What are Spider Veins?
Spider veins, also known as broken veins, are dilated skin capillaries. The primary types of spider veins run in families and are more prevalent in females. The secondary type of spider veins is associated with other distinct conditions such as varicose veins, certain skin diseases, radiation therapy, trauma, and surgery.

What are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are dilated, elongated, superficial veins that have permanently lost unidirectional and uphill flow. Varicose veins afflict 10-20% of all adults. These veins, besides being unsightly, can cause pain, aching, tired legs, and night cramps. They may occur in almost any part of the body but are most often seen in the back of the calf or on the inside of the leg between the groin and ankle. Left untreated, patient symptoms are likely to worsen with some possibly leading to venous ulceration.

What is the difference between Spider Veins and
Varicose Veins?
Spider veins are those small vessels (capillaries) close to the skin which may appear red or blue in color, depending upon their size. They appear as a small cluster of little broken vessels. In most cases, spider veins do not cause pain or discomfort, but the appearance may be unsightly. Unfortunately, spider veins occur more commonly in women than men because of the high levels of estrogen (female hormones) in women.

Varicose veins are vessels that have been weakened and stretched out of shape by the pressure of continuous blood flow. The pressure causes the veins to become dilated (enlarged) and they hold increasing amounts of blood. This causes the vein to sometimes bulge. The valves in the veins become weak, incompetent, and are unable to push the blood flow back up to the heart. This causes symptoms of leg pains, swelling, itching, burning sensations and feelings of fatigue and heaviness. If untreated phlebitis, dermatitis and skin ulceration may occur in the lower leg.

Who is at risk for Varicose Veins?
Conditions contributing to varicose veins include genetics, obesity, pregnancy, hormonal changes at menopause, work or hobbies requiring extended standing, and past vein diseases such as thrombophlebitis (i.e., inflammation of a vein as a blood clot forms). Women suffer from varicose veins more than men, and the incidence increases to 50% of people over age 50.

Can I prevent Varicose Veins and Spider Veins?
While there is no way to stave off the onset of varicose veins and spider veins, there are certain factors to slow down the onset. Individuals can avoid occupations that require constant standing, wearing high, pointy-heeled shoes, prolonged sitting or crossing of legs, and wearing tight-fitting clothes such as knee highs, girdles, and control top panty hose. Additional ways to slow down the onset of these vein disorders include avoiding frequent constipation, being overweight, and anything else that restricts the circulation.

In addition, eating a healthy diet high in fiber, exercising as often as possible, such as walking, and maintaining a healthy weight may help slow the onset of varicose veins and spider veins. Support stockings may be prescribed by your physician to also aid in these efforts.

What happens on my first visit to the St. Anthony Vein and Circulation Center?
Your first visit to the Center is a consultation, whether it is for a cosmetic or medical condition. The physician will see you and examine your veins and discuss any concerns and questions you may have concerning your treatment. Photographs will be taken of your legs or face as a part of your record, and for teaching purposes. They may also be taken during the course of treatment to evaluate the progress. The physician will consult with you to develop your personalized treatment plan. This plan will include course of treatment, estimation of costs, length of time requirement for treatment, and anticipated results.

Are insurance plans accepted?
The St. Anthony Vein and Circulation Center accepts and files insurance claims for medically necessary treatments. However, specific payments depend upon your insurance coverage.

For cosmetic treatments, we request that you pay for each treatment session at the time of your visit. We accept cash, check, MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover.