Spider and varicose veins are a common condition affecting approximately 30-60% of the adult population. They appear as fine red, purple or blue vessels, commonly on the legs. They are sometimes attached to a wider, blue vein known as a reticular vein. Sometimes these veins become swollen and bulge across the skin surface forming a varicose vein. Genetics play the largest role in the development of unsightly veins and the problem tends to get worse with aging. Other factors that exacerbate leg veins include pregnancy, menopause, hormone replacement therapy, obesity, and jobs that require prolonged periods of standing.
Treatment of superficial spider veins and reticular veins can reduce the appearance of these dilated surface veins while preserving blood flow in healthy veins. Sclerotherapy is a highly effective therapy that involves the injection of small amounts of solution through a tiny needle. The solution irritates the center of the vein so that it collapses on itself and is eventually absorbed by the body. This minimally invasive procedure is easy to perform in the office and no anesthesia is required. Our patients get the best results from a series of treatment sessions and some maintenance over time to mitigate new veins that appear with aging.
Certain red and blue veins can also be effectively treated with vascular lasers. A combination approach is often used with best results on the legs when both large and small veins are present.