New Options to Treat Spider Veins

Are you struggling with the thought of wearing shorts or skirts because you are concerned about how your legs look? Have you noticed the appearance of small, purplish colored veins on your legs? These dark-colored veins could be spider veins. Spider veins are a common problem, especially for women, that typically do not pose a medical problem. They are more of cosmetic concern for most patients.

Women and men in Northern Virginia have turned to the Mountcastle Vein Clinic for help with their spider vein issues. Dr. Timothy Mountcastle is a dual board-certified medical vein specialist and plastic surgeon. Founder of the Mountcastle Vein Clinic, he has helped numerous patients with treatments for their vascular or vein conditions. Here is some helpful information on what treatment options are available when it comes to eliminating spider veins and what Dr. Mountcastle can do for you.

Spider veins 101

Veins carry blood throughout the body. When they become damaged or weakened then they can appear cosmetically through the skin. Spider veins, unlike varicose veins, are not raised in appearance and are a small weblike network of thin lines that can look like a tree or spider web. Usually red, blue, or purple in color, they are commonly seen in women on the leg area but can also be seen on the hands or face. They usually don’t pose any medical problems and are generally a cosmetic issue that women and men in Northern Virginia seek treatment to eliminate.

Why do people get them?

Spider veins are damaged or weakened veins that have improper blood flow. Once the vein’s valve has a problem, the blood begins to accumulate or “pool” which over time makes the vein noticeable on the surface. While there is no known reason why some individuals deal with vascular issues such as spider veins, some common factors include:

• Fluctuations in weight
• Pregnancy, menopause, or fluctuations in hormones
• Genetics
• Restricted activity of sitting or standing for long periods of time
• Poor circulation due to an injury to a specific area

1st step – Find a vein specialist

Finding a certified vein or vascular specialist is key to getting the right assessment about your vein condition. The professionally trained staff at Mountcastle Vein Clinic provides the latest state-of-the-art technology and treatments to patients in Northern Virginia in order to eliminate or reduce the appearance of unsightly vein issues. A vascular specialist and board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Mountcastle will give you the best treatment plan so you don’t have to worry about your spider veins being the first thing people notice.

2nd step – Treatment options

In some cases, if the spider veins are in a small, concentrated area or not severe in nature, patients can opt to wear compression garments or socks in order to improve their circulation. Also being more active and losing weight, if needed, will help increase circulation and can decrease the appearance of small spider veins. If a patient’s spider veins are more severe, then looking into other treatment options with a vascular or vein specialist is the best next step. Here are some of the treatment options that might be discussed with you:

VeinGogh Vein Removal

This specialized technology generates a tiny, high-frequency current that uses heat delivered through a hair-thin probe. A microburst of energy selectively heats the vein on the inside which will make it collapse. Once it collapses the vein walls, the body will absorb it. This is a straightforward procedure that provides minimal discomfort and can be done on the legs, face, hands, or anywhere a patient needs the removal of spider veins.

Laser or Light Therapy

A pulsating laser light generates heat that will be delivered through a small laser probe that is inserted directly into the vein. The heat will make the vein walls collapse and close up. Another simple outpatient procedure that can remove the signs of spider veins.

Sclerotherapy

This popular technique which is primarily used by Dr. Mountcastle can safely and permanently remove spider veins. Dr. Mountcastle injects an FDA-approved solution (Asclera) of highly concentrated saline through a tiny needle directly into the vein. This solution will gradually cause the vein to disappear in 3-6 weeks. Depending on the number of spider veins or target areas, some patients will need more than one treatment. Performed in our vein treatment center, this is a straightforward outpatient procedure that allows Northern Virginia area patients to return to work the same day.

3rd step – Further prevention

Patients can also conduct self-care techniques in order to prevent new spider veins from occurring. If your occupation means you sit for long periods of time, get up briefly every 30-45 minutes. Or if your occupation requires you to stand for long periods of time, take brief breaks and sit down every 30-40 minutes.

Do the 2 E’s–elevate your legs and exercise. These two components will help increase circulation and keep healthy veins working properly. You can also wear compression garments or socks to increase circulation and decrease swelling in the legs. Consult with a vein or vascular specialist in Northern Virginia to get helpful advice on what you can do on your own so you can fight the occurrence of spider veins.

Spider vein removal and treatment is a viable option, but making sure you have a certified, experienced doctor like Dr. Timothy Mountcastle is the first step to vein care for the best results. Research your options and find a qualified specialist and vein treatment center like Mountcastle Vein Clinic. If you are interested in the Mountcastle Vein Clinic and are in the Northern Virginia area, call or schedule a consultation with Dr. Mountcastle today.