VARICOSE VEIN & SPIDER VEIN TREATMENT
Varicose veins are enlarged blood vessels that are visible above the skin and generally twisted. Similar to varicose veins, spider veins are smaller in size and tend to appear in clusters (resembling a spider web.) While some people view their raised veins as unsightly or embarrassing, they are not merely a cosmetic issue. Varicose veins are the result of malfunctioning valves that restrict blood flow. When blood comes back up through the veins, they become distorted and may cause health problems if left untreated.
What causes varicose veins and spider veins?
Many people are predisposed to develop varicose and spider veins. Some precursors include:
Heredity
Obesity
A history of blood clots
Hormonal influences including pregnancy, menopause, and birth control use
Occupations that involve prolonged standing or sitting
Leg injuries
Varicose veins develop most often in the legs. Along with a raised appearance, men and women with varicose veins experience heaviness and or troublesome throbbing in their legs. If left untreated, varicose veins may lead to chronic vein insufficiency (CVI) or damaging blood clots.
Don’t let the pain and appearance of varicose veins burden your life. Treatment is available at Ogden Clinic, and varicose vein and spider vein treatments like sclerotherapy and laser removal may be simpler than you think! Our minimally-invasive laser light technology is leading the way to a safer, faster recovery and sclerotherapy for varicose vein treatment is has been proven to be very effective.
How are varicose veins and spider veins treated?
For some, changes in lifestyle and self-care can ease the discomfort caused by varicose veins. Compression stockings are used to prevent troublesome veins from getting worse, but they do not remove the existing condition.
With a trip to Ogden Clinic dermatology, it is possible to eliminate varicose and spider veins for good and prevent CVI and blood clot progression. Dr. Tingey and his staff are proud to offer safe and effective in-office procedures to destroy troublesome veins. Advanced laser technology and ultrasound-assisted chemical ablation (echo-sclerotherapy) are two options our Ogden practice uses to relieve painful varicose veins and unsightly spider veins once and for all.
What’s the right treatment plan for my condition?
Dr. Tingey’s trained Ogden varicose vein treatment experts determines the best procedure for you during your vein consultation. Our team uses ultrasound technology to conduct an imaging scan of all the entire diseased network of veins. With this information, we can determine the severity of your problem veins and the potential of venous disease development. Your vein consultation is the first step toward mapping out a treatment plan.
Endovenous Laser Treatment
For many years, the only solution for varicose veins was painful vein stripping. This invasive procedure involved removing the large “root veins” while the patient is under anesthesia. Vein stripping gave patients a prolonged recovery time and visible scarring, all on top of a hefty pricetag for an in-hospital stay.
Fortunately, there’s a safer and more comfortable alternative to vein stripping available at Ogden Clinic. Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) uses a combination of laser light technology and a slender catheter that fits inside the vein. During this minimally-invasive procedure, your vein specialist guides the catheter inside the problem vein and uses laser energy to seal it shut (called ablation). Endovenous laser treatment for varicose veins and spider veins at Ogden Dermatology boasts tremendous benefits including including:
Less scarring than veins stripping
Minimal post-operative discomfort
Faster recovery time (patients can resume their activities right after treatment!)
More affordable than an in-hospital stay
CoolTouch CTEV Laser Technology
Dr. Tingey and his staff feature CoolTouch CTEV laser technology—the most comfortable laser procedure available for vein ablation. CoolTouch CTEV technology has a 99% efficacy rate and is relatively pain-free. This procedure requires only local anesthesia and can be performed on a quick outpatient visit. Learn more about the benefits of CoolTouch CTEV here!
Endovenous Chemical Ablations (ECA)
Endovenous chemical ablation (ECA) is another option to relieve smaller varicose veins. During this treatment, an Ogden Clinic sclerothearpy expert uses ultrasound guidance to view the diseased network. A foamed sclerosant is injected directly into the veins to ablate them. This quick procedure shuts down the diseased veins immediately and, over time, causes the enlarged veins to narrow into a fibrous thread. Anesthesia is not required; therefore ECA is an inexpensive option for cosmetic varicose vein and spider vein treament in Ogden.
Compared to EVLT, foam sclerosant injections are less likely to knock-out the main branches of the saphenous vein (the large vein that runs the length of the leg.) However, smaller veins and spider veins can be successfully treated with ECA.
Vein Treatment FAQs
Is blood circulation affected if I ablate my veins?
Varicose veins are diseased veins that have already lost their function. Ceasing blood flow is not damaging and, in fact, it is beneficial to remove the congested veins and improve circulation in the legs. After treatment, legs often feel more energized and lighter.
Is leg vein treatment covered by insurance?
Varicose treatments are covered by insurance if patients experience leg pain, swelling, bleeding, or venous diseases. Spider vein treatment and some varicose vein treatments are not covered by insurance if they do not meet the diagnosis criteria. Contact your insurance provider to determine if your treatment is covered.