Abnormal veins can be embarrassing, painful and unsightly. Unfortunately, this condition is all too common. Experts estimate that as many as 25 million people are currently suffering from varicose veins or spider veins, and many of these people don’t seek treatment.

If you have abnormal veins, you don’t have to continue to struggle with this condition. Effective vein treatment options are available to relieve your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Understanding Abnormal Veins

Abnormal veins are blood vessels that no longer function properly. In most cases, these veins develop because of venous reflux or venous insufficiency, a condition that affects the valves on the vessels that prevent blood from flowing backward.

Two basic types of abnormal veins can develop: spider veins and varicose veins. Spider veins are small, twisted blood vessels that often form web-like patterns beneath the surface of the skin. Varicose veins, on the other hand, are large, gnarled veins that may be raised above the skin’s surface. Varicose veins may also cause a number of uncomfortable symptoms, including:

• Burning
• Tingling
• Cramping
• Pain
• Heaviness
• Weakness
• Throbbing
• Restlessness

Treatment for Spider Veins

If you suffer from spider veins, you may benefit from one or more of the following treatments:

VeinGoghOhmic Thermolysis

VeinGoghOhmic thermolysis utilizes a small insulated probe that emits heat. The probe targets abnormal blood vessels through the skin and uses heat energy to force the vessels to coagulate. Although some differences appear immediately, you may need up to three treatments in order to achieve maximum results.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy uses a special medication to cause spider veins to collapse. This medication is injected into each vein with the help of a thin needle. Results from this procedure may not be immediately apparent, and you may require more than one treatment session.

Treatment for Varicose Veins

Some of the treatments that may be effective for patients with varicose veins include:

Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy

Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy is similar to standard sclerotherapy. However, it involves the use of ultrasound technology to visualize varicose veins deep within the patient’s tissues. During the procedure, the doctor will use ultrasound to locate the vein before injecting it with sclerosing solution.

Endovenous Laser Ablation

Used to treat even the deepest varicose veins in the legs, endovenous laser ablation forces abnormal veins to seal off by introducing laser energy into the vessel. Veins are then absorbed by the body.

Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation procedures treat varicose veins with heat energy. This energy is delivered to the vein via a thin catheter. Local anesthesia is required for this procedure, but patients are able to return to their normal activities within 24 hours.

Ambulatory Phlebectomy

For immediate results, ambulatory phlebectomy is an ideal choice. During this procedure, abnormal veins are removed surgically through small incisions in the skin.

To learn more about any of the procedures above, contact the St. Louis Vein & Endovascular.