Varicose veins are large, raised, swollen blood vessels that twist and turn. They usually develop in the legs and can be seen through the skin. Spider veins are smaller, red, purple, and blue vessels that are also twisted and turning. Spider veins are easily visible through the skin as well. Like varicose veins, they are most often seen on the legs or face.



Both are common more so in women than in men, and can increase in frequency with age. Approximately 30-60% of adults have either varicose or spider veins. Some common factors for those who are more prone to getting varicose veins and spider veins are heredity, obesity, hormone influxes during pregnancy, puberty, or menopause, the use of birth control pills, a history of blood clots, and occupations which require a lot of standing. Unfortunately, while these vein problems may look unsightly, they also can cause discomfort, pain, swelling, spasms, and numbness,or be the effects of an even larger underlying problem.

Approximately 25 million people in the United States suffer from venous reflux disease. Venous reflux or venous insufficiency develops when the valves that usually keep blood flowing out of your legs become damaged or diseased. Traditionally, patients diagnosed with venous reflux would undergo varicose vein stripping surgery. This is done by surgically removing (stripping) the troublesome varicose vein from your leg and re-routing blood flow through healthy veins. In San Diego Vnus Closure provides a less-invasive alternative to vein stripping by closing the diseased vein instead of removing it.

The Vnus Closure procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis using either local or general anesthesia in which the physician numbs the leg before treatment. Currently, it is predominantly performed in a hospital setting, though it may also be performed in a San Diego vein treatment center or physician's office. Also known as Radiofrequency occlusion, during this procedure, a small catheter is inserted into the vein to deliver radiofrequency energy to the vein wall, causing it to heat, collapse, and seal shut.

Other types of San Diego vein treatments provided include Scelerotherapy, Endovenous laser treatment, and other lasers and intense pulsed light. While for some San Diego spider veins and varicose veins sufferers, treatment is medically necessary, others may not even experience any pain or discomfort caused by the veins, and simply want them removed for cosmetic reasons.

Many insurance companies do cover the cost of treating varicose veins, but generally not spider veins. Check with your insurance company and your local physician to determine which treatment option you may be covered under and would be right for you.