Intravenous (IV) Therapies in Ankara, Turkey

In plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery practice, vascular lesion and vein-related treatments include the full spectrum of procedures used to manage hemangiomas, congenital vascular anomalies, facial broken capillaries, and varicose veins through laser therapy, sclerotherapy, or surgical excision. The main objective of these treatments is not only to achieve a smooth aesthetic appearance on the skin surface, but also to correct the underlying circulatory disturbance in order to protect the patient’s functional health. This process—ranging from microscopic vascular networks to complex malformations—relies on individualized planning that combines minimally invasive technologies with surgical expertise.

What Are Intravenous (IV) Therapies?

Intravenous (IV) therapies are medical applications based on administering medications, fluids, vitamins, minerals, or other therapeutic solutions directly into a vein. This approach enables active substances to enter systemic circulation quickly and in a controlled manner. It may be preferred for fluid loss, infections, nutritional support, and supportive care in certain chronic conditions. The administration method, composition, and duration should be planned by a physician according to the patient’s clinical condition.

What Is the Difference Between Vascular Spots and Vascular Marks?

Not every redness or purplish discoloration we see on the body has the same biological origin. Treatment success begins with correctly naming what these lesions are. Clinically, we generally classify them into two main groups: vascular tumors and vascular malformations. Making this distinction is like telling the difference between a temporary blockage in a building’s plumbing and a fundamental design flaw made during construction.

Vascular tumors are characterized by rapid proliferation of vascular cells after birth. They appear later, grow, and then stabilize at a certain point. Vascular malformations, on the other hand, result from abnormal formation of blood vessels during fetal development. They are present at birth, grow with the child, and never resolve on their own. To establish the correct diagnosis, we use tools such as:

• Doppler ultrasonography
• MR imaging
• Clinical examination
• Angiography

If this distinction is not made correctly, the treatment pathway can shift in the wrong direction. For example, a tumor may respond to medication, while a malformation may require surgery or interventional radiology.

How Is Hemangioma Treatment Performed in Infants?

Infantile hemangiomas—commonly known as “strawberry marks” or “birthmarks”—are among the conditions that most worry new parents. At birth, the skin often looks normal, but within the first weeks a small red spot appears and grows rapidly into a raised, bright-red lesion. In the past, the approach was often “let’s wait, it will go away.” Indeed, many of these lesions fade spontaneously by primary school age. Today, however, modern medicine cannot always afford to wait.

Especially for hemangiomas around the eyes that may interfere with vision, on the lip that may affect feeding, or those pressing on the airway, we initiate early treatment with specific syrups (propranolol) that act on beta receptors in the body. These medications constrict blood vessels and help stop growth. After the hemangioma regresses, plastic surgery may address any residual deformity. Potential residual changes after regression may include:

• Redundant, sagging skin
• Fatty tissue remnants
• Scar formation
• Superficial vascular residues

By correcting these remnants surgically or reducing them with laser applications, we aim to help the child achieve an appearance that will not affect social life later on.

Why Do Broken Capillaries Appear on the Face?

One of the most common aesthetic concerns in adult patients is persistent facial redness. These fine vessels, typically located around the sides of the nose, cheeks, and chin, can make the face look constantly flushed, tired, or blotchy. These dilated vessels—called telangiectasias—occur when vessel walls lose elasticity and become permanently widened. Genetics is the main determinant, but environmental factors can trigger or worsen the condition.

Common factors that contribute to skin thinning and leave vessels more vulnerable include:

• Sun exposure
• Rosacea
• Long-term corticosteroid use
• Extreme hot or cold weather
• Alcohol consumption
• Chronic nose-rubbing or frequent wiping

While these vessels usually do not pose a health risk, they can be aesthetically bothersome. Fortunately, current technologies make eliminating these fine vascular networks much more practical.

What Does a Patient Feel During Laser Vascular Treatment?

Laser technology is one of the most powerful tools we have for vascular treatment. The core principle is “selective destruction.” The laser light we use passes through the upper layer of the skin without damaging it and targets only the red blood cells (hemoglobin) inside the vessel. When the light energy is absorbed by hemoglobin, it converts to heat and seals the vessel wall from the inside. In other words, we eliminate the vessel with light—without using a scalpel.

In terms of comfort, the procedure is generally well tolerated. Many patients describe the sensation as similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin. Cooling tips used during treatment help numb the skin and minimize the burning sensation. We select different wavelengths depending on the depth and color of the vessel. Commonly used laser systems include:

• Pulsed Dye Laser
• Nd:YAG Laser
• KTP Laser
• IPL systems

We choose different devices for fine facial redness versus deeper blue leg veins to achieve the most effective results.

Who Is a Candidate for Sclerotherapy (Needle Treatment)?

For leg veins with a slightly larger diameter (typically around 1–3 mm), where laser energy may not be sufficient, we prefer sclerotherapy. It is also known as “needle treatment” or “chemical vein closure.” In this procedure, we enter the vessel with very fine needles and inject a special solution. This solution triggers a reaction on the inner surface of the vessel, causing it to close and gradually be absorbed by the body over time.

In recent years, we often perform this as “foam sclerotherapy.” The medication is mixed with air to create a foam-like consistency. Foam offers major advantages over liquid: it does not dilute as quickly by mixing with blood, it adheres better to the vessel wall, and it allows us to treat larger areas with less medication. Sclerotherapy is most commonly used for:

• Medium-sized varicose veins
• Reticular veins
• Stubborn vessels that do not respond to laser
• Localized spider-vein networks

It is performed in an outpatient setting, does not require anesthesia, and the patient can walk out and return home.

Are There Non-Surgical Methods for Varicose Vein Treatment?

In the past, treatment of large varicose veins often involved painful and demanding surgeries where the vein was physically removed (stripping). Patients would stay in the hospital for days and experience significant bruising and pain. Today, with advances in plastic surgery and vascular surgery, methods known as “endovenous thermal ablation” have become standard. We no longer remove the vein—we close it in place.

With this method, a thin catheter is inserted into the vein under ultrasound guidance. The vein is heated from the inside using radiofrequency or laser energy. Heat causes the vein to shrink, seal, and become nonfunctional. Blood flow then continues through other healthy veins. The comfort these modern techniques provide is invaluable. Key advantages include:

• No incisions
• No stitches required
• Rapid return to daily life
• Minimal pain and bruising
• Option of local anesthesia

For plastic surgeons, one of the most important goals is preserving aesthetic integrity with minimal or no visible scarring on the leg.

How Are Congenital Vascular Malformations Managed?

Vascular malformations (such as arteriovenous malformations or lymphatic malformations) represent the most challenging and patience-demanding group to treat. These lesions are not simply superficial discolorations; they can infiltrate between muscles and even extend into bone. Blood flow within them may be fast and high-pressure. In such complex cases, we cannot work in isolation—collaboration with interventional radiologists is essential.

Treatment strategy is usually staged. First, in an angiography unit, the main feeding vessels are occluded using special agents (embolization). This reduces lesion size and lowers the risk of bleeding. Then we step in to excise or reconstruct remaining tissue according to aesthetic principles. Certain syndromes may also be associated with these conditions, such as:

• Klippel–Trenaunay Syndrome
• Maffucci Syndrome
• Parkes Weber Syndrome

In these patients, the goal is often not a complete “cure,” but rather controlling symptoms, relieving pain, and protecting limb function.

What Is the Recovery Process Like After Treatment?

No matter which method we use, half of success depends on the physician’s work and the other half depends on the patient’s aftercare. After vascular treatments, temporary sensitivity, redness, or mild crusting on the skin is completely normal. During this period, the skin should be protected as gently as a baby’s skin. Especially after laser and sclerotherapy, we give patients clear instructions to speed healing and prevent complications.

The biggest enemy is the sun. If the treated area is exposed to sunlight, permanent brown discoloration (hyperpigmentation) may occur. For this reason, we often prefer to perform these treatments during winter months. Core aftercare rules include:

• Using a high-SPF sunscreen
• Wearing compression stockings
• Avoiding hot baths
• Taking a break from intense exercise
• Using a moisturizer

After sclerotherapy, bandaging or compression stockings directly improves treatment effectiveness by helping the vessel walls adhere to each other.

Do Vascular Problems Come Back?

This is the question patients ask most often: “Doctor, will it come back?” In truth, the vessel we treat—whether we close it or remove it—is gone, and reopening of the same vessel is not expected (except in rare cases). However, vascular treatment is not like fixing a car part once and forgetting it forever. It is more like ongoing skin care.

If your genetics predispose you to vessel wall weakness or your job requires prolonged standing, your body may be prone to forming new broken capillaries. Over time, new vessels may appear near the treated area or elsewhere on the leg. To minimize recurrence or new formations, lifestyle adjustments can help. Long-term protective recommendations include:

• Regular walking
• Maintaining healthy weight
• Avoiding excessive heat
• Not standing still for long periods
• Quitting smoking