Vein Therapy at Illinois Dermatology Institute
At IDI, we want to help you look and feel your best. Offering the most state-of-the-art vein therapy solutions, you can count us to eliminate your spider veins, varicose veins, or other vein issues through minimally invasive treatment options fit for you.
Spider Veins
Facial spider veins (telangiectasias) also known as “dilated capillaries” and “broken blood vessels” are a very common, almost normal finding, especially in fair skinned people.
Facial veins are, the vast majority of the time, caused by sun exposure. The nose and the convex portion of the cheeks are most frequently affected by spider veins, although in more severe cases, the entire face can have large numbers of veins.
Patients with Rosacea and Acne Rosacea often have multiple spider veins. Rarely, Spider veins can be signs of certain auto-immune collagen diseases (Lupus Erythematosus, CREST).
Although spider veins can seem to appear out of nowhere, various risk factors can increase your chances of developing them, including:
- Age
- Obesity
- A personal or family history of vein conditions
- Hormonal changes
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- Sitting or standing for extended periods
- Previous damage to the veins
- A history of blood clots
- Sun damage
We help you understand your diagnosis.
Veins are one of the main types of blood vessels in your body. They work to carry blood that is low in oxygen back to your heart for reoxygenation. From there, arteries distribute the oxygenated blood throughout your body. Veins also contain valves that keep your blood from flowing backward in your body.
There are a variety of reasons that these valves can become weakened or damaged throughout your lifetime. Once they do, blood collects within the affected area and spreads out to the skin’s surface, causing varicose or “spider” veins to form. Similar to one another, spider veins are smaller than varicose veins and appear closer to the skin’s surface. Spider veins occur in a web-like formation, while varicose veins tend to protrude more prominently from the skin in a twisted appearance. Both can be treated through vein therapy at IDI.
Leg Veins
Leg spider veins appear as thin red lines just under the skin’s surface, commonly found on the legs and thighs. They are more common in women than men and often accompany darker and thicker varicose veins. Other risk factors for spider veins include long periods of standing, family history, and other unknown causes.
Varicose Veins
Probably more than 25% of women and 15% of men eventually develop varicose veins. Treatment for Varicose Veins depends on the location, size, and severity of the disease. Dr. Rosen will recommend a customized treatment plan that provides optimal results.
We offer vein therapy options that fit your lifestyle.
There are various treatment options available for the removal of spider veins. The most effective vein therapy options include laser therapy and Sclerotherapy. Both are successful treatment options. At IDI, our expert dermatology team understands that vein therapy involves both medical and cosmetic aspects, and we are here to help you live your healthiest life.
Laser Vein Therapy
Laser vein therapy utilizes a pulsed dye laser that injects light into the affected veins forcing them to collapse into the body for reabsorption. This method is used on more prominent varicose veins on the legs, and results can take longer than other methods. The most significant advantage of laser therapy is that there is no need for injections or incisions.
Sclerotherapy
Our expert dermatological team performs this outpatient procedure at IDI. The affected veins are injected with a solution through the skin’s surface that allows them to close and slowly become reabsorbed into the bloodstream. As they are reabsorbed, they begin to fade and disappear.
Treatment times vary but often take less than an hour. Typically, patients notice a vast improvement after one treatment, but some cases require additional sessions. Post-treatment compression stockings are required for those with spider veins on their legs to ensure the best possible long-term results. This quick, simple, low-risk procedure requires no anesthesia or extended recovery time.
Neodymium YAG Laser
Neodymium YAG laser uses energy to target the problem vein while bypassing surrounding tissue. The number of treatments may vary depending on the number of vessels to be treated and the area in which they are located.
Exotherme
Exotherme, available in our Palos location, is used to treat superficial vessels of the leg. There are no needles involved which is great for patients who are afraid of needles.
You don’t have to live with spider veins.
Although rare, spider and varicose veins can cause painful symptoms if left untreated. Symptoms can include:
- An achy feeling in your legs
- Throbbing and cramping in your lower legs
- Itching around the area of the varicose vein
- Skin discoloration
- Veins that appear twisted or bulging out from the surface
We understand the importance of looking and feeling your best. We are here to help you discover life after spider veins. Whether you’ve lived with them for years or they are just starting to show up on your body, we at IDI will work with you to find the best treatment option available for your unique needs. Learn how vein therapy can benefit you today.