Cosmetic Treatment Options for Spider and Varicose Veins - by Phillip Stone

Below are some common treatments for spider veins and varicose veins.

Sclerotherapy

This is the most common treatment for varicose veins and spider veins. A solution is injected into the vein. The solution causes the vein walls to increase in size and, eventually, stick together and seal shut. Blood stops flowing to the vein, and the vein turns to scar tissue. The vein disappears in a few weeks. This is a very effective treatment overall. It is performed in a doctor's office and does not require anesthesia. After treatment, the patient may experience pain at the site of the treatment, and small sores and bruises may appear at the injection site.

Surgical Ligation & Stripping

An incision is made on the skin at the site of the varicose vein. The vein is tied up and removed from the leg. General anesthesia or local anesthesia in conjunction with a sedative may be used. The treatment is usually performed on an outpatient basis. Large veins can be removed with this method. Severe side effects are very uncommon, but it is likely that the patient will feel some pain for a couple of weeks.

Laser Surgery

A laser is placed on the skin surface and aimed at the varicose vein. An intense stream of light is sent through the skin to the vein. This causes the vein to fade and eventually disappear. This treatment is effective only on small veins, and several treatments may be required for best results. There are no incisions made in the skin. There may be pain from the heat of the laser when and where it goes through the skin, but there is no recovery time after the treatment.

Endovenous Surgery

A small catheter is inserted through the skin into the vein. A concentrated burst of energy, either laser or radiofrequency energy, is sent through the catheter into the vein. The energy shrinks and seals the walls of the vein which stops the flow of blood to the vein. Deep, large veins can be treated with this method. It can be done in a doctor's office. There may be some pain and bruising at the sight where the catheter is inserted.

Ambulatory Phlebectomy

A tiny incision is made in the skin. Surgical hooks are inserted through the incision. The hooks pull out the vein. One treatment removes the varicose vein. Only local or regional anesthesia is necessary. The patient is out of work for one day. This procedure effectively removes large veins through a small incision. There may be slight, but temporary, bruising and numbness in the area treated.

Other Natural Remedies

There are many natural remedies that are believed to improve or eliminate varicose veins and spider veins. Some of the natural remedies are exercise techniques, massage therapy, and treatment with herbal supplement either taken orally or applied as a compress to the affected area.