Spider Veins Causes and Treatment

Treatment for Spider Veins

No one wants to look down at their legs and have tiny little red, blue and purple veins staring back at them. Those small, thin veins are commonly known as spider veins, and sometimes referred to as thread veins too. As both of those names suggest, these veins look like little spider webs or threads that branch out on the surface of the skin.

Most of the time, spider veins will appear on the legs, but there are times that these little veins can pop up on the face, hands, or even the chest as well.

What are Spider Veins?

Spider Veins are actually dilated capillaries that bring oxygen and nutrients to the tissues in the body and remove waste products. Sometimes, these veins can cause a bulge, or branch out and spread, which causes them to then become very noticeable — and not very pretty.

Regardless of where these annoying little veins show their ugly little faces, they are not wanted! Although spider veins rarely cause any pain and are not too harmful, they are a sign of poor circulation and could lead to varicose veins down the road. Varicose veins differ then spider veins in that they are much larger, deeper, and can cause symptoms such as pain, itching, swelling, bleeding, achiness, and/or feelings of heaviness in the legs.

Many people prefer to have their spider veins treated and removed for this reason, to decrease their chances of developing those varicose veins, and for cosmetic reasons as well.

Thankfully, there are many ways to treat spider veins. Fox Vein & Laser Experts offers a wide variety of spider vein removal procedures that do the job safely, effectively, and quickly. With our vein experts’ help, you will be able to say goodbye to your spider veins in no time.

Symptoms of Spider Veins

Spider veins and varicose veins are two different forms of venous insufficiency. Although both of these medical conditions are a result of weak or damaged valves in the veins, spider veins do not cause the same kind of symptoms as varicose veins. They are not usually painful, however, they may cause some discomfort.

The symptoms are mainly cosmetic, as the veins are visible on the surface of the skin. They may appear as flat lines, or could be slightly raised. The colors range from blue to red to purple, and as mentioned, they look like spider webs or branches.

However, you do want to pay close attention to any symptoms that start to become more noticeable, as this could mean that your spider veins are worsening. Symptoms to watch out for include more purple or blue color changing throughout the area where the spider veins are present, the appearance of twisted veins that start to bulge, any type of burning, throbbing or swelling, or itching of the skin around the vein.

Causes of Spider Veins

There are certain risk factors that can increase your chances of developing spider veins. It could be a genetic thing, as the majority of those with spider veins have family members who also have them. If you have had blood clots or vein damage in the past, the vein valves could still be affected and not function correctly.

It is also a common thing to happen to women during pregnancy. This is because of increased blood movement in the body, and more pressure on the leg veins due to the excess weight of the fetus. For some, the spider veins will disappear after pregnancy, but there is also the chance they could remain and be permanent.

Aside from affecting women who are pregnant, spider veins affect women more often than men in general. Hormonal birth control or other hormone treatments for menopause can increase the risk of spider veins due to the fact that the estrogen in these medications can cause the vein valves to weaken.

Spider veins affect older people more often as well. The valves in our veins weaken as we age, as do our muscles. If your calf muscle is weak, it may not do its job of supporting the leg veins and helping them pump blood to the heart as well as it should.

Obesity is another big risk factor. Having that extra body weight adds pressure to the leg veins. Any kind of pressure on the veins, in general, can increase your chances of developing spider veins. This is especially true for spider veins that show up on the face. For example, coughing or sneezing forcefully, vomiting excessively, or even pushing during childbirth can all cause spider veins. Another risk factor that is especially true for facial spider veins is sun damage. UV light can cause damage to the skin, which in turn can cause broken blood vessels and/or spider veins. Sun damage can cause broken blood vessels and spider veins on other parts of the body as well. Sunscreen is incredibly important for so many reasons!

Additionally, sitting or standing for long periods of time can result in the veins in the legs having to work much harder than usual in order to pump blood to the heart. If you sit at a desk all day or spend hours on your feet, it’s important to switch back and forth between sitting and standing every 30 minutes or so to keep the blood flowing and circulating properly.

Overall, the main cause of spider veins is the presence of pressure on the veins and lack of proper blood circulation.

How to Treat Spider Veins

Spider vein removal treatment options can vary depending on your personal desired results. If left untreated, there is always a chance that your spider veins can become painful varicose veins, and we don’t want that to happen.

Here are two of the best spider vein treatments we offer at Fox Vein & Laser Experts:

Visual Sclerotherapy: This is one of the least invasive, most comfortable, and safest treatments for spider vein removal. It’s also a quick procedure without any recovery time so it will not disrupt normal activity. The procedure involves an injection of a medicated solution directly into the affected vein. The solution disrupts the lining of the vessel and causes the vein walls to stick together and seal. The blood reroutes to a healthier vein, and the treated vein turns into scar tissue that the body naturally removes on its own, and then replaces with healthy, new tissue.

VeinGogh: This treatment uses special technology to get rid of spider veins without damaging or scarring the skin’s surface. It heats the targeted vessel, which causes the walls to collapse and reroute the blood to healthy veins, leaving the healthy surrounding skin unaffected. It’s fast, with immediate results and continuous improvement over several weeks as the treated veins are absorbed and removed from the body. The treatment can be done on its own, or combined with sclerotherapy if necessary.

Schedule Your Spider Veins Removal Procedure

Dr. Susan B Fox is a vein expert in Miami. She and her experienced medical team at Fox Vein & Laser Experts have been successfully treating spider veins for decades. With offices in Hollywood and Pembroke Pines, we’re here to help patients from all over Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties.

Call our office today at 954-627-1045 to schedule a consultation. We will go over your current and past health and medical history, and address any questions or concerns you may have about the process of treating your spider veins. When you book an appointment for spider vein removal treatments at Fox Vein & Laser Experts, you will be in the best hands possible.

Relief from Hemorrhoid Pain: What to Know About Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE)

March 26, 2025

Hemorrhoids are one of those conditions no one really wants to talk about—but if you’ve experienced them, you know how disruptive and painful they can be. From itching and discomfort to bleeding and swelling, hemorrhoids can seriously impact your quality of life.

If traditional treatments like creams, sitz baths, or even surgery haven’t brought you lasting relief, there’s a newer, minimally invasive option worth knowing about: Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE).

What Is Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization?

Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization is a cutting-edge, non-surgical treatment performed by an interventional radiologist. The goal? To reduce blood flow to the hemorrhoidal tissue, which in turn shrinks the hemorrhoids and eases symptoms.

How is HAE Performed?

Using a tiny catheter inserted through a small incision (usually in the wrist or groin), the specialist navigates to the arteries supplying blood to the hemorrhoids. Once located, they inject microscopic particles that block the blood flow. The hemorrhoids begin to shrink, symptoms fade, and healing begins—without the need for stitches or a hospital stay.

Who Is a Candidate for HAE?

HAE is ideal for patients who:

Have persistent or recurring hemorrhoids
Have failed conservative treatments (like diet changes, topical treatments, or rubber band ligation)
Want to avoid traditional surgery and its longer recovery time
Are seeking a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure

Benefits of the HAE Procedure

✔️ Minimally invasive – no cutting or removal of tissue
✔️ Little to no downtime – many return to daily activities within a few days
✔️ Performed under local anesthesia
✔️ Less pain post-procedure compared to surgical options
✔️ Lower risk of complications like incontinence or anal stricture

What to Expect After the Procedure

Most patients experience noticeable relief within days to weeks. Some mild discomfort or cramping is normal initially, but it’s typically far less intense than surgical recovery. Follow-up imaging or visits may be scheduled to track progress, and many patients find they no longer need further treatment.

Is HAE Safe?

Yes. Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization has been proven to be safe and effective, especially when performed by a skilled interventional radiologist. Like any medical procedure, there are potential risks, but they are minimal and rare when done by a trained, experienced professional.

Why Choose Fox Vein & Laser Experts for Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE)?

Fox Vein & Laser Experts in Fort Lauderdale, FL, a division of Vivid Vascular, offers expert care from Dr. Gropper and his specialized team. They have extensive experience performing advanced procedures like hemorrhoid artery embolization with precision and compassion. Talking about hemorrhoids can be uncomfortable—but we’re here to make your treatment effective, and as stress-free as possible.

Ready to learn more?
Book a consultation today and find out if Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization is right for you.

Fox Vein & Laser Experts | A Division of Vivid Vascular

Call us at 305-957-7277
Visit us at www.foxveinexperts.com

Treatments

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): What You Need to Know

February 27, 2025

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a common yet often overlooked condition that affects millions of people worldwide. As a division of Vivid Vascular, Fox Vein & Laser Experts provides advanced vascular care and education on conditions like PAD to help our patients take control of their vascular health.

What is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?

PAD is a circulatory condition where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, most commonly affecting the legs. This reduced circulation can lead to pain, difficulty walking, and even serious complications if left untreated.

Signs & Symptoms of PAD

Many individuals with PAD don’t experience symptoms until the disease has progressed. However, common signs include: Leg pain or cramping while walking, numbness, weakness, or tingling in the legs or feet, slow-healing wounds or ulcers on the legs and feet, coldness in the lower leg or foot, skin discoloration or hair loss on the legs, weak or absent pulses in the legs

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek evaluation from a vascular specialist.

What Causes PAD?

PAD is primarily caused by atherosclerosis, a condition where fatty deposits build up in the arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow. Common risk factors include:

Smoking Diabetes
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Obesity
Sedentary lifestyle
Family history of vascular disease

Why PAD Awareness is Important

Left untreated, PAD can lead to severe complications, including non-healing wounds, infections, and even limb amputation. Furthermore, PAD is a warning sign of serious cardiovascular issues, such as heart attacks and strokes. Early detection and treatment are crucial in preventing these life-threatening complications.

How is PAD Diagnosed?

At Fox Vein & Laser Experts, a division of Vivid Vascular, we use advanced diagnostic tools to detect PAD, including:

Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI): A simple test comparing blood pressure in the arms and legs.
Ultrasound Imaging: Helps assess blood flow and locate blockages.

Treatment Options for PAD

The good news is that PAD is treatable! Treatment plans are tailored to the severity of the disease and may include:

Lifestyle Changes: Quitting smoking, regular exercise, and a heart-healthy diet can improve circulation.
Medications: Blood thinners, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and medications to improve blood flow.
Minimally Invasive Procedures:
- Atherectomy: Removes plaque buildup from the arteries.
- Angioplasty & Stenting: Uses a small balloon to widen the artery and a stent to keep it open.

Why Choose Fox Vein & Laser Experts for PAD Treatment?

As part of Vivid Vascular, our team offers expert vascular care with cutting-edge technology in a comfortable, boutique-style setting. Our minimally invasive treatments provide effective relief with quicker recovery times and minimal downtime.

Schedule Your PAD Consultation Today! If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of PAD, don’t wait. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious complications and improve your quality of life. Contact Fox Vein & Laser Experts today to schedule a comprehensive vascular screening and take control of your vascular health!

Fox Vein & Laser Experts | A Division of Vivid Vascular Call us at 305-957-7277

Visit us at www.foxveinexperts.com

Veins

Top Benefits of Choosing VeinGogh Treatment in Miami, FL

June 29, 2024

If you’re living in Miami and in search of a safe and effective solution for unsightly and uncomfortable spider veins, VeinGogh treatment may be just the right treatment you’ve been looking for.

This innovative procedure offers a variety of benefits, providing a quick, safe, and reliable way to eliminate small spider veins on your face, legs, feet, or anywhere else on the body they may be present.

VeinGogh vein treatment is a cutting-edge method used specifically to treat spider veins and small varicose veins. The procedure uses Ohmic Thermolysis technology, which delivers microbursts of high-frequency energy directly to the vein, causing the vessel walls to collapse and be reabsorbed by the body.

This revolutionary technology is able to target spider veins with such precision that it avoids damaging the surrounding tissue or leaving scars on the skin. This makes it a much more preferred choice compared to other traditional vein treatment methods.

VeinGogh is minimally invasive and typically performed in a medical office. First, you’ll come into the office for a consultation with a vein specialist who will evaluate your medical history, as well as the current state of your veins to determine if VeinGogh is the right option for you.

Remember, not all veins are treatable with VeinGogh. A patient who is suffering from larger varicose veins or feeder veins may not be a candidate for the procedure. This will all be discussed during the initial consultation.

On the day of the treatment, the targeted area will be cleaned, and a topical anesthetic may be applied to ensure your comfort. The procedure involves a frequency regulator called Microburst Technology, which is delivered to the affected veins. These bursts are incredibly short — only a fraction of a second. The veins will shrink and eventually disappear, and blood is then rerouted to healthy veins.

Because of how quick and precise the bursts of energy are, it is a more comfortable experience, safe for all skin types, and there is largely decreased risk for visible scars. The process only takes around 30 minutes, depending on the size and number of veins being treated.

After the treatment, you may experience minor redness or swelling in the treated area, but these side effects are usually temporary. There is no downtime, and you can return to your normal activities immediately.

VeinGogh Treatment is an excellent option for many individuals, but it’s particularly beneficial for those who have small, superficial veins; are looking for a minimally invasive solution; have tried other spider vein treatments without seeing any success, and are in generally good health. Patients who have certain significant underlying conditions could experience complications during the procedure.

Choosing this particular option for spider vein treatment has numerous advantages. Some of the benefits of VeinGogh include:

1. Precision and Control: VeinGogh allows for precise targeting of veins, ensuring effective treatment with minimal impact on surrounding tissues.

2. Quick and Convenient: The procedure is very quick, typically taking only around a half hour to an hour, depending on the size of the area. It requires no downtime, allowing you to resume your daily activities immediately.

3. Minimal Discomfort: The treatment is virtually painless, with most patients experiencing only minor discomfort during the procedure. It’s a much more comfortable procedure when compared to other traditional methods.

4. Effective Results: VeinGogh effectively eliminates spider veins and small varicose veins, providing visible results after just one session. It also provides flexibility to treat other types of skin imperfections such as rosacea cherry angiomas.

5. Safe for All Skin Types: Unlike some laser treatments, VeinGogh is safe for all skin types and tones, making it a versatile option for a diverse range of patients.

6. No Scarring: The precision of the VeinGogh system ensures that there is no scarring or significant skin damage, preserving the aesthetics of the treated area.

7. Long-Lasting Effects: Results from VeinGogh are long-lasting, especially when supplemented with a healthy lifestyle and proper vein care post-treatment. After treatment, patients continue to see improvement over time as the veins are absorbed and removed by the body.

VeinGogh is safe and effective when done on its own, but it can also be used in conjunction with Sclerotherapy for even better results. Sclerotherapy is another treatment used for spider vein removal that uses injections with medication in liquid or foam form. Just as with VeinGogh, it’s a very quick procedure that provides optimal results.

South Florida is home to top-notch medical facilities and specialists, so if you are looking for VeinGogh treatment in Miami, you have come to the right place. The expert team at Fox Vein & Laser Experts have several years of experience providing patients with successful VeinGogh procedures, as well as numerous other vein treatments.

If you are struggling with small spider veins and seeking a safe, effective solution, consider all of the benefits of VeinGogh treatment. With its precision and effectiveness, minimal discomfort, and long-lasting results, VeinGogh offers an ideal option for treating spider veins and small varicose veins. Contact our office at 954-627-1045 for a consultation or book an appointment online.