Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are swollen, dark blue or purple blood vessels that are visible and tangible beneath the skin. They often look like twisted cords, and usually appear on the calves, inside of the legs, and ankles, or as hemorrhoids during pregnancy.

Varicose veins form when the valves within a vein weaken and allow some blood to flow backward. The vessel walls weaken under the additional strain and balloon outward, raising the skin surface. Most people with varicose veins seek cosmetic treatment to reduce their appearance on the legs. Treatment often takes care of minor discomfort associated with the condition such as swelling, fatigue, itching and cramps. Sometimes, however, more significant problems can develop if veins are left untreated. Venous insufficiency occurs when blood becomes so clogged that it cannot return to the heart. This, in turn, can cause a clot to form that may block blood flow or break free and travel to the heart or lungs and cause severe damage. Bleeding infection and skin ulcers are also possible complications. For this reason, patients with varicose veins should be examined by a professional.

Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is the standard treatment for both varicose and spider veins. The procedure involves injecting a saline solution through a tiny needle into the vein, which then collapses and is absorbed by the body. Treatments involve one or more injections during one or more sessions, depending on the type, number and severity of the veins being treated. By the end of the treatment program, the veins are no longer visible on the skin surface. Sclerotherapy usually also relieves symptoms associated with enlarged veins and prevents further complications from occurring.

On average, one to three sessions are required, spaced four to six weeks apart. After each session, patients may have to wear bandages or support hose for a few days or weeks and are encouraged to walk or exercise to speed recovery. The procedure is outpatient. Bruising and swelling (if present) should fade within a week or two. Sclerotherapy rarely produces more severe side effects such as scarring, although it cannot prevent the recurrence of vascular lesions.

Spider Veins
Spider veins, or telangiectasias, are small, thin, blood vessels visible beneath the skin. They appear most commonly on the face and legs and may look like a series of lines, tree branches, or a spider- or web-like shape with a dark center. It is estimated that they affect nearly half of adult women in the U.S.
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.

Laser Ablation of Spider Veins
New technology allows us to treat spider veins without surgery or other painful 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.