Vein Removal

Spider veins and varicose veins develop from damaged valves that prevent blood from flowing normally. Many other things can damage your valves, but your risk of varicose veins and spider veins is higher if you have a family history of the issue. One of the most common causes is genetics. If your close relatives have visible veins, that means you are more likely to develop them yourself. Other risk factors include hormones, age, pregnancy, lifestyle, and weight.

If you are concerned about spider or varicose veins, talk to our dermatologist. She can help you identify the cause and find the best treatment option for you.

Visible veins can be a cause for concern for many people. While they may not be harmful to your health, they can be a sign of underlying medical conditions. Watch out for symptoms such as leg swelling, muscle cramps, itching, and tingling when you notice darker or bulging veins. 

If you have visible veins and are concerned about the health implications, it is essential to talk to your doctor. They can perform a physical examination and order tests to rule out any underlying conditions.

In most cases, visible veins are harmless and do not require treatment. However, if they are causing you pain or discomfort, or you simply dislike the way they look, several therapies can help. These include vein surgery, laser therapy, and sclerotherapy. If you are concerned about the appearance of visible veins, talk to our team to find out what treatment options are available.

This laser targets broken capillaries that are directly at the surface of the skin, such as cherry angiomas and spider veins. These are most commonly the "red" veins. We find these anywhere on the body, but especially our more sun-exposed areas, such as the face, chest, and arms. This laser "zaps" or constricts broken capillaries with a heat frequency. Full resolution of the veins can take anywhere between 1 and 6 total treatment sessions, depending on the severity and stubbornness of the vein. These treatments are fast, typically painless (a quick rubber-band snapping sensation as the laser pulsates), and require little to no downtime. Because we're using a heat a the surface of the skin, most patients do not have to worry about healing from any cuts, wounds, blistered, cauterized or damaged skin tissue! Expect a little redness and soreness following treatment and avoid sun exposure.

Sclerotherapy is the method of vein removal that involves an injection of a solution (such as Asclera) to dissolve veins and redirect blood flow. This is most commonly used on the lower body, such as the legs, ankles, and feet. Sclerotherapy is used for the more "purple" veins that typically sit directly underneath the skin. Sclerotherapy treatments can take anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour each, depending on how much area is to be covered. Some patients may need multiple sessions of sclerotherapy, whereas others may find relief after one session. Aftercare involves the wearing of compression stockings for several weeks following treatment. We also encourage 15-20 minutes of mild to moderate walking each day following treatment to encourage redirected blood flow and avoid clotting. An 8-week follow up assessment will be performed where we can determine if another session is necessary or if all has healed to ultimate satisfaction!

Generally, it takes about 3-6 weeks for the injected veins to disappear. However, it may take longer for larger veins to disappear. In some cases, multiple treatments may be needed to achieve the desired results. But overall, sclerotherapy is an effective treatment for varicose veins and spider veins.

Another type (and color) of veins are the "blue" veins, or mostly, varicose veins. These can be too deep and often times too large for either of the above therapies to be effective. Varicose veins can sometimes mean an underlying medical condition. They also will work as the head cause of reticular and spider veins, so usually, it's best to target these prior to attempting to treat the smaller veins. If we do not start with the root of the issue first, then you will be chasing the smaller veins continuously. In this case, we may recommend consulting with a vein specialist first.

The removal of unwanted veins that do not cause medical harm to the patient is considered cosmetic, so an assessment can be performed easily at a skin exam or in a Cosmetic Consultation. We'll help determine the severity and type of veins present and walk you through your treatment options, pricing, and expectations.