Leg Veins

Why do leg veins appear?

Leg veins can appear for several reasons:

• Genetics
• Obesity
• Sitting or standing for long periods
  
  

Varicose and spider veins can affect more than your appearance. They can also cause discomfort. Some varicose veins put you at risk for complications like blood clots or open sores on your legs.

How do dermatologists treat leg veins?

Dermatologists use lasers to treat leg veins, like small varicose and spider veins. More prominent varicose veins are treated with ligation, radiofrequency, or laser.

During laser treatment at Humble Dermatology, your skilled provider directs laser light at the vein. Laser light can destroy the vein without damaging your skin. Small spider veins can disappear immediately after treatment.

What is the treatment for leg veins?

Treatment for leg veins can range from self-care to minor surgery. Your dermatologist may recommend the following:

Compression stockings

These stockings apply pressure to help move the blood back to your heart. The steady pressure also lessens swelling in your lower legs and reduces the risk of getting a blood clot. You'll still have visible leg veins.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is the most common treatment for leg veins. Dermatologists use it to treat spider veins and small varicose veins.

Spider veins usually disappear in 3-6 weeks. Varicose veins can take 3-4 months. For optimal results, you may need 2-3 treatments.

Laser therapy and radiofrequency ablation

Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are relatively newer treatments. They often replace the need to remove a vein surgically. Both treatments work inside the vein to destroy it. EVLT treats spider and small varicose veins, whereas RFA treats large varicose ones.

More prominent spider and varicose veins will darken, and you'll likely see them for 1-3 months before they disappear.