Is treatment necessary?
All patients with spider veins, varicose veins and other forms of venous insufficiency should adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle to help relieve symptoms and prevent further damage to veins and surrounding skin. While many people do not require treatment beyond regular exercise, weight control and graduated support stockings, some will choose additional treatments to improve appearance or relieve symptoms that might persist in spite of trying conservative therapy.
We do strongly recommend treatment for patients who have had or are at high risk of complications related to their varicose veins. These complications include superficial phlebitis, bleeding varicose veins and venous ulcers. Fortunately these complications are quite rare.
Which treatment is best?
No single treatment is superior to the others. The best treatment for any individual will often depend on the size, location and number of damaged veins. You must also consider the success, potential risks and costs of treatment. Your physician will discuss these issues with you prior to starting any treatment.
It is very common for an individual to require a combination of treatment options to successfully treat their varicose veins. All treatments apart from conservative measures have risks. Please note that these risks are small and the overall results are generally excellent in the hands of knowledgeable and experienced physicians.
Will my veins come back?
It is important to know that veins can reappear months or years after any form of treatment. Patients can reduce the risk of recurrent veins by complying with conservative treatment measures (weight loss, exercise and support stockings). Physicians can reduce this risk by offering the most appropriate treatment based on an understanding of the anatomy and underlying cause of spider or varicose veins. However, there are some factors we cannot change such as hereditary weaknesses in the walls and valves of the veins that remain.
The vast majority of patients will see significant improvement following treatment of their varicose veins. Most will have excellent, durable results that should be periodically assessed and may require continued minor treatments. A small number may require further major treatments. It is important that you discuss what you can realistically expect in the treatment of your spider or varicose veins with your physician.
Who should treat my varicose veins?
There are many physicians and clinics that offer treatment for spider and varicose veins. Most are very qualified and experienced. The most important factors to consider in making an informed choice are:
Credentials: You should ensure that the assessment and treatment is performed or at least closely supervised by an MD with experience in the management varicose veins and venous disease. Ask if the MD has any appropriate subspecialty training or credentialing pertaining to the treatment of venous disease.
Experience: How long has the clinic or physicians been treating patients with venous disease? Is this a large part of their practice?
Reputation: Patients previously treated at the clinic are invaluable resources. Have they been happy with their treatment?
Treatment Options: Some clinics may offer multiple treatment options on site. This may allow one to choose the best option(s) for their type and distribution of veins. Other clinics may focus on one specific treatment modality and will often be able to direct you to qualified physician or surgeon should you require or request an alternative approach. It is essential that the physician or staff should be aware of all current options to help guide your specific treatment choice.
Additional Information
You may wish to seek additional advice from your primary care physician. For assessment a physician referral is recommended. For information about self-referrals please contact our office.