Remove Varicose Veins & Spider Veins

Vascular Laser Vein Therapy

Varicose and spider veins are a very common condition in many adults. While they are usually not harmful, they can be unsightly, sometimes uncomfortable, and they are difficult to conceal.

What Are Varicose Veins and Spider Veins?

Varicose veins are dark blue or red, and they appear large, twisted, and highly visible. Some patients describe them as appearing raised or swollen. While they can occur in other parts of the body, they are most common on the legs.

Spider veins tend to be thinner than varicose veins, and they get their name because their pattern resembles the legs of a spider, or a spider’s web. They can be various colors, including red, purple, and blue. These appear most often on the legs and face.

Causes of Varicose Veins

There are a number of causes that can lead to the development of varicose veins, but the ultimate cause is a failure of the valves that prevent blood from flowing backwards, rather than strictly pumping blood towards the heart. When this occurs, gravity takes over and the blood pools in the veins rather than continuing to flow back upward to the heart.  Factors that can contribute to the development of varicose veins include:

• Standing for extended periods of time
• Pregnancy
• Congenital, chronic heart valve conditions
• Menopause
• Sun damage
• Leg crossing while sitting
• Obesity
• Heredity

Causes of Spider Veins

Spider veins and varicose veins have similar causes, however, one of the major ones associated with spider veins is spending extended periods of time on your feet. People in professions that stand all day are often prone to this condition.

Symptoms of Varicose Veins and Spider Veins

The visual appearance of vascular vein conditions like varicose veins and spider veins is often the first sign or symptom that patients report. However, there are other symptoms that can be present with these conditions, including:

• Pain/aches in the legs
• The feeling of heaviness in the limbs
• Swelling
• Discoloration
• Ulcers around the ankle area

Diagnosing Vascular Vein Conditions

Diagnosing vascular vein conditions is an essential part of the treatment process. Initially, a visual assessment will be conducted while the patient is sitting or standing.  Additional strategies for diagnosis include:

• Using an ultrasound to check the blood flow of the veins
• Using an angiogram, which involves injecting dye into the veins, and watching the blood flow under X-ray to rule out blood clots and blockages
• Discussing the symptoms you’re experiencing

Once an official diagnosis has been made with regards to your varicose veins or spider veins, a treatment plan can be put into place.

Preventing Varicose Veins and Spider Veins

Treatment is necessary to remedy existing varicose veins and spider veins, however, there are some steps you can take to help prevent the development of new ones.  Vascular vein conditions can be prevented by:

• Avoiding standing for extended periods of time
• Decreasing time spent in the sun (and using sun protection methods)
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Refraining from crossing your legs while sitting
• Improving the strength of your legs with physical activity
• Use of compression stockings or garments designed to encourage blood flow to the heart and reduce the pooling of blood in the veins

Treating Varicose Veins and Spider Veins

Both varicose veins and spider veins can be effectively treated using laser technology. At Personique On The Spot in Austin, our specialists can help you reduce the appearance of unsightly varicose and spider veins. We use state-of-the-art technology that incorporates a combination of energies to treat unwanted veins on your legs and face.  These are relatively non-invasive procedures with a limited recovery period. Laser treatment for varicose veins and spider veins are preferable to surgical procedures as they are safe, and cause a patient less discomfort.

Vascular vein laser treatments use high intensity light to precisely target and heat the lesion while protecting the surrounding skin. Small red spider veins on the face or lower body can be treated, as well as larger blue-green colored veins on the legs. Patients will notice improvements after one treatment with no downtime, although multiple sessions may be required for an optimal result.

There are two main types of laser treatment used to treat vascular vein conditions. The simple laser treatment is applied through the skin. The endovenous laser treatment requires that a laser fiber and catheter be inserted into the vein under ultrasound. A local anesthesia is used for this procedure.

What To Expect After Vein Laser Treatment

With any laser procedure, most patients can walk immediately following the treatment. With simple laser treatment, there should be no impact on your regular daily activities. With the endovenous laser treatment, wearing compression stockings for at least a week following the procedure is usually required.

To learn more about vascular vein laser treatment, or to schedule a visit, please give us a call at (512) 459-6800, or simply fill out the form to the right and someone from our office will be in touch with you shortly.