Veins are an essential part of your circulatory system, but when they become visible at the skin’s surface and even appear twisted, they can leave you feeling uncomfortable and concerned. Spider veins and enlarged, rope-like varicose veins can impact more than your appearance. They can cause symptoms and impact your self-image.
At CA Heart and Vein Specialists, we combine advanced technology with compassionate care to diagnose and treat a wide range of vein conditions. Led by cardiovascular physician Dr. Majed Chane, our team offers personalized solutions to meet your cardiovascular needs.
Here, we take a closer look at the key differences between varicose veins and spider veins and how today’s treatments can help.
Varicose veins are bulging, twisted, purplish or blue veins visible beneath the skin. They typically occur when vein valves malfunction and allow pressure to build and blood to pool. This can cause the veins to stretch and become distorted.
Due to the nature of gravity, these veins typically develop in the legs due to the increased pressure from standing or walking. While cosmetic concerns are the most common reason patients seek treatment, varicose veins also provide a clue to your vascular health. They can cause discomfort and symptoms such as:
While complications are rare, varicose veins that are left untreated may lead to issues such as skin ulcers, blood clots, or chronic venous insufficiency.
Spider veins are smaller, thin veins that appear close to the surface of the skin. They’re often red, blue, or purple and can form web-like patterns, most commonly on the legs but also on the face.
Unlike varicose veins, spider veins are typically painless and rarely cause physical issues. They’re caused by a range of factors, including:
While spider veins are primarily a cosmetic concern, they can occasionally be a sign of underlying vein health issues.
Varicose veins and spider veins differ in size, appearance, and cause. These differences guide our treatment approach.
Following your consultation, our team will recommend the most appropriate treatment approach to eliminate problem veins.
Following your assessment, Dr. Chane may recommend one of the following treatments to manage your varicose veins:
For larger varicose veins, microphlebectomy is a surgical option that involves removing the vein through small incisions. This procedure, performed under local anesthesia, is surprisingly gentle. The incisions are so small that stitches are usually unnecessary, and recovery is quick. Most patients get back to their routine without much disruption.
Radiofrequency ablation and laser ablation are two highly effective techniques that use heat energy to treat problematic veins. These procedures involve inserting a thin catheter into the affected vein and delivering controlled heat, which causes the vein to collapse and close.
Once the treated vein closes, blood is naturally redirected to healthier veins, restoring proper circulation. Both approaches are minimally invasive, quick, and often completed in under an hour. Most patients can return to their normal activities within a day or two.
MOCA uses a combination of mechanical action and a special chemical solution to close problematic varicose veins. This dual-action technique makes it a precise and effective option for addressing larger veins.
With VenaSeal, a gentle medical adhesive seals the troublesome vein, allowing blood to naturally reroute through healthier veins. This innovative approach is quick, minimally invasive, and ideal for patients with larger varicose veins looking for a comfortable treatment option with minimal downtime.
Don’t let bothersome varicose or spider veins hold you back. With today’s advanced options, treatment is quick and effective. You can rely on the team at CA Heart and Vein Specialists for tailored, innovative solutions that meet your needs. Contact us to schedule a consultation today!
