Spider vein treatment centers--Are they all created equal?

Today, there are several different options for treating or even covering up spider veins.  In a separate article, we will discuss our favorite techniques for DIY cover up methods for spider veins on the legs.  In this article, we want to discuss the medical options for spider vein removal and provide some guidance on how to find the best spider vein treatments in NJ.  Before we begin, we want to emphasisze the importance of thinking beyond the surface of the skin and the spider veins we see. We also need to think about the veins we do not see but will not only result in future spider veins, but also cause symptoms.  These medical symptoms include leg cramps, leg pain, swelling, skin discoloration, and leg ulcerations. With these symptoms, patients need to seek out medical professionals to evaluate for underlying venous insufficiency.  This condition should be addressed prior to any cosmetic procedures for spider veins as it improves the circulation and prevents long term issues.  

The options for spider vein treatment using medical treatment include

1. Cosmetic sclerotherapy-- this is generally the preferred treatment by vein doctors for most types of veins.  The few exceptions are matted veins (very wispy, small veins in small tight gatherings), facial spider veins and those on the feet.  Spider veins on the legs are preferably injected with medical agents such as polidocanol or STS with great effect.  The procedure is office based and can take 15 minutes to 1 hour depending on the severity. In some cases, ultrasound or veinlites can assist the vein doctor with targeting all veins.   In the initial 2 weeks, the veins may appear reddened and inflammed, but will subsequently begin to fade over the next 4 weeks. Most patients achieve a 50-60% improvement with a single injection and will  need two or three sessions for 80% improvement.  
2. Laser treatment--this is done by either the physician or one of the technicians.  It requires directed a focused beam of light on the target veins. It cannot penetrate much beyond the skin, so its mostly reserved for surface spider veins rather than varicose or reticular veins (blue, or green veins often seen next to spider veins and can be referred to as feeder veins). Laser is preferred for the face and feet where the skin texture is not ideal for sclerotherapy injections.

Where should I go for spider vein removal?

In either case, it’s probably best to visit with a dedicated varicose vein doctor near me to determine the best vein treatment for you.  At a comprehensive vein treatment center, appropriate testing such as ultrasound can be performed to determine any underlying medical conditions and possibly insurance coverage for treatment.  A vein doctor can also give you an honest answer about what vein treatment is best suited for your condition. A vein expert can be trusted to provide full assessments of which treatment modality is likely to be effective in different parts of your body as well as the various types of veins you might have.  Of note, spider vein treatment nj cost are not likely to vary significantly between a vein clinic and medical spas.  While some laser treatments can be slightly cheaper, it’s more important to see the value of the procedure in terms of a) who will be the one performing the procedure? b) what medication will be used if cosmetic sclerotherapy? c) how much medication or time will the procedure take?  At typical vein clinics, the cost of a 30 minute session for spider vein removal is $350-$750 depending on the experience and medications used. Like many other cosmetic procedures, cheaper is not likely to be equal where experience and skill counts.

Varicose veins are abnormal swollen veins present both on the surface and beneath the surface of the skin.  In contrast, spider veins are smaller, red or purple blood vessels that are <1 mm in diameter and have a web-like appearance.  Both conditions can be related to venous insufficiency prompting a visit to Long Island Vein Clinic.

 

What creates Varicose Veins problems?

The normal function of leg veins is to bring blood back to the heart.  With activity, the calf muscles function as a pump, to circulate blood back from the legs toward the heart.  The same blood vessels have one-way valves that protect against blood from reversing back due to gravity. If the valves are faulty, this mechanism fails and blood collects in the lower legs resulting in venous insufficiency. This abnormal flow is referred to as reflux and with time builds up pressure in the legs to cause symptoms including abnormal spider and varicose veins.

 

Who is at risk of Varicose Vein disease?

There are various risk factors associated with varicose veins. These dangers include a family history of varicose veins, obesity, pregnancy, hormonal adjustments at menopause, a job that requires prolonged standing or sitting, and even previous trauma.

 

What are the symptoms of varicose veins?

The most common symptoms from varicose veins are 1) Leg heaviness 2) leg cramps 3) restless legs 4) fatigue 5) skin eczema 6) skin ulceration (rare) 7) DVT (rare) 8) Leg swelling.

 

Varicose Vein Therapy:

Some home remedies including witch hazel, horse chestnut extract, and CBD can have a relieving effect.  However, they do not reverse the condition. 

Compression stockings are the standard of early treatment once the diagnosis is suspected or confirmed by venous ultrasound.  The external compression provides circumferential support to the dilated veins and improves blood flow through graded pressure.  

Permanent and more effective varicose vein center near me offer vein ablation, sclerotherapy, varithena and venaseal. These treatments are medical in nature and require consultation with a vein specialist to determine necessity.  Modern vein treatments are minimally invasive and can be performed in the office without long recovery periods or anesthesia.