Dr. Mackay | Spider vein treatments, spider veins, varicose veins, laser treatments & vascular surgery, sclerotherapy, Palm Harbor, St. Petersburg, Florida

What Are Spider Veins and Varicose Veins?

Spider veins are tiny red or blue veins, usually about the size of a fine thread or possibly a bit larger, that may look like a spider or it's web, hence the name "spider vein." These annoying veins appear primarily on the legs or face. Blood vessels larger than a pencil are called varicose veins. Varicose veins are unattractive diseased veins that have lost the ability to return blood from the legs to the heart and lungs against the force of gravity. These bulging swollen veins usually cause aching, tired legs at the end of the day. Varicose veins may cause night cramping, burning and itching in the legs as well as other symptoms. When left untreated, varicose veins may lead to the formation of blood clots, phlebitis and ulcers.

What Causes These Veins?

Many women (and some men) suffer with the embarrassment of spider and varicose veins on their legs. Although these veins are primarily inherited, they can worsen after having children, from occupations requiring prolonged standing, obesity, high impact aerobics, or for no particular reason at all. Spider and varicose veins can occur due to hormone fluctuations, including puberty, pregnancy, menopause, oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy. Leg veins can also appear after an injury to the leg or a broken bone.

How Are Spider and Varicose Veins Prevented?

Using adequate sun protection will aid tremendously in the prevention of veins on the face and neck. Prescribed therapeutic support stockings work with the natural muscles in the calf that push the blood out of the legs and back toward the heart. It is especially important to wear these support hose during pregnancy and if your occupation requires prolonged standing. Exercising regularly with low impact aerobic activity such as a fast-paced walk will help improve the vascular circulation. Avoiding weight gain is essential in maintaining good health and reduces the pressure on leg veins. Wearing low heeled shoes and the appropriate athletic shoes when exercising helps reduce the possibilities of injury to the calf muscles.

Current Treatments

Individualized treatment regimens will yield the best results. At your initial consultation, Dr. Mackay will plan your treatment based on examination of your veins and other medical factors. Options include Sclerotherapy, which is an injection of a special medicine into the problem vein; IPL ^TM, a non-invasive pulsed light source; YAG^TM a laser source; Phlebectomy, a micro-surgical procedure (virtually no scars or stitches) and Ligation, a short, in-office outpatient procedure. Dr. Mackay has helped thousands of patients eliminate their spider and varicose veins with these state-of-the-art outpatient procedures. They are safe, effective and the results are...simply wonderful!