Those blue and red veins snaking their way up and down your legs have led you to hiding your legs at all costs. That means no more shorts, skirts, or pretty sundresses. Beyond just the look of those veins, you know that they can cause a range of different health issues that you worry about. If you’ve been suffering from varicose or spider veins, then it’s time that you see an Atlanta vein specialist for vein issues.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are those red, blue, or skin-colored bulges that appear on thighs, calves, and around the ankles and feet. The formation of a varicose happens when a vein stops functioning or becomes damaged. Veins carry blood back to the heart and have something of a one-way valve that allows that blood to travel in only one direction. When this valve is damaged or doesn’t work right, blood will leak back into the vein in the wrong direction. Once there, this blood will pool, causing the vein wall to bulge and the vein itself to grow bigger.
What Are Spider Veins?
Spider veins are similar to varicose veins, but they are different in several ways. Spider veins usually are caused by the same valve malfunction, but they can also be hereditary. They are thinner and smaller than varicose veins and are red or purple in color.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is one of the most common treatments for varicose veins. Sclerotherapy works by an Atlanta vein specialist injecting a chemical directly in the varicose vein so that the vein wall is irritated and then closed up. Once the vein is closed, blood will not be able to pool or travel through the vein any longer. Eventually, the vein will disappear on its own. At Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta, we offer both visually guided and ultrasound guided sclerotherapy. We will help you determine which procedure is right for you.
Endovenous Laser Ablation
Another option for treatment is endovenous laser ablation. For this treatment, an Atlanta vein specialist uses a laser and the light is blasted at the vein through the skin, which will allow the vein to close and disappear on its own. There is also a laser therapy that requires a small incision where a device is used to send a burst of heat into the vein.
Contact Us
In addition to these treatments we also offer phlebectomy for large veins or veins over bony surfaces. If you are interested in learning more about any of the procedures we offer at Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta, you can visit our offices in Alpharetta, GA. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!