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The Difference Between Spider & Varicose Veins

Spider veins and varicose veins are similar in that they’re both annoying, unsightly blemishes that prevent your legs from looking their best. However, spider veins are truly just a cosmetic vein problem, even though they may be symptomatic, whereas varicose veins, one of the most common vein problems, usually signify a more significant underlying medical issue known as Venous Reflux Disease or Venous Insufficiency. Varicose veins should always be evaluated by a vein doctor, especially if they are tender to touch, swollen, or if you have heavy, tired, achy legs at the end of the day.

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Spider veins typically measure less than one millimeter in diameter and, unless clustered together, are typically not as easy to see as varicose veins. Spider veins look like fine red, blue, or purplish lines on the skin surface, oftentimes resembling a bruise when they occur in clusters. Varicose veins are bluer in color and tend to appear larger, protruding or dilated above the level of the skin, often looking like bluish rope underneath the skin. They are usually soft and spongy unless they have clotted off, at which point they may become hard, ropy, and tender to the touch.

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To learn more, schedule your consultation with Dr. Schwartz by filling out the form on this page or by calling his practice at 913-451-8346. Premier Vein & Body by Schwartz serves patients throughout the Kansas City metro.

Dr. Schwartz can treat both spider veins and varicose veins easily in our Kansas City office using a variety of techniques. The options include superficial or topical laser, injection sclerotherapy, laser ablation, laser closure or microphlebectomy, depending on the type of vein and where the source of the problem lies. After an initial consultation with Dr. Schwartz to obtain the correct diagnosis, treatment can be performed as an outpatient at our state of the art vein treatment center in Leawood. Most treatments can be conducted in less than an hour and involve no downtime from moderate activities. Depending on your condition Dr. Schwartz may prescribe multiple treatments to ensure your underlying vein condition is treated properly and your unsightly veins are gone for good. Patients often wonder why they waited so long to reduce their veins when the process is so easy and the results are so good!

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