Varicose veins are thin-walled, dilated veins that have become enlarged due to increased pressure within the vein. This is most frequently caused by weakened or damaged valves within the veins themselves. Many factors contribute to stress on these valves, including pregnancy, prolonged standing and the aging process. More serious conditions such as thrombophlebitis, vein clots, and deep vein thrombosis (D.V.T) can result in permanent damage to the vein valves and thus varicose veins.

These damaged veins typically appear as bumps or lumpy areas under the skin. They may be quite tender and can cause symptoms of fatigue, aching pain, heaviness, swelling and in advanced cases chronic skin scaring or sores.

Treatment of varicose veins

In the past treating varicose veins meant removal of these veins with surgery in the hospital. Today we are able to eliminate these damaged veins by administering laser therapy and by utilizing medical sclerotherapy with the aid of needles as small as those used in acupuncture. The principle of sclerotherapy is to fill the vein being treated with a solution that will cause the veins to permanently close ridding the area of the spider-like vein appearance. For larger more complex varicose veins we are able to precisely treat problem veins by utilizing the latest ultrasound guided technology to effectively treat these areas.

Spider veins are tiny veins in the superficial skin. They often have a blue-red spider web-like appearance and are known by various names, including spider veins, web veins, reticular networks, and venous stars.

These veins are often a normal result of aging. They can be safely and effectively treated to dramatically decrease their appearance and help restore much of the natural beauty to one's legs, face and chest.

Reticular veins, also known as feeder veins, are the dilated blue and green veins beneath the skin surface. These veins are enlarged due to an increase in pressure. They generally respond well to combined laser and sclerotherapy.

As venous disease progresses and remains untreated there is a risk for development of permanent skin and soft tissue damage in the lower legs, particularly around the ankles. These changes are permanent and can result in significant wound care problems.