Millions of Americans have spider veins and varicose veins on their legs, arms, or faces. These veins typically aren’t something to worry about from a medical standpoint, but they can make you feel self-conscious.
At Zarcone Vein & Aesthetics, which serves residents of Port Washington, Staten Island, and the Gold Coast, New York, John Zarcone, MD, FACS, FACPh, RVT, specializes in treating spider veins and varicose veins with minimally invasive treatments.
This article explains what causes spider veins and varicose veins and highlights several treatment options to explore. By the time you’re finished reading, you’ll have a better idea of what makes the most sense for your situation.
Veins are an important part of your vascular system that transport deoxygenated blood from your tissues back to your heart and support your circulation.
However, as you age, the valves inside your veins can become damaged or weaken, allowing blood to pool or flow backward. When this pooling happens, spider veins and varicose veins may form.
Here’s a closer look at the difference:
Spider veins are small, purple, green, or blue veins that typically form on the legs or face. They’re typically painless, but can make it difficult to wear shorts or skirts due to their appearance.
Varicose veins are bulging, rope-like veins that often form on the lower legs or calves. They can be uncomfortable and make your legs ache or swell. Regular exercise or compression stockings can support blood flow and help ease these symptoms.
Dr. Zarcone offers several types of treatment for spider veins and varicose veins. Depending on your symptoms and their severity, he may suggest:
Sclerotherapy is often used to treat spider veins or small varicose veins.
During treatment, Dr. Zarcone injects a solution called a sclerosing agent into your veins. The agent causes your damaged veins to shrink and fade away, while your blood is rerouted elsewhere.
Dr. Zarcone may recommend endovenous laser ablation if you have varicose veins caused by poor blood flow.
During treatment, he uses laser energy to heat and close your varicose veins. Afterward, the treated veins fade away, and your blood is rerouted.
You may benefit from an ambulatory microphlebectomy if you have varicose veins near the surface of your skin.
During this procedure, Dr. Zarcone makes small incisions near your varicose veins and uses special tools to remove them. Once the treated vein is removed, your blood is rerouted to healthier veins.
If you’re tired of covering up spider veins or varicose veins, professional vein treatment may help.
To see if you’re a candidate, contact us and make an appointment. Call the nearest office in Port Washington or Staten Island, New York, or book online today.
