Click here to view 3-D imaging of spider vein therapy.

Many people assume that all vein treatment is the same no matter where you get treated. It is the opinion of Dr. Karlin that treatment techniques vary greatly. And so do their results. At Vein Centers of America (VCA) we have definite opinions about the treatment of spider veins because we have been treating them since 1989.

Patients have many questions; mostly they want to know about "recurrences". Your chances of recurrence are related to several factors, but most importantly to the thoroughness of your treatment. This can be related to physician skills, but it can also be due to the patient quitting too early. These patients believe their legs look good enough when, in fact, more work should be done in order to prevent the growth of new veins. (Whatever remnants of veins are left in the leg will quickly grow into more veins.)

Click here to view 3-D imaging of varicose vein treatment.

These veins appear as bulging and rope-like, or small and thread-like. These "varicose" veins can result in aching, tired legs, burning, throbbing, itching, swelling, muscle cramps and a restless feeling in the legs. This vascular disorder deserves treatment for medical reasons.

It used to be that the best treatment for large varicose veins was surgery, but ultrasound has shown that image-guided injection with depressurization is predictably effective in even the most difficult cases.

Follow-up imaging shows us how the abnormal blood flow patterns respond to treatment, and the difference between "recurrence" and "progression". These features are important to consider if we are to improve the quality of results.