Leg Veins

Spider veins (telangiectasias) and bulging veins (varicose veins) are common manifestations of leg vein disease. Leg vein disease is often referred to as “chronic venous insufficiency” and has many causes. Some of the most common risk factors for the development of unsightly leg veins include female gender, pregnancy, hormone use, increasing age, increasing weight, prolonged standing or sitting, and lack of physical activity. There is a strong genetic predisposition for abnormal leg veins. Varicose veins and spider veins often run in families, and females are more likely to be affected.

Unsightly leg veins are very distressing. They affect self-confidence and often change behaviors in activities or dress. For many years, leg vein treatment was limited to hypertonic saline injection for spider veins and vein stripping of varicose veins. However, modern techniques for leg vein treatment are remarkable. Leg veins such as spider veins and varicose veins can be treated very effectively with little to no discomfort using sclerotherapy for smaller veins or endovenous laser ablation for larger, varicose veins.

Sclerotherapy is considered the gold standard of treatment for spider veins and reticular veins – green blue veins that are not bulging. Sclerotherapy agents including glycerin, Polidocanol (Asclera), and sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS or Sotradecol) are highly effective as a series of treatments in improving the appearance of telangiectasias and even mild varicose veins. Treatment effectiveness and a reduction in side effects is accomplished with sclerotherapy is combined with compression stockings after the procedure.