WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

The goal of surgical treatment is to obliterate the weak and non-functioning superficial vein. The damaged vein is entered much like getting an intravenous (IV) access in the hospital.

Under local anesthetic, a laser or ablation fiber is placed in the vein and activated. It is slowly withdrawn from the vein over a two to four minute time period, thus completing the procedure.

You walk out of the office with minimal discomfort. Follow-up occurs periodically over the next few months to ensure the vein stays closed and your symptoms improve.

After completion of your surgical treatment, most if not all of your large, bulging veins will disappear. However, you may have some residual, smaller spider veins. These veins typically do not cause symptoms but can be bothersome from a visual perspective. There are many painless cosmetic options available to reduce, if not eliminate, superficial spider veins ranging from sclerotherapy to superficial laser treatment.