Vein Treatment Frequently Asked Questions

Spider veins have the same cause as varicose veins, but occur in the smallest veins near the surface of the skin. They are often described as red, blue, or purple marks in the shape of a spider web. Spider veins aren’t dangerous, and treatments are cosmetic.

Yes. From cosmetic to medical, there are a number of treatments available. Treatments include: 

• Endovenous Laser Ablation: Endovenous laser ablation uses heat generated by a laser to collapse and seal diseased and malfunctioning veins, diverting blood to healthier veins.
• Injections (Sclerotherapy): Sclerotherapy is commonly used to treat both varicose veins and spider veins. This procedure involves injecting a small volume of an FDA-approved medicine (sclerosant) into the diseased vein using a small needle.
• VenaSeal: A small catheter inserts VenaSeal, a medical-grade adhesive, into the diseased vein. The vein becomes sealed and blood flow is rerouted.

In rare cases, varicose veins can cause blood clots, which can be fatal, but in most cases, the symptoms are painful and irritating, but non-life-threatening.

At Mequon Vein, 90% of our patients experience a full resolution of symptoms.

Risk factors include genetics, excess weight, pregnancy, aging, prolonged periods of standing, and lack of physical activity.

Varicose veins are caused when valves inside the veins become weak or damaged. This causes blood to pool in your veins, making them swollen and enlarged.

At Mequon Vein, we focus on the treatments with the highest success rate and the least discomfort. There are several ways to reduce and eliminate the symptoms of varicose veins. These include:

• Sclerotherapy
• Laser treatment
• Catheter procedures
• Vein stripping
• Phlebectomy

You should consult a doctor if your varicose veins are causing you significant pain and discomfort and are increasing in number and size.

While varicose veins often appear through no fault of your own, there are some small lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk factors. These include: 

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Exercising regularly 
• Elevating your feet while sitting 
• Wearing medical grade compression stockings 

Rarely. Varicose veins will sometimes go away on their own if they were caused by temporary, increased pressure on the abdomen from weight gain or pregnancy. They can partially improve after childbirth or with weight loss. Unfortunately, in most cases, varicose veins will only go away through treatment.

Varicose veins are a common condition that affects about 30% of adults. Women are more likely to develop them than men. 

Yes. Genetic factors are the leading cause of varicose veins, but they’re not the only cause. Other contributing factors include excess weight, pregnancy, aging, prolonged periods of standing, and lack of physical activity.

In rare circumstances, varicose veins can develop into blood clots in the deep veins.

While they won’t cure varicose veins, compression socks can help to reduce swelling and may prevent varicose veins from getting worse over time. Typically, when spider veins or varicose veins first appear, your doctor will prescribe compression socks as the first course of action.

It depends. Your doctor must deem the treatment medically necessary in order for your insurance to cover the treatment.

Monday: 7:30am-7:00pm

Tuesday: 7:30am-4:00pm

Wednesday: 7:30-4:00pm

Thursday: 7:30am-7:00pm

Friday: 7:30am-4:00pm

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: Closed