Varicose and Spider Veins

Varicose veins, and their smaller-sized counterparts known as spider veins, are enlarged and swollen veins that often occur on the lower extremities such as the legs and feet. They are frequently visible right at the surface of the skin, or just underneath the surface. They are often reddish-purple, or deeply blue, and look like enlarged, twisted and squiggly cords or like “a bag of worms” under the skin.

Varicose veins, and their smaller-sized counterparts known as spider veins, are enlarged, swollen veins that often occur on the legs, ankles, and feet. They are a very common and frequently overlooked cause of pain, swelling and cramping of the legs and feet, as well as a common cause of skin discoloration and even skin breakdown around the shins and ankles. Fortunately, there are several excellent, minimally invasive treatment options that can help treat these veins and their symptoms. What’s even more amazing is that more often than not, these treatments are covered by most PPO and Medicare insurance! 

Here at California Dermatology and Mohs Surgery Specialists, we offer a highly specialized and dedicated, multidisciplinary team approach to evaluating and treating your varicose and/or spider veins. Our expert in-house vascular interventional radiologist leads the consultation and evaluation and our in-house ultrasound techs perform all diagnostic imaging studies that may be needed right here at our center, so you don’t have to travel to multiple locations to complete your consultation evaluation. Each treatment plan is customized and tailored specifically to each individual patient to provide you with the best possible results. We offer the latest, state-of-the-art ultrasound-guided endovenous ablation modalities including laser ablation and VenaSeal, ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy and micro sclerotherapy, and ultrasound-guided phlebectomy. 

All of our treatment options are rapid recovery, minimally invasive, and performed under local anesthesia right here at our center, so there is no need for general anesthesia, hospital stay, or prolonged recovery times.  Most people are able to return to their normal activities within a few days of the procedure. 

What are Varicose or Spider Veins?

Varicose veins, and their smaller-sized counterparts known as spider veins, are enlarged and swollen veins that often occur on the lower extremities such as the legs, ankles, and feet. They are frequently visible right at the surface of the skin, or just underneath the surface. They are often reddish-purple, or deeply blue, and look like enlarged, twisted and squiggly cords or like “a bag of worms” under the skin. 

Importantly, varicose veins are not just a cosmetic problem. They are often a very common and frequently overlooked cause of foot and leg swelling, pain, muscle aching, and itching or burning of the skin overlying them. In addition, they are often the cause of permanent skin discoloration and thickening of the skin in the ankle and shin area as a result of their enlargement and swelling. Some of the factors that can cause varicose include genetics, lifestyle, obesity, pregnancy, heavy exercise, and other factors. 

What are some signs or symptoms of varicose or spider veins?

• Swollen, bulging or enlarged, twisted or “squiggly” reddish purple to blue veins that appear on the surface or just below the surface of the skin
• Swelling in your ankles and feet that may be worse at the end of the day
• Painful or achy legs that feel “heavy”
• Muscle cramping in your legs—particularly at night
• Itchy legs, especially on your lower leg and ankles
• Burning or throbbing sensations in your legs
• Skin discoloration or thickening of the skin around your ankles and shins

What are my treatment options?

There are several excellent minimally invasive treatment options for varicose or spider veins. The best treatment of choice is generally related to the size of the veins being treated, the location of the veins, and if the veins are connected to other deeper vessels in the body. The initial consultation and evaluation will provide our team with all the necessary information to formulate the best-customized treatment plan for you. Treatments we offer include: 

Ultrasound- Guided Endovenous Ablation 

Ultrasound-guided endovenous ablation is considered the gold standard procedure for treating varicose veins. The procedure is typically completed in less than an hour, and patients can return to their normal activities the same day. It is minimally invasive, so there is no need for general anesthesia or a hospital stay. Recovery time is usually minimal and it can provide long-term results and can help reduce the appearance of varicose veins.

Ultrasound-Guided Phlebectomy

A phlebectomy procedure is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat varicose veins. During the procedure, a physician makes a series of microincisions in the affected area and uses a special instrument to remove the affected vein. The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia and takes about an hour to complete.

The main benefit of phlebectomy is that it is an effective way to treat varicose veins. The procedure is minimally invasive, meaning that it does not require general anesthesia or a long hospital stay. Additionally, it is a relatively quick procedure that leaves little to no scarring. 

Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy and micro sclerotherapy

Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat smaller varicose and spider veins. This procedure involves the injection of a sclerosing solution, typically a saline solution or detergent, into the affected veins. The solution causes the veins to collapse and scar, which reduces the visibility of the veins.

The procedure is guided by ultrasound imaging, which allows the physician to accurately target the affected veins. During the procedure, a small needle is inserted through the skin and into the vein. The ultrasound imaging is used to ensure the needle is correctly positioned. Once the needle is in place, the sclerosing solution is injected into the vein.

The procedure typically takes 30 minutes to an hour and is usually performed in an outpatient setting. After the procedure, patients may experience some soreness, bruising, and swelling. Compression stockings may be recommended to help reduce these symptoms.

Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy is a safe and effective procedure for treating varicose veins. It can help reduce the visibility of the veins, improve circulation, and reduce pain and discomfort.