Top Spider Vein Treatments with Underlying Vein Disease
Radiofrequency (RF) Ablation
Radiofrequency (RF) ablation is undoubtedly the best vein treatment for patients with underlying vein disease. During the radiofrequency ablation, your vein doctor will administer local anesthesia to numb your skin and create an incision on the surface. The vein doctor will insert a tiny device called a catheter through the incision and into the unhealthy saphenous vein responsible for the spider veins — this will be done under ultrasound guidance. Once inside, the vein doctor will surround the diseased vein with a protective fluid and then deliver sound waves to heat the vein’s walls. The diseased vein will eventually collapse, and the accumulated blood will reroute to healthier veins, restoring smooth blood circulation to the heart.
Radiofrequency ablation is widely considered the best treatment for spider veins and varicose veins because it has a nearly flawless track record, it concludes in 15 to 20 minutes, causes little to no pain and discomfort, has a negligible risk of complications, and there’s no downtime. Furthermore, radiofrequency ablation is also covered by most insurance plans because it’s a medically necessary procedure. Radiofrequency ablation is truly a flawless system.
Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLT)
In most ways, endovenous laser ablation (EVLT) is similar to radiofrequency ablation. Like RF ablation, it involves a tiny incision through which the vein specialist inserts a small device into the diseased vein under ultrasound guidance. And just like RF ablation, it heats the unhealthy vein to eventually collapse its vein walls, rerouting the accumulated blood to healthier veins. However, there’s only one significant difference between the two procedures — the method of heat generation. Endovenous laser ablation heats the diseased vein with laser energy, which is a lot hotter than the heat generated by radiofrequency waves.
Consequently, endovenous laser ablation also causes a little more post-procedural discomfort than radiofrequency ablation. Once the anesthesia wears off, patients often report pain and discomfort, which can be attributed to the use of laser energy. However, other than one slight drawback, endovenous laser ablation is just as effective as RF ablation. It has a nearly perfect track record, negligible risk of complications, and it concludes within an hour with no extended downtime. EVLT is also covered by most insurance plans.
ClariVein (Chemical Ablation)
ClariVein is a cutting-edge device used for chemical ablation of the diseased saphenous vein. This device features a 360-degree rotating tip that delivers a specially concocted vein fusion solution into the diseased vein’s walls without laser or thermal energy. Once the diseased vein is fused or closed, the accumulated blood reroutes to healthier veins.
ClariVein is particularly suitable for twisted, knotted, or tangled veins. It’s a painless and comfortable procedure with minimal side effects, a negligible risk of complications, and no downtime. However, ClariVein is also more time-consuming than the other ablation methods, and some insurance plans do not cover it. A good vein doctor will carefully examine your saphenous veins to determine if you can truly benefit from ClariVein.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy with Varithena is also known as “Foam Sclerotherapy” because it relies on using a pre-mixed foam solution to close the diseased saphenous vein. During the Varithena process, the vein doctor injects a premixed foam solution with a special nitrogen infusion into the diseased saphenous vein and spider veins. The foam solution closes the diseased veins, and the nitrogen infusion catalyzes the process to make it more efficient.
Sclerotherapy with Varithena effectively treats spider veins, varicose veins, and the underlying venous insufficiency. It’s a non-surgical and minimally-invasive treatment that causes little to no discomfort and has a negligible risk of complications. It’s also faster and more effective than most other treatments, and there’s no recovery period.
Laser for Spider Veins
Laser for spider veins is generally only suitable for spider veins on the face and feet. During this procedure, the vein doctor directs laser light at the spider veins to make them shrink and eventually get absorbed by the body. You may need multiple sessions to see the results.
Laser for spider veins is often offered by medical spas because it doesn’t have to be administered by licensed vein doctors. It’s extremely ineffective and has a high risk of recurrence, which is why most reputable vein doctors avoid this treatment. However, it’s a suitable treatment for spider veins on the face and feet.
Choosing the Best Spider Vein Treatment
If you have visible blue veins on legs, puffy veins in legs, veins in butt and thighs, or other symptoms of vein disease, please reach out to board-certified vein doctors to discuss your spider vein treatment options.
Our state-of-the-art vein clinics are populated by exceptionally talented, friendly, and Ivy League-educated vein doctors who carefully diagnose the root cause of your leg veins to curate the ideal treatment plan. Our vein clinics are located in New York, New Jersey, and California — please select your nearest vein center and schedule an appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find a qualified spider vein treatment provider near me?
Look for certified specialists experienced in sclerotherapy or minimal invasive treatments for spider veins. Check credentials, before/after photos, and patient reviews before choosing. A vein specialist can provide personalized guidance based on your symptoms.
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Who is qualified to treat spider veins?
Qualified providers include vein specialists (phlebologists) with specific training in sclerotherapy or modern vein treatments. Look for experience specifically with spider vein treatment, not just general practice. Our team can answer your questions during a first consultation.
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Should I see a vein specialist or dermatologist for spider veins?
If you have leg symptoms suggesting venous insufficiency, a vein specialist can evaluate underlying cause. For purely cosmetic facial or leg spider veins without symptoms, dermatologists also provide effective treatment. A professional evaluation can help determine the most suitable treatment path.
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What should I look for in a spider vein clinic?
Look for experienced providers with good reviews, reasonable pricing, and clear communication about expectations. Ask to see before/after photos. A good provider will evaluate for underlying venous insufficiency, not just treat visible spider veins superficially. Schedule a consultation to discuss which option may work best for you.
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Is it safe to get spider vein treatment at a med spa?
Safety and results can vary significantly depending on the facility. While med spas frequently offer cosmetic services, spider veins are often a surface symptom of an underlying vascular issue that requires a proper medical evaluation. At our specialized vein treatment clinic, your safety and long-term vascular health are our top priorities. Our expert team is here to answer all of your questions during an initial consultation.
