If you have spider veins and have decided to seek spider vein treatment for them, you’ll want to find a top-notch vascular specialist. Luckily for residents of Tampa, Florida, you’ll find what you need at Vein911 from Christopher Pittman, MD. We offer both sclerotherapy and a unique treatment called VeinGogh for spider veins.
About Spider Veins
Spider veins are a small form of varicose vein. Veins are critical for getting blood back to the heart, and since the blood must flow upward against gravity, they have small flaps of tissue called valves. The valves prevent blood from running backward during the pause between heartbeats. Age, heredity and occupations that require long hours of standing or walking increase the risk that the valves will fail or become incompetent, allowing blood to pool and distend the veins. When large, these distended veins are called varicose veins. Spider veins are also varicose veins, but they are smaller, lie just under the skin (so are more visible) and are usually dark purple, red or blue.
What Are the Problems?
In many cases, spider veins are a matter of appearance rather than causing symptoms. They typically appear behind the knee or around the ankles, although they can also occur on the face. Occasionally, spider veins may cause itching or burning, and sometimes, they may make your legs ache. However, if you also have varicose veins, these symptoms are common and may be caused by the varicose veins rather than the spider veins. Spider veins are more common in women than men, and women may feel uncomfortable wearing shorts, short skirts or bathing suits because of the veins’ appearance.
Spider Vein Treatments
Conservative treatments like compression stockings don’t help spider veins. Sclerotherapy and VeinGogh treatments are usually the most successful in eliminating spider veins. Both are office-based treatments. Sclerotherapy (sclero means scar) involves the injection of a solution into the vein with a very fine needle, literally the size of a hair shaft. Although the procedure itself is usually painless, the solution irritates the vein walls, making them swell and then collapse. The vein walls then scar closed and the spider vein is gradually absorbed into the surrounding tissue. VeinGogh uses radiofrequency energy to eliminate spider veins. A tiny probe delivers the energy to the vein, which disappears immediately.
Preparation and Aftercare
Preparing for sclerotherapy is easy. Wear comfortable, loose clothing. Don’t shave or apply lotion to the area to be treated. Treatments take a short period of time and you can return to your normal activities almost immediately. After the procedure, walking is encouraged. When you decide you’re ready to get rid of your spider veins, contact us. Dr. Pittman and Vein911 are your answer to the problem. Ask about our 100% patient satisfaction guarantee! No need to live with spider veins – you can solve the problem with our help!
