Spider and Varicose Vein Removal

Spider Vein and Varicose Vein Removal

You can free yourself from the discomfort and self-consciousness of varicose and spider veins and restore a clear, youthful appearance to your legs. A consultation with Dr. Mark Ballentyne, at the Skin Wellness Center at Atlantic Plastic Surgery, will help determine the best course of treatment for your legs.

What are varicose veins and spider veins?

Varicose veins are large, swollen, protruding veins. They are misshapen with blood that should be flowing back to the heart. Instead, blood pools in the veins. Varicose veins can ache, burn, or cause a heavy, throbbing feeling in the legs, particularly after long periods spent standing up. Varicose veins may sometimes lead to very serious problems.

Spider veins are smaller red or bluish veins that show up mostly on the legs. They can occur alone or with larger varicose veins. Spider veins can cause discomfort as well as cosmetic problems.

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What is the cause of varicose and spider veins?

he cause of spider veins is not known, although they tend to run in families and occur more often in women. Female hormones or pregnancy are often a factor. Increased blood pressure causes even the smallest veins to swell, but you can be perfectly healthy and have spider veins as well. Spider veins can also be caused by injury or clothing that is too tight. They are not caused by standing, but standing for long periods of time can make them worse.

How can varicose and spider veins be treated?

Dr. Ballentyne treats both varicose and spider veins with "injection sclerotherapy," the safest, most economical, and most common treatment. A chemical solution is injected into the vein, which causes the vein to become inflamed. Compression is applied and vein walls scar and close down, blocking the flow of blood. Blood is redirected to healthy veins, and the varicose or spider veins become invisible. Treated veins represent only a very small number of the veins in your legs carrying blood, making it easy for other veins to compensate, returning blood to the heart.

Is it painful?

The only pain is a needle stick. Results are seen almost immediately, although it may take weeks for the veins to reabsorb completely. The initial reaction of redness or bruising will usually go away in seven days, and the veins slowly disappear over two to six weeks.

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