Spider veins and varicose veins are insanely common issues that affect over 50% of all people. They’re even more common amongst women and older individuals. While most people assume that spider veins and varicose veins are merely cosmetic issues, the truth is that they can be indicative of deeper health concerns. That’s right — spider veins and varicose veins can also be caused by underlying chronic venous insufficiency, a dangerous circulatory disorder caused by collapsed vein valves. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves.
If you’re looking for centers for vein control, you’ve come to the right place. Long Island Vein Centers is a group of state-of-the-art vein centers in Long Island dedicated to offering personalized, minimally invasive treatments for spider veins and varicose veins. Our team of board-certified vein doctors carefully examine your leg veins, discuss your symptoms, diagnose the root cause of your vein problems, and curate a personalized vein treatment plan consisting of minimally invasive procedures. We have offices throughout Long Island — schedule an appointment at your nearest vein center in Long Island.
In this article, we describe spider veins and varicose veins, your minimally invasive vein treatment options, and where you can find our vein centers for Long Island.
Understanding Vein Disorders
Vein disorders include a wide range of conditions that can affect your veins, including spider veins, varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis, and more. Below, we explain what the various types of vein disorders, what they mean, and the signs and symptoms of spider veins, varicose veins, and other vein disorders. If you notice the signs and symptoms of vein problems, please consult your nearest board-certified vein doctor.
Spider Veins
Spider veins, medically known as telangiectasia, are small, dilated blood vessels near the skin’s surface, resembling spider webs. These unsightly veins often appear on the legs, face, or other areas and can be caused by factors like genetics, hormonal changes, and prolonged standing. While spider veins are generally harmless and painless, they can be caused by an underlying circulatory disorder known as chronic venous insufficiency. Furthermore, spider veins can also cause self-consciousness and self-esteem issues, preventing your from enjoying your life.
Signs & Symptoms of Spider Veins:
- Red, blue, or purple web-like veins on the skin’s surface
- Typically painless, but may cause mild itching or burning
- Commonly found on the legs, face, and other areas
- Can appear in clusters or as isolated veins
- May worsen with age or due to hormonal changes
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that bulge out of the skin’s surface, often resembling a mass of twisted, knotted ropes. They commonly appear in the legs. Varicose veins develop when the one-way valves within the veins weaken or fail, causing blood to flow backward and pool in the leg veins. Varicose veins can be a cosmetic concern and a source of discomfort and they can also cause pain, aching, and leg fatigue. Varicose veins are almost always caused by chronic venous insufficiency, so they require prompt treatment.
Signs & Symptoms of Varicose Veins:
- Enlarged, twisted veins, often visible on the legs
- Veins that bulge out of the skin’s surface
- Aching or pain in the affected areas
- Heaviness or discomfort in the legs
- Swelling around the veins
- Itching or burning sensations
- Skin discoloration around the veins
- Worsened symptoms after prolonged standing or sitting
- Rarely, complications like skin ulcers or bleeding.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is a vascular condition characterized by the impaired flow of blood from the legs back to the heart. It happens when the valves in the leg veins become damaged or weakened, allowing blood to pool in the lower limbs. In healthy veins, the valves act as one-way doors, allowing blood to flow toward the heart but not backward. When the vein valves collapse, gravity forces blood to flow backward and pool in the leg veins. CVI often leads to leg swelling, pain, skin discoloration, and the development of leg ulcers.
Signs & Symptoms of Chronic Venous Insufficiency:
- Leg swelling
- Aching or pain in the legs
- Skin discoloration or darkening
- Development of leg ulcers
- Itchy or irritated skin
- Spider veins and varicose veins
- Heavy or tired-feeling legs
- Restless leg syndrome
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a medical condition that leads to the formation of blood clots in deep veins, typically in the legs. These blood clots can lead to poor blood flow, causing pain, swelling, and various complications. DVT is particularly dangerous because if a clot dislodges and travels to the lungs, it can result in a life-threatening condition known as a pulmonary embolism. Deep vein thrombosis is usually an advanced symptom of chronic venous insufficiency, and it necessitates immediate treatment without delay.
Signs & Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis:
- Swelling in the affected leg
- Pain or tenderness, often in the calf
- Warmth or redness in the leg
- Skin discoloration
- Veins may appear more prominent
- Possible symptoms in the chest if clot travels to the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
Cutting-Edge Minimally Invasive Vein Treatments
Not too long ago, treating vein disorders meant opting for invasive surgical procedures like vein ligation and vein stripping. These methods often came with considerable discomfort, extended recovery periods, and the risk of scarring. Patients were left with limited options and hesitated to seek treatment because of the inconveniences, which led to worsening symptoms and complications. However, modern medicine has paved the way for minimally invasive vein treatments, allowing you to access prompt, convenient care without downtime!
Cutting-edge technologies such as endovenous laser therapy (EVLT), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and sclerotherapy involve tiny incisions or injections, reducing discomfort, downtime, and risks. Long Island Vein Centers only offers the latest, safest minimally invasive spider vein and varicose vein treatments because they lead to better outcomes with minimal risks. And now, you don’t have to worry about taking several days off work. You can simply drive over to our vein center during your
#1. Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat spider veins and smaller varicose veins. During the procedure, a specialized solution, called a sclerosant, is injected into the affected veins. This sclerosant solution irritates the vein walls, causing them to collapse and stick together. Over time, the body naturally absorbs the treated veins, making them disappear. Sclerotherapy is typically performed by our vein doctors in an outpatient setting. The procedure concludes within 30 minutes and involves minimal discomfort and downtime.
Benefits Of Sclerotherapy:
- Minimally invasive
- Effective for spider veins and smaller varicose veins
- Performed in an outpatient setting
- Minimal discomfort and downtime
- Improved vein appearance
- High success rate
- Can be repeated if necessary
- Generally safe with few side effects
#2. Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)
Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat larger varicose veins and certain cases of chronic venous insufficiency. During EVLA, a thin laser fiber is inserted into the affected vein through a small incision. The device emits laser energy, heating and sealing the affected vein, which eventually gets absorbed by the body. This redirects blood flow to healthier veins, relieving the symptoms of vein disease and improving vein health. EVLA offers reduced pain and quicker recovery compared to traditional surgical methods.
Benefits Of Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA):
- Minimally invasive
- Effective for larger varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency
- Performed as an outpatient procedure
- Reduced pain and quicker recovery compared to surgery
- Improved vascular health
- Redirects blood flow to healthier veins
- High success rate
#3. Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency. During RFA, a catheter is inserted into the affected vein, which delivers radiofrequency energy to heat and close the vein. This process diverts blood flow to healthier veins, alleviating symptoms and improving overall vein health. RFA is performed as an outpatient procedure, and it offers a shorter recovery time and reduced discomfort compared to traditional surgical methods.
Benefits Of Radiofrequency Ablation:
- Minimally invasive
- Effective for varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency
- Performed as an outpatient procedure
- Shorter recovery time
- Reduced discomfort compared to surgery
- Diverts blood flow to healthier veins
- High success rate
#4. VenaSeal
VenaSeal is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to treat varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency. This technique involves using a medical adhesive or “glue” that is injected into the diseased vein. The adhesive seals the vein shut, rerouting blood flow to healthier vessels. VenaSeal offers a quick and virtually painless treatment, often performed in an outpatient setting. You can return to normal activities, including swimming, almost immediately, and you don’t have to wear compression stockings!
Benefits Of VenaSeal:
- Minimally invasive
- Effective for varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency
- Quick and virtually painless treatment
- Performed in an outpatient setting
- Minimal discomfort
- Rapid return to normal activities
- No need to wear compression stockings
- Seals the affected vein with medical adhesive
- Minimal risk of nerve injury
Schedule Your Consultation
Long Island Vein Centers is the leading group of state-of-the-art vein centers in Long Island. Our offices are led by board-certified vein doctors specializing in the latest minimally invasive vein treatments for spider veins and varicose veins. We have convenient locations across the island, including 500 Montauk Highway in West Islip, Jericho, Hampton Bays, and Port Jefferson. If you’re in the Port Jefferson area, you can find our vein center at 70 North Country Road, Suite 201, just across from Mather Hospital. Please schedule an appointment at your nearest vein center in Long Island to explore your vein treatment options.
