Problems with unsightly veins are common with nearly two-thirds of people over age 60 suffering from some kind of venous problem especially varicose veins and spider veins. Indeed, the incidence of varicose veins and other unsightly veins increases significantly after the age of 40. Women are much more likely to develop vein care issues than men.

Dr. Nightingale discusses vein health on Senior Talk on WVOM-FM. Listen here.

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins occur when valves within veins fail to function properly, causing blood to flow down the leg in the wrong direction, resulting in the bulging seen in varicose veins. When varicose veins become severe, it is referred to as chronic venous insufficiency. Symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency include aching pain, leg fatigue, and leg heaviness, all of which worsen as the day progresses. Left untreated, chronic venous insufficiency can cause ulcerations, which can be very difficult to treat.

Vein Care & Treatment

Venefit™ is a minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins and Chronic Venous Insufficiency in which a vein specialist inserts a catheter to collapse and close enlarged leg veins. After the vein is sealed shut, blood then naturally reroutes to healthy veins.

Venefit™ is a medical procedure and is not designed to address spider veins or cosmetic issues. However, the successful treatment of Chronic Venous Insufficiency using the Venefit™ procedure can produce cosmetic improvements.

Number of Treatments: 1 – 4, depending on the severity

Procedure Length: 1 – 3 hours

Maintenance: Exercise, possibly compression stockings

Downtime: None

Discomfort: Mild discomfort for 5 – 7 days

​Phlebectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat varicose veins. Veins are removed through small incisions using only a local anesthetic.

Number of Treatments: 1 – 2 treatments, depending on the severity

Procedure Length: 1 – 3 hours

Maintenance: Exercise, possibly compression stockings

Downtime: 2 – 4 days

Discomfort: Mild discomfort for 5 – 7 days

Spider Veins

Spider veins, although similar to varicose veins, are much closer to the surface of the skin and are usually red or purple. These veins are most commonly found on the face and legs and appear like a spider’s web with short jagged lines.

Vein Care & Treatment

Lasers can be used to treat spider veins. The energy from the laser is absorbed by the blood in the vein, changed into heat which then causes the destruction of the vein wall. The body will clear the dead tissue as it clears a bruise. This process is perfectly safe as other healthy veins will supply blood to the treated area.

Number of Treatments:  Patient’s choice, an average reduction of 50% per treatment

Procedure Length: 15 – 45 minutes

Maintenance: Repeat procedure every 1 – 2 years

Downtime: None

Discomfort: Mild discomfort for 1 – 2 days

Sclerotherapy can be used to treat spider veins and small varicose veins. Sclerotherapy works by injecting a solution into the damaged veins causing them to collapse, stick together, and eventually break down naturally in the body. Normal blood flow in the leg is thereby re-routed through deeper veins.

Number of Treatments: Patient’s choice, an average reduction of 50% per treatment

Procedure Length: 15 – 45 minutes

Maintenance: Repeat procedure every 1 – 2 years

Downtime: None

Discomfort: Mild discomfort for 1 – 2 days