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The larger veins in our legs have valves that direct the blood flow. When a vein is called varicose, this means the valve has failed, causing blood to become stagnant or reflux, or, to go backward. The blood can then accumulate under pressure and engorge and distort the veins of the leg. The veins then begin to appear as small, thread-like "spider veins" or bulging, rope like veins on the leg surface. In extreme cases, varicose veins left untreated can become leg ulcers.

The Cause of Varicose Veins
There are a number of factors that contribute to varicose veins. These include family history, having had two or more pregnancies, usage of birth control pills, working in a standing position job such as an airline attendant, a retail salesperson, a teacher, hairdresser and the like. Also, obesity or a leg trauma can cause and/or contribute to the development of varicose veins.

Spider Veins
Spider veins appear to be hormonally induced and are associated with pregnancy and menstruation. Spider veins of these origins are usually not symptomatic but the feeder veins, which are deeper in the skin, can often cause discomfort.

Can a Person Have a Vein Disorder and not be Aware of it?
Yes. If your legs are restless, heavy, tired, achy, itchy or swollen, which the causes of can be from many different things, you could be having symptoms of varicose veins even if you don't see the physical effects.

Sclerotherapy
Phlebologists practice a refined sclerotherapy with and without ultra-sound. This procedure is a micro- injection that requires no pain medication. This is a non-surgical procedure that destroys the abnormal veins by injecting and FDA approved solution called Sotradecol, which irritates the vein wall. The volume, concentration and "exposure time" make the difference between success and failure in this procedure, not the injection alone. A good Phlebologist will practice minimal effective damage to avoid damage to your skin so that the best possible cosmetic results can be obtained.

Does Sclerotherapy Require Hospitalization?
Sclerotherapy is done on an outpatient basis during convenient office visits. Most activities can be resumed shortly after each session.

If you suspect you have a vein disorder or know you do, or your vein disorder is associated with pain or other symptoms, you should seek help. As this is considered a medical necessity, it is most often covered under insurance policies.