Some spider veins and varicose veins are veins that become visible on the surface of the skin when they become damaged and weakened. Others may not be visible, but may have insufficiencies that need to be addressed. Depending on the severity, they can be purely a cosmetic concern – but they can also become uncomfortable and medically concerning. The best way to address veins is by meeting with an experienced physician who can create a customized treatment plan that suits your health and lifestyle as well as your cosmetic goals. Here are five ways that leg veins can be treated with the help of your vein specialist team.
AT-HOME LEG VEIN SELF CARE
Venous insufficiency can sometimes be caused by lifestyle factors, meaning there are a few changes that may bring relief or help improve some symptoms. These include:
- Elevate your legs
- Avoid sitting for more than 30 minutes
- Avoid standing for more than 30 minutes
- Exercise regularly
These changes can help improve circulation and reduce the stress on the venous valves. However, spider and varicose veins don’t go away on their own, so it is best to consult a vein expert, like Dr. Manjoney and her team, to explore your options.
COMPRESSION STOCKINGS FOR LEG VEINS
Compression stockings apply constant pressure to support leg veins and help move blood back toward the heart. They come with a lot of benefits, including managing swelling and lessening your risk of complications like blood clots. In order to get the most benefit out of them, make sure to consult with your physician who can recommend the right amount of pressure for your needs.
ENDOVENOUS LASER TREATMENT
Endovenous laser treatment uses a thin laser fiber to collapse the affected veins, preventing pooling and reducing their appearance. This in-office treatment option uses ultrasound guidance to deliver precise results. It’s performed using only local anesthetic and takes around one hour to complete. Best of all, it’s low-risk and comes with very little downtime.
VARITHENA™
This is the newest FDA-cleared treatment for venous insufficiency. It uses a specialized handpiece to inject a foam made of sterile polidocanol and compressed O2 and CO2. This affects the vein and all its connected branches, causing consistent injury to the venous lining. After treatment, the vein can’t reopen and disappears from the surface of the skin. Some of the biggest benefits include virtually no downtime, few injections, and even insurance coverage for some patients.
LASER AND SCLEROTHERAPY TREATMENT
This combined procedure is one of the best options for spider veins. Sclerotherapy is a technique where a very fine needle injects sclerosing solution into the vein. This causes a reaction where the vein lining swells and seals off blood flow. Additionally, laser therapy uses light energy to target the pigment in underlying veins, causing them to fade from the surface of the skin over time. Together, these two treatment options can be long-lasting and produce quick results.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
For the most effective treatment of visible, uncomfortable veins, it’s important to partner with an expert team of vein specialists. At Wisconsin Vein Center, we offer industry-leading treatments all in one place so you can enjoy comprehensive results. To learn more and meet with our team, we invite you to contact our Pewaukee office by calling or filling out our online form.
Dr. Deborah Manjoney is a board-certified surgeon and physician with extensive training, including cardiothoracic surgery. She founded the Wisconsin Vein Center & MediSpa in 2002, where she specializes in vein treatments and minimally invasive aesthetic procedures. Dr. Manjoney is nationally recognized, having spoken at conferences, received awards, and contributed to medical publications.