WHAT ARE SPIDER VEINS AND VARICOSE VEINS?

Spider Veins and Varicose Veins are very superficial veins which have been damaged so that they no longer can pass blood effectively. The blood pools in these veins and may appear red, blue, or purple in color. These unsightly veins may appear as a result of a number of factors, including pregnancy, being on your feet for long periods of time, weight gain,or simply genetics.

* Now accepting appointments for the FDA approved Endovenous Laser Treatment for varicose veins- a minimally invasive, highly effective alternative to surgical stripping procedures performed in hospitals. This treatment is covered by medicare and some other insurance carriers. Call 630-369-6644 for details.

HOW ARE SPIDER VEINS AND VARICOSE VEINS TREATED

In our facility, we treat all small veins from 0.5 to 4 mm in diameter with an Nd:YAG laser and sclerotherapy. When a laser is used to treat the veins, results are seen gradually with each treatment, but further treatments may be recommended for effectiveness and maintenance. The laser is directed at the area of the vein, penetrating the skin. As the laser light is absorbed beneath the skin, it is converted to heat, raising the

(Not an actual patient)

temperature of the blood vessel, and then safely coagulating the blood. This causes the vessel to seal, and eventually the body removes the damaged vein. The process may take from one to four months for complete or nearly complete clearance to occur.

SCLEROTHERAPY is a simple office based procedure for veins. During sclerotherapy a FDA approved sclerosing solution is injected into the vein by a fine needle. The injected vein will blanch and eventually disappear. Multiple injections needed and sometimes sclerotherapy is used along with laser treatments for best results.

After sclerotherapy you will be required to elevate your legs for two to four hours. This will prevent blood from entering the treated vein allowing it to stay closed. Pigmentation and bruising in the treated area can appear but usually disappears in a few days to weeks. Very rarely sclerotherapy may cause deep vein thrombosis or blood clots.