Quick Facts Center

Do unsightly spider veins keep you on the sidelines? Are you uncomfortable or self conscious when you wear shorts or a bathing suit? Those cluster of blue and purple spider veins can be permanently eliminated with an easy office procedure called injection therapy. A tiny needle is used to inject an irrigating solution directly into the veins causing them to close and simply disappear. Injection therapy is the most effective treatment available for spider veins. It works just as well for spider veins in the face, neck and upper chest as it does in the legs. For many people, only three to four treatments are needed to remove all their spider veins.

Spider veins are tiny veins just under the skin, most commonly found on the legs. They affect a large percentage of the population. The most important reason that they occur is heredity. They may be red, blue, or purple, and are commonly found on the thighs, the inside of the calves, and on the back on the knees. Spider veins can cause burning, itching, and a feeling of heaviness in the legs. However, the overwhelming number of female patients with this condition seek treatment because of the embarrassment of wearing skirts, shorts, and bathing suits. Treatment can be as easy as an office visit, without any restrictions on the patient's activities. Naturally, the results are best when performed by a physician with a great deal of experience recognizing and treating all types of spider veins on every part of the body. When seeking treatment for spider veins, it is important to choose a doctor who has the proper training and experience, and who performs treatment on a regular basis.

Bulging Varicose Veins

In some families, everyone seems to get varicose veins -- both men and women, but women have them more often due to pregnancy and the effect of female hormones. Although varicose veins are very common, it is important to know that it is not normal to have them, and it's not necessary to put up with them. Those bulging, ropy veins are ugly, frequently painful and harm the circulation in the legs. If left untreated, they cause phlebitis, bleeding, swelling and open sores at the ankle. Varicose veins can be safely and easily treated no matter what your age. Because each person is unique, you will have a thorough examination on your first visit to the doctor. Then the treatment plan most appropriate for your specific condition will be carefully explained to you. In virtually all cases, varicose veins can be eliminated with the use of a technique called injection therapy. This procedure is done in the office and leaves no permanent surgical scares, and does not interfere with normal activity.

Bulging varicose veins have been present in humans for centuries. It is a very common condition affecting both men and women. The most common cause is hereditary. The vein can present as simply a small lump under the skin, or as they become more severe, they have been described as looking like a bunch of grapes protruding down the course of the leg or around the ankles. Most people with varicose veins know someone who has them treated with a vein stripping. This operation requires hospitalization and is done under a general anesthetic. It leaves the patient with multiple scars and a painful recovery period. Bulging varicose veins can be diagnosed and treated just as effectively in an office setting with a process called, "injection sclerotherapy." This process requires no anesthetic and no recovery period. There is absolutely no varicose vein too large to be successfully treated by an experienced physician in this easy and effective manner. However, as with any medical procedure, you should seek treatment from a physician who is experienced in performing this procedure.

Claritherapy

What is claritherapy? It is a medical procedure performed in a physician's office which will eliminate both spider veins and bulging varicose veins. What is the solution that is injected? A variety of solutions are available since using the same solution on every patient does not produce the best results. Will claritherapy work on my veins? Yes. Does it hurt? Very tiny needles are used and most patients experience minimal or no pain. You can resume normal activities immediately after treatment. Does claritherapy leave scares like surgery? No, claritherapy is the most effective way to get rid of spider veins and claritherapy is a good alternative for surgical removal of bulging varicose veins in virtually all patients. How can I find out what the cost will be? At the time of your first appointment, you will have a thorough evaluation, a plan of treatment specific for your individual needs will be recommended and the expected cost will be discussed with you.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy has been an accepted method for treatment of bulging varicose veins and tiny spider veins for over 40 years. It involves using a tiny needle to inject one of a number of different solutions into the vein. This causes the vein to harden and then be absorbed by the body. It is effective in relieving symptoms and causing the disappearance of unwanted and unnecessary veins on any part of the body. This treatment is simple and practically painless, and it is usually done in an office setting. Sclerotherapy is safe, and has been accepted as an alternative to surgery for the treatment of varicose veins. Like any medical treatment, it takes years for the physician to develop the skill and judgment necessary to perform sclerotherapy with the desired results. Even though some veins appear to be in the skin, vein problems are not to be considered a skin disease. Surgeons are the specialists most qualified to treat spider veins and varicose veins, because of their training. As with any type of medical procedure, you should seek treatment from an experienced, trained professional

Seeking Treatment for Vein Disorders

As with almost everything you do in life, when seeking treatment for vein disorders, it is always best to look for a doctor with the most experience and the best credentials. It is well worth your time to call around and ask questions beforehand. Find out about the education, credentials, and specialization of the physician. Extensive training in all diseases of the veins and arteries is important, as well as hands-on experience using sclerotherapy - all day long, or only once in awhile? How long has the doctor been doing this procedure? What have the results been? Nothing could be more important than finding the right doctor. The treatment facility is also important. Do they specialize in vein treatment? If not, what percentage of their patients are treated for vein problems? Does the facility keep up with the latest advances in equipment and procedures? If the treatment facility offers a free consultation, take advantage of this opportunity to visit in person to discuss your particular problem. Remember, you are the patient, and you deserve the very best medical care and treatment available.

Red and Brown Blemishes

There are many different types of red and brown blemishes which can be treated successfully. One of the first common is dilated veins on the face. These are often caused by sun damage or acne, and can make the entire cheek area or nose appear red. People are often embarrassed by this condition. Many of them spend a great deal of time every day masking them with make-up. They can be treated in two different ways. One method of treatment is injection sclerotherapy. This involves injecting a solution into the vein, causing it to harden and then be absorbed by the body. Sclerotherapy is effective for treating broken veins on the face that are of a certain size. For smaller veins, a laser can be used. Today, lasers hold the most promise for the treatment of port wine stains and red birthmarks. Lasers can also be used for the numerous types of tan or brown blemishes. Sun spots or age spots typically found on the hands and face are common examples. Sun spots are also common on the chest and back. These pigmented blemishes can be treated with lasers with wonderful results. As with any type of medical problem, you should seek treatment from a professional who is trained and experienced in treating red and brown blemishes using sclerotherapy and lasers.