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Spider veins are caused by a variety of factors, including heredity, pregnancy (and other conditions that involve changes in hormone levels), weight gain, long periods of standing, and certain medications. They often appear red or blue, and because they form on the face, thighs, calves and ankles, many patients are bothered by the way they look. Others seek medical treatment for uncomfortable symptoms such as aching, burning, swelling and cramping. The standard treatments for spider veins are sclerotherapy and laser or pulsed light treatments.
EVLT® (EndoVenous Laser Treatment) by Diomed
During an endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) procedure, a tiny fiber is inserted into the vein via a needle. Pulses of laser light cause the vein to collapse and seal shut, effectively reducing visibility on the skin surface and eliminating pain and other complications. EVLT is approved by the FDA for treatment of the greater saphenous vein, the largest vein in the body which runs through the leg. After treatment, the treated area is temporarily put in a compression bandage to keep the collapsed vein in place.
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Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is the standard treatment for varicose and spider veins. A special sclerosing solution is injected into the diseased vein, which then collapses and is gradually absorbed by the body. By the end of the treatment program, the veins are less visible on the skin surface. Sclerotherapy usually also relieves symptoms associated with enlarged veins and prevents further complications.
Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy allows doctors to treat problematic veins that aren’t visible on the skin surface by monitoring veins on an ultrasound screen during the sclerotherapy procedure.
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Laser Vein Removal by Diomed
New technology allows us to treat spider veins without surgery or other procedures that require an extended hospital stay and long recovery. Laser ablation takes only 45 minutes in two sessions. The procedure is painless and does not require anesthesia. The laser aims carefully controlled pulses of narrow-wavelength light at the damaged veins. The veins absorb the light and heat up, then collapse and close. They are then gradually re-absorbed by the body. Normal activities can be resumed immediately.
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