5 years ago), Dr. Janssen noticed that my veins didn’t improve and informed me that I have vein reflux. Oh yay I thought….but his response was…”let’s fix this”.

I will never be able to do the staff justice (especially those I don’t name)…but from Meg to Sue (and her awesome honesty) to Dr. Janssen and Dr. Doubek (and their awesome honesty), this is the only place I trust. ( I went through 3 other vein specialists before I called FVPS)”

— Timothy K.

“Sue Barta/Vein Center treated my varicose veins previously and most recently treated my spider veins. I was very pleased with the results, from both experiences. Everyone I encountered was very professional and friendly. They were very accommodating with scheduling.”

— Mary E.

Read Real Patient Stories

Schedule Your Free Vein Screening

If you’re ready to do something about unwanted spider veins, we’re here to help. Schedule your free vein screening at Fox Valley Plastic Surgery in Oshkosh, WI by calling 920-233-1540 or booking online. Our team will take a look at your veins and develop a personalized treatment plan that makes sense for your goals, lifestyle and budget.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do spider vein treatments hurt?

Sclerotherapy and ThermoClear involve a brief stinging sensation during injection, but most patients find it very tolerable. Ruby BBL is noninvasive, with no needles and only mild warmth during treatment. Comfort levels vary from person to person, and our team can adjust as needed throughout your session.

Are spider veins the same as varicose veins?

No. While they share the same underlying cause (weak or damaged valves), spider veins are smaller and sit closer to the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are larger, rope-like and may signal an underlying venous condition. If you have both, we’ll address each separately. Fox Valley Plastic Surgery offers a full range of vein treatments, including endovenous laser treatment, radiofrequency ablation, Varithena and VenaSeal for larger varicose veins.

Can spider veins be prevented?

Some people are more prone to spider veins than others. While you can’t control aging and genetic factors, there are some habits you can adopt to reduce your risk, including:

Maintaining a healthy weight
Taking frequent walks to promote circulation
Wearing compression hose as recommended by your doctor
Using sunscreen on the face and body to prevent sun damage
Avoiding sitting or standing for long periods without a break
Putting your feet up while resting
Limiting the use of saunas or hot tubs

Will spider veins come back after treatment?

Treated veins are permanently closed and won’t return. New spider veins can develop over time, however, particularly if the underlying factors (such as prolonged sitting or standing) are still present. Periodic maintenance treatments can keep new veins in check.

What is IAC accreditation?

IAC accreditation means Fox Valley Plastic Surgery has been independently evaluated and certified by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC), a nationally recognized accrediting organization for facilities that meet specific standards in vascular testing and diagnostic imaging. For you, that means less guesswork in your treatment plan and precise, evidence-based protocols that deliver real results.

Are spider vein treatments covered by insurance?

Most spider veins don’t cause discomfort or other health issues. When treatment is pursued for aesthetic reasons, it is generally not covered by insurance. If you have symptomatic varicose veins or underlying chronic venous insufficiency, treatment of these conditions is usually covered when deemed medically necessary to relieve pain, swelling and aching legs. Insurance companies use what’s called the CEAP (clinical, etiological, anatomic and pathophysiological) scoring system to determine the medical necessity of treatment:

C0-C1: Superficial spider veins; cosmetic problem only; not covered
C2: Simple varicose veins; covered if symptomatic
C3: Varicose veins with swelling; indicates chronic venous insufficiency; covered
C4-C6: Varicose veins with skin changes, active or healed ulcers, and other signs of advanced venous disease; covered

We recommend speaking to your provider to confirm the details of your plan.