LEG VEIN TREATMENT

Leg veins or "spider veins" are quite common in both men and women. Heredity and other environmental factors play a role in their development. While not generally harmful, leg veins are often unsightly and treatment of leg veins remains very popular.

This discussion focuses on the superficial, “spider” type of leg veins and not the deeper, ropy, varicose type of leg vein.

Dermatologists have been treating leg veins for many years with great success.

Despite the rapid development of new laser technology, sclerotherapy with a variety of injectable solutions remains the “gold standard” in leg vein treatment. Sclerotherapy is a simple, in-office procedure. It is performed with a fine gauge needle that is inserted directly into the leg veins. The sclerosing solution is then slowly injected and the vessel clears. The leg vein will refill and then slowly fade over a period of up to six months.

Laser and light-based leg vein treatments work by creating heat inside the leg veins which disrupts the lining and causes them to collapse. As laser technology improves, this method of leg vein treatment will become even more effective.