How to Get Relief With Varicose Vein Treatment in Pittsburgh
When describing those unsightly veins found on your legs, you may use the terms varicose veins and spider veins interchangeably. Although they share some similarities, these are two unique vein concerns that require different treatments.
The first step to finding relief is identifying what it is you’re experiencing. Keep reading to learn about the difference between varicose veins and spider veins, and why their treatments vary.
If you discover you have varicose veins, you can pursue varicose vein treatments near you at The Vein Institute of Pittsburgh™.
What’s the Difference?
Varicose veins and spider veins are both caused by dysfunctional blood vessels, but they aren’t quite the same condition. Learning how to differentiate these two concerns will ensure you get the proper care you need.
Varicose veins are large, twisting veins that bulge from the skin. Weakened valves within underlying veins cause blood to pool, which can then lead to bulging varicose veins. Varicose veins typically have a blue-green appearance and are accompanied by an aching, swelling, and heavy sensation in the legs.
Spider veins are smaller, more superficial veins that look like webbed branches. They’re usually red, blue, or purple, and not painful. Spider veins can be caused by increased pressure within the veins, genetics, extra weight or stress on the legs, or trauma to the area.
The biggest difference between varicose and spider veins is their appearance, and varicose veins can be painful, while spider veins typically are not. You may want varicose vein treatment to remove the painful effects of these veins. People tend to get spider vein treatment simply because they don’t like how they look.
I Have Varicose Veins. How Can I Treat Them?
You shouldn’t wait to treat your varicose veins because they can be a sign of a more serious medical concern. If neglected, symptoms can worsen and over time may cause permanent changes and possibly damage to the skin on your lower legs. It’s best to treat them as soon as possible. At The Vein Institute of Pittsburgh, we offer a selection of treatments for varicose veins that can resolve these unsightly and painful veins before they have an opportunity to get worse.
- Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)
Endovenous Laser Ablation is a minimally-invasive treatment option for varicose vein pain. Using a catheter, a thin laser fiber is inserted into the affected vein. As the laser is removed, it emits thermal energy to the surrounding vein walls, sealing the abnormal vein shut. The sealed vein turns into scar tissue. The body breaks down this tissue and eventually reabsorbs it. EVLA is extremely effective and requires very little downtime or recovery. - Microphlebectomy
Microphlebectomy primarily treats the diseased portion of the varicose vein. During this treatment, your medical provider will make tiny incisions in your skin to remove the damaged vessel. Performed under local anesthesia, microphlebectomy is minimally invasive and doesn’t require sutures or staples. It’s often performed alongside EVLA to achieve optimal results. - Sclerotherapy
This treatment is recommended for smaller varicose veins. During sclerotherapy, a chemical solution is injected into the insufficient vein, resulting in irritation and inflammation. The inflammation causes the vein to scar over and close, before it’s naturally absorbed by the body. Sclerotherapy has minimal downtime.
How Does Spider Vein Treatment Work?
Depending on the location of your spider veins, treatments vary. Sclerotherapy can remove spider veins on your lower extremities, while facial spider veins should be treated using light-based therapy.
Broken capillaries can be found around the nose, cheeks, and other areas of the face. An intense pulsed light (IPL) device is used to remove facial veins. This laser emits thermal energy onto the spider vein, causing it to spasm and collapse. The body naturally absorbs the collapsed vein over time. Multiple IPL treatments may be necessary to completely treat facial spider veins.
Explore Our Varicose Vein Treatment Options at The Vein Institute of Pittsburgh
At The Vein Institute of Pittsburgh, we understand just how big an impact varicose veins can have on your everyday life. We provide several treatment options for varicose vein pain, so you can finally get the relief you’ve been longing for. Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), sclerotherapy, and microphlebectomy are all great solutions that will get rid of your varicose vein pain and give you your confidence back.
Fortunately, you won’t have to guess which treatment is right for you. An evaluation with one of our medical providers can determine the varicose vein treatment that will successfully deliver the results you’re looking for.
To get started with varicose vein treatments near you, schedule an appointment by giving us a call at (724) 471-4746. Or if you’re wanting to know more about the difference between varicose and spider vein treatments, send us a message using our online contact form.