In the United States, more than 50% of the adult population suffer from some type of venous disorder. The most common types are varicose veins and spider veins which are superficial and vary in color and appearance.
Varicose veins are enlarged, bulging veins under the skin. This enlargement is caused by incompetent or leaking valves known as venous reflux disease. Venous reflux can lead to symptoms of leg pain, swelling of the leg, aching and heaviness of the leg. If varicose veins / venous reflux are left untreated, complications of skin discoloration in the leg and non-healing leg ulcer can occur. Early diagnosis and treatment are important.
Diagnosis of venous reflux in patients with varicose veins is confirmed by venous ultrasound. In-office treatment of venous reflux disease is by Endovenous Laser Treatment or Radiofrequency Ablation. Residual varicose veins that do not disappear after these treatments can be removed by microphlebectomy in the office.
Spider veins (also known as Telangiectasias) are web-like clusters of tiny veins under the skin. They look like spider webs hence the name spider veins. They are typically red, blue or purple and usually occur on the legs and face. They usually do not cause symptoms apart from their cosmetic appearance.They can be treated by Laser or injection sclerotherapy.