Visible leg veins are a widespread issue. About 23% of US adults have varicose veins, while 80% of men and 85% of women have spider veins. While some surface leg veins cause aching, burning, or throbbing sensations, many smaller veins are simply cosmetic issues. Fortunately, whether you have varicose or spider veins, effective treatments exist. Here’s what you need to know about two leading options: Venefit™ and sclerotherapy.

Spider Veins vs. Varicose Veins

Varicose veins and spider veins have different treatment paths, so It’s important to know these differences:

• Varicose veins: These dark purple and blue enlarged veins commonly affect the lower body. They’re often bulging or cord-like. Some varicose veins cause aching, swelling, cramping, heaviness, or burning pain.
• Spider veins: Also called telangiectasias, these tiny veins are a milder version of varicose veins and tend to be more of a cosmetic nuisance, though some people experience tingling or discomfort. They’re usually red, purple, or blue and branch out like spider webs.
• Reticular veins: Reticular veins are smaller than varicose veins but larger than telangiectasias. They’re usually blue or purple but don’t bulge out like varicose veins.

You might have several types of visible leg veins since they tend to co-occur with each other.

Is Sclerotherapy or Venefit Right for Me?

Both spider vein treatment and varicose vein treatment aim to reroute blood flow to healthier valves. For varicose veins, Venefit is the treatment of choice. This minimally invasive procedure delivers radiofrequency energy via a catheter to collapse and close the affected vein. Using radiofrequency for veins has a shorter recovery time and involves less discomfort than traditional vein stripping. It can also be performed as an in-office treatment in about an hour under local anesthetic.

Sclerotherapy is effective at eliminating spider veins and smaller reticular veins. During this treatment, a sclerosing agent is injected into the weakened veins. This causes the treated veins to collapse and be reabsorbed by the body. 

Schedule Your Leg Vein Removal Consultation

If you’re ready to say goodbye to uncomfortable or unwanted leg veins, call 754-544-9030 to book your consultation at Aventura Dermatology in Aventura, Florida. Board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Bertha Baum will determine the type of visible veins you have and recommend the most effective treatment.