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What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are large blue, dark purple veins. They protrude from the skin and many times they have a cord-like appearance and may twist or bulge. Varicose veins are found most frequently on the legs.

What are Spider Veins?

Spider veins are very small and very fine red or blue veins. They are closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins. They can look like a thin red line, tree branches or spider webs. Spider veins can be found on the legs and face and may cover a small or large area.

What are Reticular Veins?

Reticular veins can also be known as feeder veins. They are the blue and green veins beneath the surface of the skin. Reticular veins enlarge because of increased pressure in the vein. They can be caused by heredity. You may have reticular veins alone but you may also have spider veins at the same time.

What Causes Spider and Reticular Veins?

Spider and reticular veins can be caused by many factors.

  • Heredity. Having a family member with prominent veins may increase the risk of you developing them. Approximately half of the people who get varicose veins have a family history of them.
  • Age. The normal wear and tear of aging may cause valves in the veins to weaken and not work as well.
  • Gender. Women are two to three times more likely to develop varicose veins than men. Up to half of American women have varicose veins. Changes in hormones due to puberty, pregnancy, menopause, or taking birth control pills may increase a woman’s risk of developing varicose veins.
  • Pregnancy. During pregnancy, the growth of the fetus increases the pressure on the veins in the legs. Varicose veins that occur during pregnancy usually improve within 3 to 12 months following delivery.
  • Overweight and obesity. Having extra weight on the body can put additional pressure on the veins.
  • Prolonged standing or sitting. This is particularly true with legs bent or crossed. When standing or sitting with legs bent or crossed, the veins have to work harder to pump the blood up to the heart.
Other possible causes for varicose veins are race, posture, occupation, hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, primary valvular incompetence, and incompetent perforating veins.

What is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses chemical agents injected into the veins that cause them to collapse or obliterate. This is a non-painful procedure that is very well tolerated without anesthesia at all. The sclerosing agent that Dr. Bishara utilizes is Asclera, the only FDA approved POL available in the United States. It is safe and effective having minimal reported complications as per today. Patients undertake their injections in a friendly and relaxed environment without pain at all. The procedure is completed in 30-45 minute sessions.
Who are good candidates for Sclerotherapy?
Anybody who has visible unwanted veins is a good candidate.
Before and after Sclerotherapy treatment:

Vein Treatment from Dr. Mark Bishara

While spider and varicose veins have been successfully treated for years through conventional methods such as stripping and ligation, these procedures often cause pain and other unwanted symptoms during and after treatment. Laser procedures offer patients more precise results through a minimally invasive setting. Laser vein treatment offers patients:

  • Fewer side effects
  • Less pain and trauma
  • Shorter treatment and recovery time
  • Minimal downtime

If you suffer from unsightly spider veins, Dr. Bishara can help. With two options for treatment, there is a solution for you. Ascelera injections are quick easy and relatively painless. Our IPL Laser treatments are perfect for smaller vessels. To see what treatment options are best for you, call and set up a complimentary consultation with Dr. Bishara today at 817-473-2120.