Three treatments for spider vein and varicose vein prevention

Spider veins and varicose veins are common conditions that affect a large percentage of the population. It is estimated that 30 to 60 percent of adults have either spider veins or varicose veins. These unsightly and sometimes painful veins are more like to form as you age but the truth is they can affect anyone at any age. Spider veins and varicose veins are an obvious cosmetic issue for many people, but more importantly, if the underlying problems that cause these veins are not treated it can lead to deep vein thrombosis, which is when a blood clot forms in a vein deep in your body. A doctor properly treating these venous disorders can lead to healthier outcomes while also helping you feel more confident in your own skin by fixing cosmetic issues. Dr. Lawrence Presant is a vein doctor with over 30 years of experience. He is the Chief Medical Officer of Arizona Vein Specialists in Phoenix Arizona. He has seen first hand the benefits of treatment.

"I have seen the benefits of proper treatment of spider veins and varicose veins," Dr. Presant said.

Laser vein removal

The use of lasers in medical procedures has become common practice in many medical fields and vein treatments are no exception. Endovenous laser treatment or EVLT is a procedure that eliminates unsightly and painful varicose veins. An IV needle is inserted into the vein and then we slip a tiny laser fiber the size of angel hair pasta through that needle. The laser then heats up, damaging the varicose vein which then seals the vein walls shut. The body eventually reabsorbs the vein and the blood is rerouted to healthy nearby veins. The procedure uses a local anesthetic so it is painless.

"The benefits of the procedure are that it only takes a few minutes, is a non-invasive procedure, and patients can return to normal activity the same day," Dr. Presant said.

EVLT is usually recommended for patients with varicose veins too large to treat via our next treatment method.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is the most common treatment for spider veins. The procedure involves one or a series of medication injections. A solution is injected into the spider vein via a needle and that solution damages the inner lining of the vein.

The most common vein solutions used are the FDA-approved sotradecol and polidocanol. Both solutions are painless and deliver good results consistently. Sclerotherapy is best used for isolated spider veins and not larger varicose veins. Many times repeated sessions are necessary to ensure the treated veins will remain closed.

The procedure requires you to wear a compression sock for a few days to ensure the treated vein does not pool blood.

Phlebectomy

An ambulatory phlebectomy is another treatment option best suited for dealing with the largest varicose veins. This procedure is minimally invasive and involves creating micro-incisions along the length of the varicose vein. The doctor then uses a tiny tool to remove the vein in small sections. No stitches are needed for this procedure and it causes no scarring.

The recovery time for this procedure is short, does not require pain medication, and patients can do light activities right away. Wearing a compression stocking is recommended to help with healthy blood flow.

Ensure your doctor is doing their due diligence

When you see a vein specialist it is important that they conduct a complete medical evaluation so you and your doctor can have a complete picture. Removing spider veins and varicose veins without understanding the underlying conditions that cause them will not help you long term. It is important to figure out if any other underlying venous disorders exist because they will dictate what the best treatment plan is. Make sure that your doctor is crafting a treatment plan that is designed for you and make sure they have a commitment to guide you through that treatment plan to the end.