WHAT ARE SPIDER VEINS?

Unsightly and embarrassing, spider veins are the tiny cousins of varicose veins. Like varicose veins, spider veins are caused by heredity, pregnancy, estrogen medications, prolonged standing or sitting, a sedentary lifestyle, and injury to the legs. But unlike varicose veins, spider veins are not dangerous and are simply enlarged venules (tiny veins).

What is Sclerotherapy?

Developed in Europe in the early 1930’s, sclerotherapy eliminates unsightly and embarrassing spider veins of the legs. Using an extremely tiny and nearly painless needle, the treatment involves injecting a small amount of an FDA-approved sclerosant medication into the affected veins. This causes the veins to gently dry up, shrink, and become absorbed by the body’s natural healing response. It usually takes 5-7 treatment sessions spaced 1-2 weeks apart to provide the most effective results. Treated veins gradually disappear over three to six months. Because blood flow is shifted to healthy veins, sclerotherapy can improve the circulation in the legs. And despite all the advancements in laser technology, sclerotherapy still remains the overwhelming choice of doctors and patients for spider vein treatment. Why? Because sclerotherapy is more effective, less expensive, and less painful than laser treatment.

What is Transilluminated Sclerotherapy™?

Spider veins can be caused by pressure from blood leaking from connecting reticular veins (superficial blue-green veins). In order to obtain better and longer-lasting results, it is important to locate and treat these superficial feeder veins. Dr. Thomas helped pioneer the use of an advanced device called the Veinlite to locate these often hard-to-find veins, and developed a treatment called Transilluminated Sclerotherapy™. The Veinlite transilluminates the skin making it translucent (see-through) so the reticular veins can be easily seen. Sclerotherapy is then used to eliminate these reticular veins, thereby making the treatment of the overlying spider veins much more effective.

Don’t I need these veins? What happens to my circulation if I get rid of them?

Spider veins are diseased and defective veins that are no longer working. Getting rid of them is not harmful. Because there are so many veins in the legs, the blood that would have flowed through a treated vein is now rerouted to stronger and healthier veins. The loss of diseased veins does not create a problem for the circulatory system. In fact, it is one of the best things you can do for your health.

Does the treatment hurt and are there side effects?

Dr. Thomas’s skill and experience make the treatments virtually pain-free. Temporary bruising is the most frequent side effect. Serious side effects are possible with any medical procedure or medication, but compared to traditional hospital surgery for varicose veins, serious side effects are very rare with our advanced technique. For more information, read a copy of our Informed Consent.

Who is not a good candidate for treatment?

Those suffering from bulging varicose veins, those who are unable to actively walk, and those who cannot do 5-7 treatment sessions spaced 1-2 weeks apart cannot have treatment. Also, one needs to wait at least three months after pregnancy or major surgery before having treatment.

Do the veins ever come back?

After completing treatment, you can enjoy healthier and more attractive legs. The treated veins do not come back but, because vein disease can sometimes be a chronic condition, no treatment—not even surgery—can stop new veins from forming in the future. However, because Thomas’s treatment was so thorough, any new veins tend to be less severe and are more easily dealt with. Periodic follow-up treatment can help you enjoy the rest of your life free from problem veins.

What are your fees and does insurance cover the cost of treating spider veins?

The cost for treatment is $295 per session. Sessions last 20 minutes, and it usually takes 5-7 sessions spaced 1-2 weeks apart to provide the most effective results. Treatment of spider veins is considered cosmetic and is not covered by insurance. Payment for each session is due at the time of service and can be made by cash, check, or credit card.

How do I get started?

For complete information on getting started, click here.