Spider Veins
Spider veins are small, thin dilated veins that lie close to the surface of the skin. Although spider veins do not pose health risks, they can cause significant discomfort, particularly in the legs after prolonged standing. The most common vein problem is the spider vein. These broken capillaries, properly named telangiectasias, or spider veins, are small red, blue or purple web-like veins (less than 2mm in diameter, flat or raised) on the surface of the skin. While not harmful, spider veins are generally felt to be unsightly and cause some people to be self-conscious.

The primary factors contributing to the development of spider veins, include heredity, pregnancy, hormones, weight gain, and prolonged standing or sitting. Spider veins typically occur more frequently in women.

Sclerotherapy Treatment
Over the past few years, the treatments for vein disorders have changed dramatically. New technology has virtually eliminated the need to use surgery for the treatment of surface veins. Non-surgical laser treatments allow for fast, virtually pain-free treatments requiring minimal recovery time.

Prior to any vein treatments, each patient will receive a thorough medical evaluation to identify the underlying cause(s) of the vein problems. Your doctor will discuss treatment options for your condition which may include sclerotherapy, laser treatment or surgery. The best treatment option for you will depend upon the conditions and extent of vein disease, your overall health, risk factors, insurance coverage and your preference.

Most spider veins are treated with a technique called sclerotherapy. In this office procedure, a tiny needle injects a special chemical medication to seal off damaged veins, detouring the blood to other veins nearby. In response, the veins collapse and are reabsorbed by the body, making the surface veins no longer visible. Sclerotherapy relieves symptoms due to varicose veins and spider veins in most patients. You may need anywhere from one to several sclerotherapy sessions for any veins region depending upon the type and number of veins being treated.

Following the sclerotherapy for spider veins, the leg must be supported to allow the vein walls to stick together. This is accomplished by using compression bandages or graduated support stockings. These stockings appear just like tall socks and have no discomfort.

Phases of Treatment

Vanishing Veins Northwest Providers

Varicose Veins
Healthy veins return blood to the heart so it can be re-oxygenated. One-way valves within the veins ensure that the blood flows in one direction, towards the heart. When valves fail or leak, the blood flows backwards, causing blood to pool in the veins. The increased pressure from the pooling stretches the vein, causing enlarged, twisted blood vessels. The resulting bumpy, rope like veins are varicose veins.

It normally takes years for symptoms of varicose veins to develop. While varicose veins are commonly inherited, anyone can get them. Hormonal changes brought on by puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, can trigger the onset of varicose veins.

Varicose veins can cause swelling in the legs and feet, create a sense of fatigue in leg muscles, and cause leg throbbing or cramping. Often, the skin surrounding the varicose veins frequently itches and burns.

Symptoms:
Left untreated, varicose veins can lead to swelling, increased pain, skin discoloration, and ulcerations of the lower legs. These ulcerations are difficult to treat and can become easily infected and painful. Many of these symptoms and complications can be prevented by early treatment of varicose veins.

Pain in the legs is frequently related to varicose veins. Symptoms are often made worse by standing and sitting for periods of time. Symptoms include swelling, leg fatigue, aching, burning, cramping and restlessness of the legs. Severe varicose veins can compromise the nutrition of the skin and lead to eczema, inflammation or even ulceration of the lower leg.

Diagnosis:
Vein disorders are not always visible; therefore, modern diagnostic techniques are important tools in determining the cause and severity of the problem. Depending on the results of your screening examination, your doctor may recommend additional tests such as diagnostic ultrasound to identify where and how badly your veins are damaged. The ultrasound examination is designed to evaluate the blood flow through your veins in your legs, localizing the problem areas.

Endovenous Laser Therapy Treatment:
The actual procedure to remove varicose veins is commonly referred to as Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT). This procedure normally takes less than an hour and only requires local anesthesia.

By delivering just the right wavelength of laser energy to just the right tissue, the incompetent veins (varicose veins) will close. Your body automatically routes the blood to other healthy veins.

While you might feel some unfamiliar sensation, the procedure for most people produces only a mild degree of pain or discomfort.

 Phases of Treatment

Vanishing Veins Northwest Providers