Spider Vein Treatment in Katy, Texas (TX)
Known also as telangiectasias, spider veins are thin blood vessels that are blue, red or purple in color. They often appear on the surface of the
skin, mainly on the face (nose and cheeks) or legs (thighs, calves and ankles).
On occasion, they develop elsewhere. Spider veins are given their name because
they take on the shape of a spider web, whereby the veins branch out in various
directions from a central location.
While spider veins are typically treated for cosmetic
reasons, there are times where these veins can cause symptoms like night cramps,
fatigue, swelling, itching, burning or aching.
Diagnosing Spider Veins
Since spider veins may signal an underlying circulatory problem like venous insufficiency, your vein specialist may order imaging studies to help diagnose any potential underlying conditions. These tests are also performed in order to evaluate valve function, understand your valve structure, determine if blood clots are present in the veins and assess the amount of blood that is flowing back into the legs. A physical exam and questions about your symptoms are also in order, and are the first steps your vein specialist will take. All of this information will be used to help your vein doctor choose the proper course of treatment.Treating Spider Veins
Should an underlying medical condition exist, your doctor will take measures to treat that condition before addressing the cosmetic aspect of your spider veins. When treatment of the spider veins does occur, it will consist of one or both kinds of spider vein therapies.Sclerotherapy – the doctor will inject a chemical solution into the vein using a very thin needle. This will cause the lining of the vein to become inflamed and harden into scar tissue. The scarred tissue closes off the vein and is later absorbed by the body. The absorption process causes the vein to shrink, making it no longer visible at the surface of the skin. To make up for the loss of the vein, blood is sent to the heart via healthy, functioning veins found deeper within the venous system. For the 10 percent of patients whose bodies do not respond to sclerotherapy, laser treatment may be a more effective alternative.
Laser and light treatment – a high-intensity beam of light is directed at the spider veins, causing them to heat up. The heat damages the blood vessel walls, which triggers the veins to shrink and disappear over time. This particular treatment is best for facial veins, and while it can be used on other areas of the body, it is not typically used on the legs.
With both treatments, results may take several weeks. Regarding self-care after your procedure, your vein specialist may advise you to wear compression stockings, elevate your legs and do light exercises. All of these tactics help minimize symptoms and prevent the development of new spider veins.
About UT Physicians Vein Center – Katy
With more than 1,000 clinicians certified in more than 80 medical specialties and subspecialties, UT Physicians provides multi-specialty care for the entire family. UT Physicians helps patients needing urgent, highly specialized or complex care and also provides high-quality, wellness-oriented primary care for routine illnesses and maintenance of good health.
Affiliated with McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), UT Physicians doctors are internationally recognized for leading-edge medical research and treatment. Many are among the Woodward-White “Best Doctors in America.” UT Physicians and McGovern Medical School are national leaders in research, education and clinical excellence.
UT Physicians is committed to providing the best that medicine has to offer with quality care that incorporates the latest medical treatments and innovations and the most up-to-date technology. This commitment is supported by a team of expert physicians that can consult with you on virtually every type of medical condition and a philosophy that prevention and education are essential to overall wellness.
Additional Locations
Additional Locations
UT Physicians Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery at Sugar Land
17510 W. Grand Parkway West S Suite 320
Sugar Land, TX 77479
Featured Specialist for Spider Vein Treatment in Katy, TX
UT Physicians Vein Center – Katy
Call Now: (713) 396-3917 23920 Katy FreewaySuite 400Katy, TX 77494
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More Services from UT Physicians Vein Center – Katy
- Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Treatment
- Asclera
- Compression Stockings
- Foam Sclerotherapy
- Pharmacomechanical Thrombolysis
- Sclerotherapy
- Stenting
- Varicose Vein Treatment
- Venous Insufficiency Treatment
- Venous Disease Management
- Varicose Vein Home Treatments
- Wound Care
- Varicose Vein Surgery
- Vein Treatments
- Venous Reflux Exams
- VNUS
- Varithena
- Radiofrequency Ablation
- Venous Leg Ulcer Treatment
- Venous Ultrasound
- Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy
- Venous Leg Vein Care
- ClosureFast
- Chronic Venous Insufficiency Care
- Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Treatment
