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A large fraction of patients presenting to our vein clinic is motivated to find treatment for spider veins.  Treatment options include sclerotherapy, light therapy, and laser vein removal.  However, there are some things you can also do to reduce your risk of seeing new spider veins.

Our vein doctors have put together this list to help our patients and readers with DIY tips for how to prevent spider veins.

Exercise Regularly

Running and walking is very good for your circulation and this includes your veins.  By exercise, the veins and surrounding muscles are strengthened which prevents pooling of blood and damage to the valves within your veins.  Venous insufficiency occurs once the veins become sufficiently dilated and the valves can no longer prevent blood from falling backward (or refluxing).  Spider veins subsequently form on the skin as the pressure builds from pooled blood.

Avoid Prolonged Standing Or Sitting

Exercising is one thing, but standing or sitting in one position for extended periods of time promotes the pooling of blood in the legs.  This again can result in damage to your veins and cause spider veins. Dr. Brotman recommends making a conscious effort to take regular breaks from sitting or standing in one place for long periods of time, by simply walking around the house or office.  If you cannot do that, then simply shift your weight and avoid crossing your legs to prevent blood stagnation.

Lose Weight

Unfortunately, this is easier said than done.  Many patients struggle with their weight despite efforts to increase exercise and monitor diet.  Weight increases the stress on your veins especially when we are on our feet all day. Supervised weight loss programs are more likely to be successful and have been clinically proven to improve health outcomes.

Minimize High-heel Shoes

High-heels have been demonstrated to increase venous pressure and manifestations of vein disease.  The issue is likely due to the decreased movement of calf muscles while wearing high heels that leads to blood pooling and vein remodeling.  The best bet is to leave the high-heels for important events and meetings, but try to wear more comfortable shoes during daily activities.

Elevate Your Legs

Take advantage of gravity and decrease some of the stress that builds on your veins daily from always being on our feet.  This is just a matter of awareness to elevate your legs when you are at home or in the office to improve blood return back to the heart.

If you are seeking spider vein treatment

Most readers are probably wondering also what do I about the spider veins that are already present?  There are many places to consider, however, our vein doctors recommend seeking out only qualified vein specialists with a background in vascular medicine and ultrasonography.  Vein disease requires the attention of board-certified physicians to consider and treat underlying conditions that cause spider veins.  If you experience leg heaviness, swelling, restless leg syndrome, or leg pain, it is highly recommended that you have a consultation with a vascular specialist.

Vein Specialists Near Me

Embarrassing spider veins are on the mind of pretty much everyone these days.  These are the tiny network of veins that are clustered on the surface of the legs and have the appearance of spider webs. They tend to occur mostly on the legs, including the thighs and ankles, however facial and chest veins (including the breasts) are also common.  No one is immune to the development of spider veins, however there is a predominance in patients with a family history of vein disease.

So are there reliable treatment options for spider veins?  What natural remedies are there? In this article, we review our patients’ most FAQ.

Why do spider veins occur?

Spider veins usually develop in a network that might resemble a spider’s web (hence the name). They may be red or blue and affect a variable amount of area that can be quite extensive in some cases. The most common areas to find spider veins are on the leg, particularly on the thighs and back of the legs.

The most common reasons for developing spider veins are:

• Family history is the most important factor. Studies show that predisposition to leaky veins is inherited and can cause both varicose and spider veins
• Venous insufficiency
• Hormonal fluctuations (particularly during and after pregnancy)
• Increased amounts of time standing or sitting in one position
• Obesity
• Excessive sun exposure
• Smoking
• Skin trauma

Options in Natural Spider Vein Remedies

We are not surprised that many patients of ours have considered or even used natural remedies.  This is a popular choice for individuals who are fascinated by the body’s ability to heal itself and want to avoid medical treatments.  The available options are readily obtained without a physician’s prescription and can be self-administered. The cost of healthcare may be one reason patients seek out options on their own.  Some of the most commonly used home remedies for spider veins include:

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is thought to improve blood circulation and reduce the formation of spider and varicose veins through this mechanism.  Users will apply apple cider vinegar directly to the skin, however, due to its acidic nature, this can cause skin irritation. Caution is advised for patients with sensitive skin.  There is no scientific data to back up claims about reduced formation of spider or varicose veins with this treatment.

Herbal Supplements

Supplements are another popular remedy for spider veins and multiple options are touted.  In particular, horse chestnut has been used for anti-inflammatory effects and associated with decreased swelling, itching and discomfort due to varicose veins.  However, it’s unlikely you will notice any cosmetic differences with horse chestnut extract.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are another natural remedy consideration for a wide range of health conditions, including spider and varicose veins. Popular choices include:

• Grapevine
• Sea pine
• Horse chestnut
• Lavender
• Yarrow

Essential oils are derived from plants, including flowers, herbs, or trees. The dosages are not well studied and should be used with testing small, inconspicuous areas first.

CBD

In vein disease, we are most interested in the anti-inflammatory effect of CBD as well as the effect it is postulated to have on circulation. In chronic pain, researchers have compiled the results of multiple systematic reviews covering numerous small studies. Their research concluded that there is evidence that cannabis is an effective treatment for chronic pain in adults.  The two most common ways to use CBD for vein disease treatment are ingested forms and applied oils. The effective or recommended doses are not well documented. Thus, in using CBD, it is best to start low and work up to the minimally effective dose. Caution should be taken when using other pharmaceuticals as CBD can impact the metabolism of other prescribed medications.

Final Verdict on Natural Remedies?

Despite their popularity, there are only anecdotal reports of effectiveness.  Scientific data is lacking and are often under-sized to determine any meaningful effect.  The effective doses and formulations of natural remedies are even less well understood. The available medications are unregulated and do not have a uniform ingredient list for direct comparison.  As such, it’s important to consider these treatments against the risks of side effects and other drug interactions with your vein specialist.

When Natural Treatments Don’t Work

We are not surprised by the choice of many patients to try natural remedies as a first option.  However, the effectiveness can be minimal and short-lasting due to the very nature and cause of spider veins.  Our goal at the Princeton Vascular Center is to fully evaluate your condition and develop a comprehensive plan to treat and prevent future spider veins.   This includes working with our patients to enhance natural remedies with lifestyle modifications and when appropriate, medical treatments such as sclerotherapy and minimally-invasive treatments for venous insufficiency.  Modern treatments for venous insufficiency are incredibly effective and permanent in symptom relief when performed in the right hands. In the presence of symptoms, treatments for venous insufficiency are also covered by most insurances including Medicare.

Vein Specialists Near Me

IVY TRAINED VEIN DOCTORS | TOP RATED VEIN CENTER| SPIDER AND VARICOSE VEIN TREATMENT CLINIC

If you are reading this article, you are quite familiar with the appearance of varicose veins.  These are diseased veins that are enlarged and twisted protruding from the skin. They span the whole range of asymptomatic to serious with untreated veins being at increased risks for DVT (deep vein thrombosis), bleeding and infection. Preventing long-term complications depends on early recognition and treatment measures.

The problem is often linked to one’s DNA and affects family members in high proportions. If one parent has a vein disease, there is a near 50% chance that offspring will also be affected.  The condition results from high pressure from within veins due to normal activities like standing or sitting as blood pools in the legs due to gravity. Unlike the deep veins that are supported by the muscles within our legs, the superficial veins that cause varicose veins will stretch from this pressure.  Over time, these vein walls can become weakened and start to develop reflux or venous insufficiency.

Venous insufficiency is more common in individuals who sit or stand for prolonged periods, increasing age, females, obesity, and most importantly patients with a family history.

Treatment is essential if you are experiencing symptoms such as leg pain, leg swelling, skin discoloration or restless legs.  The treatment can be as simple as appropriate lifestyle changes and compression stockings. In some cases, additional treatments may be warranted and should only be done by a trusted vascular specialist with experience in vein disease.

Board Certified Vascular Specialist

Varicose vein doctors near me is a popular search term, however, one should be aware of false advertisements and promises of the “best vein doctor.”  To find the right vein specialists, it is important to be smart and informed.

The most important consideration is board-certification in a vascular specialty.  By all means, this does not mean that every vascular surgeon is the best at treating vein disease.  In fact, there are plenty of well-trained vein doctors with board-certifications in various specialties other than vascular surgery.

We recommend that a true vein specialist will have completed a formal training program of residency or fellowship with endovascular training.  These training programs include vascular surgery, invasive cardiology, and interventional radiology. Board-certification in these fields indicates not only the completion of years of extensive training, but also recognition by the American Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).  Board-certifications in other specialties is valuable (including internal medicine, pain management, phlebology), however, they do not indicate any formal training in vein procedures.

Is the Vein Doctor Here to See Me?

Patients are becoming accustomed to the one-stop, do it all facilities.  This is most common at medical spas run by family medicine, internal medicine and in some cases even pediatricians.  Even worse, medical spas will offer treatments like menu items without any proper evaluation before treatment. This is not ideal for treating vein disease.

Our vein specialists are present for every consultation and not only review your history, but take the time to ask proper questions about your medical history.  They will also learn about your symptoms and goals for treatment. Most importantly, they will perform a thorough physical examination to determine the extent of vein disease and plan proper treatments.  A vein doctor has multiple tools to treat vein disease and will make sure your treatment is tailored to your condition. To do so, the vein doctor will consider a vein ultrasound to check for any underlying venous insufficiency.

The bottom line, if you are not being fully seen by the treating vein specialist during your consultation, then you need to consider better options.

Minimally Invasive Varicose Veins Treatments

The most surprising fact to many patients seeking varicose vein removal is that surgery is not needed.  Many patients recall stories about their parents undergoing extensive vein stripping procedures with painful and extended recovery periods.  Those days are long gone. Instead, today’s procedures are minimally-invasive and suited for all types of vein conditions.

These minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins include:

• VenaSeal: Like most other vein treatments today, VenaSeal is also catheter-based technology. However,  unlike ablation, the catheter is used to inject a medical adhesive that fuses the diseased vein closed. Over time, the vein is resorbed by the body.
• Radiofrequency ablation: Catheter-based technology that delivers radiofrequency generated heat to the blood vessel walls.  The procedure is done with only small amounts of local anesthetic and can be completed in less than 30 minutes.
• Sclerotherapy: A medicated solution is injected in either liquid or aerated form (foam sclerotherapy). This medication acts as a sclerosant and disrupts the walls of diseased veins causing them to collapse and eventually be absorbed.
• Varithena: Similar to foam sclerotherapy, however, is formulated with special air mixtures resulting in much more uniform medication.  The injection is performed on both medium and large-sized veins.
• Ambulatory Phlebectomy: This requires the most skill and patience, but still is minimally invasive.  Tiny incisions are made over large, protuberant veins so that they can be directly removed.  Unlike stripping, these procedures are done within the office and patients do not require any downtime.  The best part, any large visible varicose veins are immediately removed leading to dramatic skin improvements.
• Clarivein: Another catheter-based technique with some special uses in certain varicose vein anatomy.  In this case, mechanical force and sclerosant are used to eliminate diseased veins.

Why Princeton Vascular Center?

The Princeton Vascular Center offers modern varicose vein treatment only in the hands of the best vein specialists in the country.  Our doctors can be trusted to have completed formalized vascular training programs and have years of prior experience in treating vein disease.  Most importantly, all our doctors have board-certifications in either vascular surgery or cardiovascular disease.

With our multiple locations, you can rest assured that you can find the best vein doctor for your care anywhere in New Jersey.  For more information, please schedule your spider vein and varicose vein consultation today.

Vein Specialists Near Me 

IVY TRAINED VEIN DOCTORS | TOP RATED VEIN CENTER| SPIDER AND VARICOSE VEIN TREATMENT CLINIC

Do Varicose Veins Hurt?

In a word, yes!  The feeling patients have from varicose vein conditions can vary greatly; some individuals have little or no discomfort, while others suffer a reduced quality of life from the pain and discomfort.   On the surface, varicose veins may be tender to the touch or the pain may be more insidious. The first step is to realize that ignoring this pain is not in your best interest because the pain may represent trouble with your circulation.  A vein specialist can evaluate your symptoms and determine if additional testing is warranted to evaluate venous insufficiency.

What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins occur when the veins (most commonly in the legs) become enlarged and overfilled with blood. The condition affects approximately 30 percent of all adults with a greater presence in women. Symptoms may include the following:

• Leg pain
• Heaviness
• Leg cramps
• Swelling
• Skin discoloration or leg ulcerations

In severe cases, ulcers form over diseased veins that can become infected or bleed. It is just as important to be aware that varicose veins are not always visible but the symptoms and adverse effects are no different. Because of the serious consequences of untreated venous insufficiency, varicose veins warrant appropriate evaluation at a vein clinic.
What Causes the Condition?
Blood is returned to the heart by a network of veins throughout the body.  There are both superficial and deep veins within this network, however, it is the superficial veins in our legs that are most prone to disease.  Within these veins, blood is prevented from flowing backwards due to muscle function and valves. When the valves in your veins become dysfunctional due to one of many factors listed below, blood accumulates in the legs. As a result, the veins can become swollen, enlarged, and painful. Here are the potential risk factors for varicose veins:

• Genetic predisposition
• Standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time
• Aging
• Obesity
• Pregnancy

While some of these risk factors are set (like family history), others can be managed with early attention. If you are concerned about varicose veins or have already started to experience symptoms, it is wise to make lifestyle changes in consultation with your vascular specialist.

So What Cause Varicose Veins to Hurt?

As blood accumulates in the varicose veins in the legs, they enlarge further and stretch the nerves inside.  This leads to the aching, pain, or throbbing characteristic many patient’s experiences in their legs.

Accumulated blood also clots easier and this results in inflammation within the veins.  This is commonly referred to as phlebitis and causes pain and irritation in the legs.  Visible signs of phlebitis include tender, hot or redness over palpable veins.   Phlebitis is a warning sign of more advanced varicose vein disease and should be properly addressed for underlying venous insufficiency.    Until you can fix the root of your pain, your symptoms may continue to get worse. Treating underlying venous insufficiency can help reroute blood flow to healthy veins, in order to improve overall leg circulation.

What Are Your Varicose Vein Pain Treatment Options?

There are a few ways that people try to minimize painful symptoms:

• Compression stockings
• Exercising regularly to promote healthy circulation
• Avoiding sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time
• Weight loss
• Elevating the legs (even at work)

While these conservative measures will not eliminate varicose veins, they will help relieve symptoms.  However, if the symptoms continue, then you should see a vein doctor to assess the significance of your condition.  A duplex ultrasound may be advised to look for underlying venous insufficiency and help plan medically necessary treatments.
To schedule a consultation with an experienced varicose vein specialist, get in touch with the Princeton Vascular Center today.  Our vein doctors are recognized leaders in the field of diagnosing and treating vein disease. For your convenience, the Princeton Vascular Center has multiple state-of-the-art facilities across NJ to eliminate varicose veins and cure chronic venous insufficiency.

Vein Specialists Near Me

Ivy Trained Vein Doctors | Top Rated Vein Center| Spider And Varicose Vein Treatment Clinic

Do you suffer from an increasing number of spider veins on the legs? Have you noticed that your legs feel more tired or swell at the end of the day? Spider veins may only be cosmetic, but those symptoms tell a different story and should be evaluated by a vein doctor for venous insufficiency.

So while spider veins can be displeasing, it’s those symptoms that should have you more concerned.  Untreated venous disease is not only associated with increasing spider and varicose veins, but also greater health concerns like DVT, leg swelling, leg ulcerations, and skin discoloration.  It’s for this reason that even simple spider veins should not be ignored and a consultation with a trusted vein clinic should be sought.

Spider vein treatment requires not only a technical skill to treat very fine veins, but also a thorough understanding of what might be causing the problem.  Medical spas are quite often staffed by such technical practitioners and while many of these clinics do a fine job at treating spider veins, they do not address the underlying cause.  As a result, it’s not too uncommon to see patients in our vein clinic seeking second opinions for sclerotherapy or laser treatment for spider veins after prior failed therapies.

But how do you identify the true vein specialist? What differentiates the best spider vein doctors from other treating physicians? In this article, we discuss the merits of the best spider vein doctor.

Board Certified Vein Doctor

Vein doctors are phlebologists and unfortunately, there is no formally recognized board-certification to practice as a vein specialist.   As such, you should evaluate the prior training of your vein doctor and whether or not they received formal vascular training during their residency or fellowship.  Next, see if they obtained their board-certification in a vascular field (interventional cardiology, vascular surgery, or interventional radiology). This guarantees that they have passed the rigorous requirements of their field and are recognized for their achievements.  The key point is to not just focus on board-certification, but in what category was that achievement recognized and does it relate to the treatment of spider veins.

A Thorough Examination Before Spider Veins Treatment

A comprehensive history and physical examination by the treating vein doctor is a must.  In many low quality, high volume centers, the vein doctor is not present for a large part of your initial consultation.  This should be a red flag. It is our recommendation that any tests or treatments should be ordered only after a full assessment of your condition by a qualified vein specialist.

A vein clinic should appropriately recommend a duplex ultrasound to measure the flow of blood in your veins when symptoms are present.  Without these test results, spider vein removal procedures can be a haphazard experiment and wasted dollars..

Having a vein ultrasound will help your vein specialists plan treatments accordingly for maximum cosmetic effect and relief from symptoms.

Minimally-Invasive Treatments
Today represents a new age in vein treatment.  The days of invasive procedures like vein stripping and ligation are gone.  In their place, vein doctors use minimally-invasive techniques like ablation and microphlebectomy to treat complex vein disease.  These procedures are fast, effective and virtually pain-free. Best yet, there is no need for any downtime after the procedure.   With this in mind, it is absolutely essential to only consider spider vein doctors capable with minimally-invasive treatments. Here is a review of our favorite techniques:

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is still the best procedure to treat spider veins and forms the cornerstone of treatment.  The procedure is done in the office by a trained vein doctor using a medication solution that is directly injected into undesirable veins.

This procedure, however, only treats visible spider veins and not the underlying venous insufficiency.

Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation is the gold standard for treating the underlying cause of spider veins.

In this procedure, the vein doctor inserts a catheter through the skin and into the diseased feeder vein. Once the catheter is appropriately positioned, the vein doctor turns the heat source on which collapses the vein walls. The treated vein is removed from the circulation and blood reroutes to healthier veins.

Endovenous Laser Ablation

Endovenous laser ablation is very similar to radiofrequency ablation but uses laser energy as its heat source.  The vein doctor again inserts the catheter into the diseased feeder vein that is collapsed using a laser source.  Healthier circulation results after the diseased vein is absorbed naturally by the body.

VenaSeal

VenaSeal is a new innovation in the treatment of varicose veins using medical glue to close down the diseased vein.  The vein doctor inserts a catheter into the vein, but in place of a heat source, the catheter is used to deposit a safe medical adhesive that fuses the vein walls together.  Blood is subsequently rerouted from the diseased vein to healthier veins and improves circulation.

Where to Treat Spider Veins?

If you are searching for treatment spider veins, you should consider the Princeton Vascular Center.  Our team is comprised of vascular trained, board-certified vein doctors using the latest technologies to diagnose and treat spider veins. For more information, please schedule an appointment with the best vein doctor today.

Vein Specialists Near Me

IVY TRAINED VEIN DOCTORS | TOP RATED VEIN CENTER| SPIDER AND VARICOSE VEIN TREATMENT CLINIC

Varicose veins are large,  distorted blood vessels that appear above the skin due to unhealthy circulation. If you are one of the millions of people to suffer from varicose vein leg pain, then we present this article to understand the 10 most important facts before considering vein treatment.

1. Varicose vein disease affects 1 out of 4 individuals

Having varicose veins is quite common with at least 30 million Americans being affected.   1 out of every 3 women will have some form of varicose veins and the increased incidence is thought to be secondary to hormonal factors. Still, 1 out of every 5 men also develops varicose veins.  The risk for varicose veins increases if you have a family history of this condition. You have a 60% chance of developing varicose veins if one parent is affected, and almost 90% if both your parents suffer from varicose veins.  A vein specialist can help you better understand the significance of your condition and prevent future complications.

2. Varicose veins are associated with specific symptoms.

Varicose veins do not have to be visible to cause symptoms or late-stage complications.  While visible varicose veins and symptoms are a good reason to seek out a consultation with a vein specialist, we also recommend patients consider these symptoms as an indication of venous insufficiency (the underlying cause of varicose veins):

• Leg cramps particularly towards the end of the day
• Leg heaviness
• Increased numbers of spider veins
• Restless leg syndrome
• Charley horses (intense leg cramps particularly over palpable veins)
• Knee pain at the back of the leg

3.  Varicose veins reflect the presence of underlying venous disease.

Varicose veins are often misinterpreted as being cosmetic only. However, in many instances, there can be an underlying issue such as chronic venous insufficiency.  In this condition, blood circulating in the superficial veins of the legs is hampered by poor functioning valves. While genetics plays the biggest role in developing venous insufficiency, several lifestyle factors can worsen the condition.  Treating venous insufficiency is the primary goal in resolving varicose veins and preventing more serious symptoms like leg ulcerations, skin discoloration or DVT.

 
4. Lifestyle changes can help control the symptoms of varicose veins.

Having varicose veins is very treatable and involves your participation as well.  Regular exercise, weight loss, and leg elevation are important ways to reduce the stress on your varicose veins in the legs.  We also strongly recommend wearing comfortable footwear especially during long periods of standing. High-heels and elevated platform shoes reduce the ability of our calf muscles to pump blood effectively.  We cannot complete our recommendations without speaking about the importance of compression stockings. Ideally, medical-grade 2 compression stockings with 20-30 mmHg of grade compression are advised for varicose vein treatment.

5. There are no proven home remedies that work on varicose veins

Horse chestnut, CBD, and essential oils are common questions are vein doctors receive about treating symptoms naturally.  While we do not discourage trials of natural therapies, we do recommend the treatments are part of a comprehensive strategy developed by your vein specialist.  Exercise and compression stockings should be included in the plan and continuing symptoms should be addressed with definitive treatments.

6. Today’s Varicose Vein Treatments are minimally-invasive and highly effective

Catheter-based techniques and formulated medications have entirely replaced surgical treatments for varicose veins.  These procedures are associated with no incisions and incredibly safe and effective outcomes. In fact, with RF ablation and VenaSeal, the literature shows greater than 90% cure rates in the long-term analysis.  Most importantly, the procedures can be done in less than a half-hour with no downtime afterward.

VEIN TREATMENTS

7. Don’t Assume Every Vein Specialist is Equal

There are no formal training programs to be a phlebologist or vein doctor.  As such, this has been used by unscrupulous doctors to parade as vascular specialists without any formal training.  To guarantee you are seeing a qualified vein expert, we recommend visiting only dedicated vein centers staffed by residency trained vascular specialists with board certifications in either vascular surgery, interventional radiology or interventional cardiology.   Dermatologists and medical spas offering spider vein treatments do not have the facilities to adequately diagnose or treat venous insufficiency. Without looking for an underlying issue, you can end up wasting hundreds or even thousands of dollars with laser treatments for spider veins.
8. Varicose Veins is a life-long condition that requires continued attention

While today’s vein treatments are incredibly effective, the purpose of vein treatment is to cure the issue at hand.  We have hundreds of veins in our legs and while symptoms can be easily cured with today’s treatments, there is a need to continue regular follow-ups with your vein doctor to monitor the health of the other leg veins.  Spider veins may also need occasional touch-ups from time to time as seen in other parts of the cosmetic industry with botox, fillers, and injectables. This will be far easier to manage if the underlying venous insufficiency has been corrected by a qualified vein specialist.

9. Untreated varicose veins are not entirely benign

A percentage of patients with chronic venous insufficiency will progress and have more serious medical conditions.  These concerns include improper wound healing, skin eczema or stasis dermatitis, skin discoloration, leg ulcerations, and infections.    If the varicose vein is disturbed, profuse bleeding can also result and have been some of the presentations we have seen in our clinic. Another serious consequence is deep vein thrombosis, which refers to the formation of blood clots in the leg veins and can be fatal.  One study found the risk of DVTs to be increased five-fold in the presence of varicose veins and was reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

10. Treatment for varicose veins has a minimum or no side effects

In the hands of qualified vein specialists, today’s vein treatments are incredibly safe.  However great outcomes depend only on proper training, but also the proper equipment. Comprehensive vein clinics will maintain state-of-the-art facilities for diagnosis and treatment.  Duplex ultrasound is one of the most important tools in vein treatment because it allows the vein doctor to explore beneath the surface of the skin and accurately diagnose symptoms of venous insufficiency.

Are you interested in learning more about varicose veins and successful treatment options?  Reach out to our vein clinic today at 609-257-2095 or visit us at www.veinspecialistcenters.com to book an appointment.

Vein Specialists Near Me 

IVY TRAINED VEIN DOCTORS | TOP RATED VEIN CENTER| SPIDER AND VARICOSE VEIN TREATMENT CLINIC

We often see patients in our clinic who are wondering what is the best treatment for spider veins?  Inevitably, this is a question about whether sclerotherapy or laser therapy for spider veins is best.  As you might expect, the answer isn’t so simple and the answer lies in the individual assessment of each patient.

To begin with, vein treatment is influenced by multiple factors, including what you are treating, the location, and how large the veins are.  However, before beginning any treatment, our vein doctors want to know if there is an underlying venous disorder.

Venous insufficiency is the number one cause of varicose and spider veins.  It is when the veins below the surface of our skin can no longer perform their circulatory duties well.  This can be due to several factors, however, the most important considerations are family history, age, and lifestyles that require longer periods of standing or sitting.  When symptoms are present including leg pain, swelling or heaviness, our vein specialists recommend a diagnostic ultrasound evaluation to rule out unhealthy circulation. In the presence of venous insufficiency, surface cosmetic treatments with either sclerotherapy or laser treatments are unlikely to be successful.  Instead, the vein specialists may recommend one of several minimally-invasive treatments to correct the underlying circulation first.

Treatment with Sclerotherapy: Sclerotherapy is a procedure that uses a medication, called a sclerosant, to collapse the targeted veins. This sclerosant can vary, however, reputable vein clinics will use polidocanol–the safest and effective choice at 0.25%-1% concentration depending on the size of the targeted vein.  The medication is injected into the unhealthy veins with direct visualization or in some cases with ultrasound or infra-red light. Over the next couple weeks (or months for larger veins) the veins will slowly be broken down and absorbed by your body. One treatment is expected to produce 50-60% improvement and many patients will require two or three sessions for complete elimination.

Treatment with Laser: Laser technology focuses a beam of energy on unhealthy spider veins that are absorbed by the blood vessel. This causes the vein to close down through heat and is gradually removed by the body over the course of several weeks.

Sclerotherapy vs Laser treatment

In general, our vein doctors prefer sclerotherapy for the treatment of spider veins due to the increased number of vein types that can be treated with sclerosant injections.  Sclerotherapy is effective in both small and larger sized veins, including reticular and varicose veins. Laser therapy is not as effective as sclerotherapy with larger reticular or varicose veins.  However, there are some situations where laser therapy is preferred. This includes spider veins on the face or feet where injection can be contra-indicated. Additionally, very fine veins that are difficult to inject will be suitable for laser treatment.  Ultimately, your vein doctor will plan treatments according to your individual anatomy and in some cases, both forms of treatment may be required.

How effective is Spider Vein treatment?
Spider vein treatment is quite effective with either sclerotherapy or laser treatment.  However, in patients with symptoms or rapidly evolving spider veins, a qualified vein specialist will consider underlying venous insufficiency before any cosmetic treatment.   We can think of venous insufficiency as being a leaky pipe underneath the surface of the skin. The overflow on this vein turns up on the skin as spider and varicose veins. Treating venous insufficiency first will help not only alleviate symptoms but also improve cosmetic results with sclerotherapy. Venous insufficiency is treated in modern vein clinics with minimally-invasive procedures.

Your vein doctor may recommend:

• Radiofrequency ablation
• Endovenous laser ablation
• VenaSeal
• ClariVein
• Varithena

To schedule a consultation with an experienced spider vein specialist, get in touch with the Princeton Vascular Center today.  Our vein doctors are recognized leaders in the field of diagnosing and treating vein disease. For your convenience, the Princeton Vascular Center has multiple state-of-the-art facilities across NJ for the treatment of spider veins.

Vein Specialists Near Me 

IVY TRAINED VEIN DOCTORS | TOP RATED VEIN CENTER| SPIDER AND VARICOSE VEIN TREATMENT CLINIC

Varicose veins are an especially common condition, impacting up to 25 million Americans every year. Today’s treatments are fast, effective, and minimally invasive, but many patients don’t seek medical care. They are under the impression that varicose vein removal is not covered by insurance, and they simply can’t afford the cost of correcting what some perceive to be a cosmetic issue.

Unfortunately, in a majority of cases, varicose veins are more than a cosmetic issue. They are a sign of underlying vein disease. If left untreated, serious symptoms can develop.

With most health insurance plans, the answer is yes. Treatment is covered when there is an underlying vein disease such as Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). However, there may be restrictions on which treatment methods are covered, and at what point you are eligible for the procedure. Your vein doctor in New Jersey can help determine the medical necessity for treating your varicose veins and venous insufficiency.

What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

Chronic venous insufficiency develops when the valves within out veins fail.  This can occur for a variety of reasons including prolonged standing, obesity, smoking, and trauma.  The most important determinant is your genetic makeup. When venous insufficiency is present, the veins become less effective in returning blood to the heart and instead, the blood pools in the legs, putting further pressure on the vessel walls and valves.  The increased pressure is known as venous hypertension and can result in visible varicose and spider veins in the legs.

What are the symptoms of venous insufficiency?

Visible varicose and spider veins are the number one reason patients present to vein clinics.  However, the most important reason to consider an evaluation for venous insufficiency can often precede any signs of visible veins.  These symptoms include the following:

• Leg pain
• Heaviness
• Leg cramps
• Swelling
• Skin discoloration or leg ulcerations

In severe cases, ulcers form over diseased veins that can become infected or bleed. It is just as important to be aware that varicose veins are not always visible but the symptoms and adverse effects are no different. Because of the serious consequences of untreated venous insufficiency, varicose veins warrant appropriate evaluation at a vein clinic.

How Are Varicose Veins Treated?

Vein doctors in the most advanced centers use minimally-invasive techniques like ablation, foam sclerotherapy, and microphlebectomy to treat even the most complex vein disease.  These procedures are fast, effective and virtually pain-free. Best yet, there is no need for any down-time after the procedure. WIth this in mind, it is absolutely essential to only consider spider vein doctors capable with minimally-invasive treatments. Here is a review of our favorite techniques:

VenaSeal – Catheter-directed delivery of a medical adhesive that fuses the diseased veins closed.

Radiofrequency Ablаtіоn (RFA) –  Catheter-based technology that uses thermal energy to close diseased veins

Endоvеnоuѕ Lаѕеr Ablаtіоn (EVLA) – Catheter-based technology that uses laser energy to close diseased veins

Varithena – Uses a patented formulation of 1% polidocanol mixed with O2 and nitrogen foam to close even the most tortuous and dilated varicose veins

Microphlebectomy– This is an artform mastered by very few vein clinics due to its time-intensive nature.  With this office-based procedure, even the most prominent varicose veins can be removed immediately

Minimally-invasive techniques in the hands of qualified vein doctors can be done without any sedation.  With skilled hands, a local anesthetic alone is sufficient to make the quick procedure virtually pain-free.  At the Princeton Vascular Center, these treatments typically take less than 30 minutes and our patients return to their routine activities.

Is Varicose Vein Removal Covered by Insurance?

Treating venous insufficiency is best left in the hands of varicose vein specialists.  Given the precision needed to perform these procedures well and the modern advancements in technology to keep patients out of the operating room, vein treatments can be costly.  Fortunately, medical insurances have recognized the importance of treating this condition and provide coverage with medical necessity.

Medical necessity can only be determined by a qualified vein specialist and requires detailed reports on the symptoms, physical appearance, and prior treatments.  In most instances, your vein doctor will need to provide information on whether or not compression stockings were trialed, and what effect lifestyle modifications and exercise had on the symptoms.

Specific treatment sought by your vein doctor will also need to carefully review.  This is generally true for more newer technologies like VenaSeal or Varithena. If additional treatments are sought due to advanced disease, your vascular specialists may also speak on your behalf with the insurance company to seek approvals.

At the Vein Specialist Centers, we have a dedicated team to work on your behalf to obtain the necessary authorizations for treatments requested by your vein doctor.

How Do I Choose a Varicose Vein Doctor?

If you have decided on seeking treatment for your vein condition, it is recommended that you see a dedicated vein specialist.  The right choice will involve evaluating several factors including the vein doctors, treatment options, and professionalism. Board-certified vein doctors with a background in vascular surgery or interventional cardiology are trusted sources for high-quality treatments.

Vein Specialist Centers are committed to being the best vein doctors and having all the latest innovations in vein treatment right here in New Jersey. You can schedule a consultation online, or you can call for an appointment at 609-257-2095.

Vein Specialists Near Me 

Ivy Trained Vein Doctors | Top Rated Vein Center| Spider And Varicose Vein Treatment Clinic

Spider veins are disheartening and unfortunately, seem to become more and more noticeable with each day.  If you are looking for solutions, the answer lies with finding the best vein clinic. While many doctors can offer temporary solutions, the primary goal is long-lasting relief that is quick and easy.

Spider vein treatment in NJ: How do I find the right vein clinic?

The simple thing to do is start an internet search for a reputable vein clinic.  While the strategy is right, the information can be overwhelming. We present this easy guide to help you find the right vein doctor for you.

Vein treatment must be done only by vascular specialists

Treating spider veins and varicose veins should be left to the experts. In this case, that means doctors who have received formal residency or fellowship training in vascular disease. This can be from one of three specialties: Vascular surgery, interventional radiology or interventional cardiology.  While other specialties can receive post-graduate education on vein treatments, this is not uniform and the results can be quite variable. In the worst-case scenario, you can subject yourself to someone who is not fully prepared to deliver safe and effective treatments.

The clinic should offer multiple treatment options

Vein clinics should be well-versed in all modalities for spider vein treatment.  Be prepared to ask your vascular specialist about liquid sclerotherapy, foam sclerotherapy and laser treatment for spider veins.  Each therapy has a role in vein treatment and should be discussed by your vein doctor for a comprehensive plan.

Peer recognition

The best clinics are recognized for their commitment to the highest quality of care.  Our team has been consistently recognized both by our physician colleagues and patients.  Recognitions we are proud of include Castle Connolly’s Top Doctor, NJ Top Doc, and Philadelphia’s Best Doctors.  Dr Alissa Brotman O’Neill also currently serves as the President-elect of the Vascular Society of New Jersey and is part of the active teaching staff at the Rowan Medical School.

Spider Vein Treatment in NJ:

Vein doctors prefer sclerotherapy for spider veins on the legs because it is more effective and better-suited for a larger number of veins (spider veins, reticular veins, venulectasias).  In this office-based procedure, the vein doctor injects a sclerosing agent into the undesirable surface veins. This is done using very fine needles that are virtually painless. The sclerosant works by disrupting the vein walls leading the vein to collapse and gradually disappear for good.

There are certain instances where laser light therapy is preferred.  This includes very fine, thread-like veins that would be difficult to deliver any of the sclerosant.  The face and feet are also considered better suited for laser treatment because the thin skin in these areas is more prone to staining from the medication.  With laser therapy, a beam of energy is directed right over the spider veins, and heat from the laser light causes the veins to shrink.

A knowledgeable vein doctor will consider both treatment options and tailor a plan suited for your cosmetic goals.

How effective is Spider Vein treatment?

In most cases, spider vein treatment is quite effective with both sclerotherapy and laser treatment.  However, in patients with symptoms or rapidly evolving spider veins, a qualified vein specialist will consider underlying venous insufficiency before any cosmetic treatment.   We can think of venous insufficiency as being a leaky pipe underneath the surface of the skin. The overflow on this vein turns up on the skin as spider and varicose veins. Treating venous insufficiency first will help not only alleviate symptoms, but also improve cosmetic results with sclerotherapy.   Venous insufficiency is treated in modern vein clinics with minimally-invasive procedures. Your vein doctor may recommend:

• Radiofrequency ablation
• Endovenous laser ablation
• VenaSeal
• ClariVein
• Varithena

 Our Mission at the Princeton Vascular Clinic:

If you are seeking a one-stop solution for spider veins in New Jersey, the Princeton Vascular Center is a state-of-the-art facility with multiple convenient locations.  Our team is staffed only by formally-trained vein specialists providing the latest advances in vein medicine for exemplary care.

To learn more about spider vein treatment at our vein clinics, consider an online consultation or come in for a visit.

Vein Specialists Near Me