Spider Vein Treatment in West Palm Beach

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SPIDER VEINS

Often covering the legs, these damaged veins appear to be similar to varicose veins, only thinner. Often red or blue in color and appearing like thin spider webs or branches, these veins are closer to the skin surface and can spread; however, unlike varicose veins, spider veins are typically not raised above the skin’s surface.  Spider veins can be treated with sclerotherapy or laser treatment. Though spider veins may be associated with varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency, the issue is seen as cosmetic and treatment is generally regarded as elective. It is often performed after treatment of chronic venous insufficiency and endovenous ablation or sclerotherapy of varicose veins, which is often an underlying condition and the cause of the spider veins. If spider veins are treated but there is underlying venous insufficiency or vein reflux causing the spider veins, the spider will most likely come back in time and possibly get worse if the venous insufficiency is not also treated.

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Visit our Varicose Vein Treatment page to find out more about varicose veins.

 

TREATMENTS

Varicose veins and spider veins are often misunderstood as a cosmetic problem and many people living with them do not seek treatment. The good news is that there are minimally invasive treatment options available for varicose veins and CVI.

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Visit our Varicose Vein Treatment page to find out more about varicose veins.

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FIND RELIEF FROM SPIDER VEINS

The Palm Beach Vein Clinic's CVI solutions are designed to best meet your treatment preferences.​

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• Sclerotherapy procedures are performed to inject an FDA-approved drug to close the diseased varicose vein or spider vein.

• Laser treatment for spider veins utilizes FDA-approved laser devices to close the spider veins.​

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SCLEROTHERAPY

Sclerotherapy is a varicose and spider vein treatment done under local anesthesia in which an FDA-approved drug is injected into affected veins.  The drug thickens the vessel walls, sealing them so that abnormal veins can then no longer fill with blood.  After successful treatment, the diseased vein will be absorbed by the body and blood flow will be rerouted to other veins.

 

LASER

Lasers can also be used to treat spider veins and facial veins. Several different types of laser devices are used for spider veins. The most common and most effective laser for vascular conditions is a 1064nm Nd:YAG laser (or "YAG laser"). The hemoglobin inside the red blood cells absorbs the light energy from the laser and causes the blood inside the spider vein to cause damage to the inside of the vessel wall, which then closes down the vein.

 

VARICOSE VEINS

Veins in the leg that become swollen and have disease or damaged valves are known as varicose veins. Veins can become varicose when the vein valves that regulate the direction of blood flow become damaged or diseased, weaken and no longer function properly.  Instead of blood moving toward the heart like it should, blood stays in place and pools in the vein of the leg.

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Healthy leg veins have valves that keep blood flowing to the heart. Chronic venous insufficiency develops when the valves stop working properly and allow blood to flow backward (i.e. reflux) and pool in the lower leg veins.  If chronic venous insufficiency is left untreated, symptoms can worsen over time.

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Chronic venous insufficiency may cause the following symptoms in your legs:

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• Varicose veins

• Spider veins

• Aching

• Swelling

• Cramping

• Heaviness or tiredness

• Itching

• Open skin sores (venous ulcers)

• Restless legs

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CHRONIC VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY

CVI, one of the underlying causes of venous ulcers, is a potentially serious and progressive medical condition. Symptoms can worsen over time if left untreated. Chronic venous insufficiency is 2 times more prevalent than coronary heart disease (CHD) and 5 times more prevalent than peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

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• Spider veins may be more than just a cosmetic issue

• Varicose veins are not the same as spider veins (visit our Varicose Vein Treatment page to find out more about spider veins)

• Spider veins affect BOTH men and women

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WHO IS AT RISK FOR CVI?

CVI can affect anyone; gender and age are factors that may increase your risk. For example, women older than 50 are more likely than others to develop CVI.  Other factors that may increase your risk, include:

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• Family history

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Trauma

• Prolonged Standing

• Obesity or excess weight

• Current or previous pregnancies

• Smoking

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For more information on these minimally invasive treatments and to understand which option may be right for you, visit our varicose vein treatment specialists in the office for a consultation.