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Spider and Varicose Veins
Spider Veins

Unsightly veins are a common problem for millions of men and women. This problem affects all ethnic groups, of all ages and both genders. Estimates indicate that more than 60% of the adult population suffers from unsightly veins somewhere in the body. Spider veins are the small superficial purple or red veins stretching like a "Star" under the skin. Depending on the size and location of the veins there are generally two treatment techniques available.

Laser Treatment:

Laser vein removal is an easy, fast, and effective way to treat superficial veins. However, laser therapy is not the best for more deeply located veins. Laser therapy has been used in the medicine for more than 30 years. Advances in technology have helped developed many different lasers. The laser uses a focused beam of light. In the treatment of veins, the wavelength of light is targeted to the pigment in the blood. The laser heats up the small vein and destroys it. The laser beam is focused and does not damage the nearby skin tissue. Over a period of four to six weeks the vein is reabsorbed by the body and disappears.

Sclerotherapy:

This procedure involves the injection of a concentrated solution of sodium chloride directly into the vein with a small needle. The solution irritates the veins and causes it to collapse. Over time, the vessel turns into scar tissue that fades away. The procedure is usually done in a clinic, is relatively inexpensive, and has little downtime. Most individuals require a couple of sessions to treat all the spider veins. Side effects of sclerotherapy may include slight swelling, bruising, and redness and itching at injection sites. If the solution leaks out of the vein, pain and darkening of the skin occurs.
Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are a very common condition in the United States and affect approximately 15 percent of men and approximately 25 percent of women. Varicose veins are the blue or purplish enlarged veins you typically see bulging out of one's leg. The word "varicose" is derived from the Latin root word "varix," which is translated in English as "twisted." Any vein in your body may become varicose, however, this condition exists most often in the legs and feet. As standing and walking increases the pressure in the veins in the lower half of your body.

Depending on the size of the veins, two treatment options are generally suggested.

Sclerotherapy:

This procedure involves the injection of a concentrated solution of sodium chloride directly into the vein with a small needle. The solution irritates the veins and causes it to collapse. Over time, the vessel turns into scar tissue that fades away. The procedure is usually done in a clinic, is relatively inexpensive, and has little downtime. Most individuals require a couple of sessions to treat all the varicose veins. Side effects of sclerotherapy may include slight swelling, bruising, and redness and itching at injection sites. If the solution leaks out of the vein, pain and darkening of the skin occurs.

Ambulatory Phlebectomy:

Ambulatory phlebectomy is a minimally invasive approach to the treatment of larger varicose veins on the surface of the leg. Best used with a visible bulging vein, ambulatory phlebectomy involves removing the bulging veins through small freckle-size incisions while using a local anesthetic. The permanent removal of the veins leads to excellent long-term results, including optimal cosmetic appearance with minimal scarring.