Vein Treatments

Visible veins on the legs or elsewhere on the body can be unsightly. At Surgical Dermatology Group, we treat spider veins and small varicose veins with sclerotherapy or lasers. Both are effective, minimally invasive treatments.

Spider veins are tiny, squiggly blood vessels located near the surface of the skin. They may be red, blue or purple. Varicose veins are bulging, twisted veins that may be associated with symptoms such as tired legs and leg itching.

Your provider will examine your skin and visible veins, ask about any symptoms and discuss your vein treatment options with you.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is considered the gold standard for treating spider veins and small varicose veins, typically in the legs. In this procedure, the provider uses a very thin needle to inject an irritating liquid or foam (called a sclerosant) into the vein. The sclerosant irritates the vein wall, which eventually causes the vein to collapse. Once it collapses, the body reroutes the blood it carried through nearby healthier veins and the bothersome vein disappears.

Sclerotherapy is relatively painless—you’ll feel only a small pinch as the needle goes in—and many patients see significant results starting within three weeks. You’ll need to wear compression wraps or stockings for a few days after treatment. Depending on the number of bothersome veins you have, you may need multiple visits.

PLEASE NOTE: This treatment is available only at our Birmingham/Vestavia Hills location.

Laser Treatment

Laser treatment can treat veins that are too small for sclerotherapy—including spider veins on the face or chest—or veins that don’t respond to it. “Zapping” small spider veins with a laser makes them disappear immediately by causing the blood in the vein to clot. When treating larger veins with a laser, it may take up to two weeks to see full results.

Laser treatment isn’t typically used for large veins. However, if sclerotherapy doesn’t completely destroy a large vein, laser treatment may be used afterward as a supplemental therapy.

Treating veins with lasers may be an appealing option for people who fear needles. That said, some types of laser treatment can be uncomfortable. The provider may apply a topical anesthetic beforehand.

Certain lasers may cause hyperpigmentation in darker skin. Your provider will discuss the benefits and risks of laser treatment based on your skin tone and the type of laser used.

Call 205-977-9876 to schedule!

PLEASE NOTE: These treatments are available only at our Birmingham/Vestavia Hills location.