The blue vessels under the skin are called varicose veins and are dilated and ropey. Often they are a quarter inch or more in diameter and soft. They can become larger and harder if they develop phlebitis or a blood clot. The small blue and red vessels seen within the skin, usually on the legs, are called spider veins. Sometimes they appear on the face and chest.

Usually too much pressure inside the veins (venous hypertension) causes the problem. The main superficial vein-which is called the Saphenous vein- and other leg veins contain one-way vales that help push blood back up to the heart. If the valves are abnormal (usually in inherited problem), blood backs up in the vein and actually flows backward. The is called venous insufficiency and the extra blood and increased pressure is the main cause of varicose and spider veins.

Contrary to popular belief, these are not just cosmetic issues. If left untreated, venous insufficiency not only causes varicose veins but also symptoms such as pain, burning, itching, cramping, swelling and restless legs. These symptoms can be significant even without varicose veins. When advanced, this can lead to discoloration and inflammation of the skin and even skin ulcers that can be progressive and difficult to heal.

Treatment is suitable for anyone with varicose veins or spider veins especially if accompanied by symptoms of leg pain, swelling, etc. If it is determined that the varicose veins and symptoms are caused by an incompetent Saphenous vein, then Dr. Jones will recommend and endovenous ablation procedure.
Endovenous laser ablation using The Cool Touch Laser® or radio frequency ablation using The VNUS® system are modern methods to close the abnormal saphenous vein and its larger branches without using stripping or making incisions.
A special catheter is inserted inside the saphenous vein using ultrasound guidance and local antiseptic. Using a laser fiver or radio frequency catheter, the inside of the vein is heated lining of the vein is destroyed. The vein then contracts and becomes smaller forming a think blood clot then eventually dissolves. The deep veins, in the legs then spontaneously handle skin blood flow. The values in there veins are almost always normal.