Three Effective Treatments for Varicose and Spider Veins in Chevy Chase

March 21, 2014 - By Dr. Jules Feledy

Normal, healthy veins lay underneath our skin and are typically concealed, allowing blood to flow smoothly and evenly throughout our bodies. Varicose veins and spider veins in Chevy Chase, however, can be very noticeable and make you feel uncomfortable.

Varicose veins can look like bulging, twisted cords and are most likely to form on the legs or feet, sometimes causing physical discomfort. Spider veins are a type of varicose vein that are usually dark blue or purple in color and have a web-like appearance just beneath the skin. If varicose veins and spider veins in Chevy Chase make you feel self conscious about how you look, or are painful and irritating, consider a few excellent options for treatment.

Here are three great options for treating varicose and spider veins in Chevy Chase:

• Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) is used to treat varicose and spider veins, as well as vascular lesions and venous reflux disease. A small fiber is inserted into the targeted vein and laser light is then emitted through the thin fiber. The laser light energy is a small amount, but it’s enough to make the vein tissue react and become sealed. Belmont Plastic Surgery utilizes two different types of laser devices to constrict, close, and shut off unhealthy veins. As a result of EVLT, blood is routed to flow through healthier veins. Endovenous Laser Treatment can be completed in 45 to 90 minutes, depending on the health of your veins, vein location, and other factors. You only need a local anesthetic, so you can return to your normal routine and activity level in the same day.
• Sclerotherapy is the treatment of varicose and spider veins through the injection of a foam or liquid irritant, resulting in the swelling, and eventual closing, of a blood vessel. Your plastic surgeon uses a small hypodermic needle to inject a solution into the unwanted blood vessel. The solution travels through the targeted vein, irritating the inner lining. The vein then creates scar tissue on the inside of the blood vessel which, over time, shuts down. Typically, more than one sclerotherapy treatment is required to achieve the desired results, but the process can be completed in about an hour, is relatively safe, and highly effective.
• Microphlebectomy is used to treat varicose and spider veins that are either too large or too small to be effectively treated with endovenous laser treatment or sclerotherapy. During a microphlebectomy procedure, a local anesthetic or numbing cream is applied to the area so that you’re comfortable and free of pain. A series of small incisions or needle punctures are made and the unwanted vein is then extracted using a technique determined by your plastic surgeon, which varies depending on the size, location, and circumstances of the vein’s removal. The incision receives a small suture for proper protection. It’s important to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your surgeon in order to achieve the best possible results.

Treat uncomfortable, unsightly, and unhealthy varicose and spider veins. Contact us to schedule a private consultation at one of our plastic surgery offices in the greater Washington, D.C. metro area or Northern Virginia, with locations in Chevy Chase, Stafford, and Fredericksburg.