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Varicose Veins
Definition: Venous insufficiency is a very common condition resulting from decreased blood flow from the leg veins up to the heart, with pooling of blood in the veins. Normally, one-way valves in the veins keep blood flowing toward the heart, against the force of gravity. When the valves become weak and don't close properly, they allow blood to flow backward, a condition called reflux. Veins that have lost their valve effectiveness, become elongated, rope-like, bulged, and thickened. These enlarged, swollen vessels are known as varicose veins and are a direct result of increased pressure from reflux.
Symptoms: Symptoms caused by venous insufficiency and varicose veins include aching pain, easily tired legs, and leg heaviness, all of which worsen as the day goes on. Many people find they need to sit down in the afternoon and elevate their legs to relieve these symptoms. In more severe cases, venous insufficiency and reflux can cause darkening of the skin and wounds that may be very difficult to treat. One percent of adults over age 60 have chronic wounds known as ulcers. People who have venous insufficiency can have symptoms even without visible varicose veins. The symptoms are caused by pressure on nerves by dilated veins.
Treatment: At RVA we are able to treat varicose veins in our office with minimally invasive techniques such as a laser. All of our procedures can be done in the office and require little or no recovery time. Patients are up and walking at the end of their procedure and are able to return to work the next day if they choose.
Spider Veins
Definition: Spider veins are very common and are caused by chronic dilation of groups of capillaries causing elevated dark red blotches on the skin. Spider veins can be small or large. Some people have just a few spider veins on their legs while others have multiple spider veins, often in clusters over the entire leg.
Treatment: Whether you have just a few spider veins you’d like treated or a large amount, The Vein Center at RVA is prepared to help. We use a revolutionary new laser to treat your problem spider veins right in our office.
What to expect: Call The Vein Center at RVA to schedule a consultation appointment during which we will treat a test area on your leg to see how your skin will respond to the treatment. From there we will schedule your appointments in 30 minute sessions until you are satisfied with your results. You will be given topical anesthetic cream to apply to the areas to be treated prior to each appointment. You may experience a slight stinging sensation during the treatment, which resolves as soon as the treatment is over. Treated vessels will turn red at first, then gradually disappear as the healing process occurs, which can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks depending on the severity of the veins.
Spider Vein Treatment Fees
Consultation, estimation of treatments needed, and test spot with laser: $100
First treatment on each leg: $300 for 30 minutes of treatment
Each additional 30-minute treatment: $150
To set up an appointment, contact us here.
For more information about varicose and spider veins, visit www.sirweb.org/patPub/varicoseVeinMain.shtml
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