A Houston Spider Vein Expert Explains What to Do When You Dislike the Look of Your Legs

Although they are caused by similar problems, spider veins are very different from varicose veins. According to our Houston spider vein expert, spider veins are thinner and narrower than varicose veins, and gained their name because they often form web-like patterns that resemble spiders' webs. Spider veins are red, blue, or purple in color like varicose veins, but are generally smaller and don't protrude above the normal surface of the skin. Spider veins may form on the legs, but they also often appear on the chest, neck, and face. They are caused by the same age and genetic factors as varicose veins, but they have also been linked to risks such as being overweight or obese and to lifestyles that involve standing for long periods of time.

Although spider veins are not as large as varicose veins, they are a sign of vein disease and a compromised circulatory system. Thus they can cause many of the same negative effects as varicose veins – swollen legs, chronic tiredness and weakness, and an impaired immune system. Left untreated, they are not only a cosmetic problem, but increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

How can you get rid of your spider veins?

Fortunately, spider veins can be treated using the same minimally-invasive techniques used to treat other forms of vein disease. These treatments are so safe that they can be performed in the comfort of your Houston vein doctor's offices, and so painless that they don't require general anesthesia.

Although in some cases Dr. Rao and his associates may treat spider veins with the same radiofrequency ablation or microphlebectomy procedures used to close varicose veins, in most cases spider veins are treated with sclerotherapy instead. With this technique, you lie back in a reclining chair as the doctor numbs the vein being worked on with a local anesthetic and then inserts a very slender needle. Sometimes guiding the needle into place with ultrasound to insure proper placement, the doctor then injects a pharmaceutical solution into the vein that irritates the inner walls of the vein and causes it to collapse and seal shut. Over time, the now-closed veins are absorbed by surrounding muscle tissue and fade from sight, as blood flow is handled by healthier veins in the area.

Improved appearance, although nice, is not the real goal of treatment

Many patients who work with our Houston spider vein doctor have sought treatment for their spider veins for cosmetic reasons, to improve the appearance of their legs, neck, and face. But after treatment, as the diseased veins fade from sight, they notice other benefits. In many cases, weakness and tiredness they lived with for years go away, and they realize that it was due to a compromised circulatory system, not aging. It is not unusual to hear patients say that they feel younger and more energetic than they have in years.

Because the minimally-invasive treatments are so safe and gentle, there is also no "recovery period" necessary. Sclerotherapy can only be performed on a certain number of veins in each session, and thus may require multiple sessions to close all of the diseased veins, but after each session you can walk out and immediately resume your normal activities.

So how do I get started with spider vein treatment?

Your first step should be to call our Houston vein clinic at 281-888-1464 to schedule an initial consultation. During that first meeting and examination, Dr. Rao will assess your condition and recommend the most effective treatment options. If you want to find out more about spider veins, varicose veins, and other forms of vein disease, you can also read through the many informative articles we've placed on our website at http://www.txvwi.com/. The "Before and After" section of that website shows you what your legs can look like after treatment, and the "Testimonials" section allows you to hear feedback from TXVWI patients about how vein disease treatment has improved their lives.

Author Bio: A Best vein doctor in Houston and Varicose vein doctor in Houston discusses the latest spider vein treatment options, and what to do when you dislike the look of your legs.

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