Varicose & Spider Vein Treatments

Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in Carnegie Hill and Flatiron, NY

Varicose & Spider Vein Treatment

Varicose and spider vein treatments are designed to reduce the appearance and discomfort of visible or problematic veins. While veins are a natural and necessary part of our circulatory system, they can become bothersome or a source of insecurity, especially when these veins start to become darker, more visible, or painful over time.

At Dermatology, Laser & Surgery of Carnegie Hill and Dermatology, Laser & Surgery of Flatiron, several advanced treatments are available for addressing both cosmetic and functional issues associated with prominent veins. The specialists at these practices are trained in both laser treatments and sclerotherapy.

If you are ready to start collaborating with our team, please contact us online or call the office most convenient for you:

About Varicose & Spider Veins

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are typically found in the legs and can develop as a result of several factors, including injury, pregnancy, weight fluctuations, straining, blood clots, and more. (1) They develop when blood pools in the veins, causing them to become enlarged or twisted. They are often associated with an aching or burning sensation, especially when standing.

Spider Veins

Spider veins, also known as telangiectasias or thread veins, are small clusters of damaged blood vessels. They often appear as thin red, blue, or purple lines. (2) Spider veins are primarily a cosmetic issue but may occasionally cause discomfort or pain.

Your specialist can address both varicose and spider veins using one or more of the available vein treatments, allowing you to restore a smoother look and feel to your skin.

Available Varicose & Spider Vein Treatments

We offer three different treatments to address problematic veins. These include sclerotherapy, the Multi-Spot™ Nd:YAG Laser, and the VBeam Perfecta laser.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is an injectable treatment for varicose veins. (3) In a comfortable setting, your specialist injects a medical-grade solution called a ‘sclerosant’ into the targeted veins. There are several different types of sclerosants, each designed to safely and effectively address concerning veins. (3) This injectable treatment causes the varicose veins to close and collapse before they are eventually reabsorbed by your body.

After each leg has been treated in its entirety, you will need to remain sitting for several minutes while your specialist wraps your leg in a compressive bandage. Compression stockings are recommended for up to two weeks following treatments, depending on your individual circumstance.

Various schlerosants can be used, including Asclera®, glycerin, and normal saline.

Multi-Spot™ Nd:YAG Laser

This laser treatment uses Multiple Sequential Pulsing (MSP) technology to administer infrared light deep into your skin. The energy delivered into the skin is then converted into thermal energy, which causes the walls of the targeted veins to collapse.

At the start of your treatment, you will be provided with a set of protective eyewear to use. Your specialist will adjust the settings of your laser before passing a handheld device over your skin. As the device is moved, it will emit powerful pulses of light energy into the skin. As the light energy is absorbed by the targeted veins, it heats the blood vessels, causing them to coagulate. After addressing each area of concern, your specialist will apply a cooling cream or ointment.

VBeam Perfecta

The VBeam Perfecta is a laser treatment that targets spider veins by delivering pulses of light to the skin. This treatment specifically targets hemoglobin, the pigment found in blood. When performing a laser vein treatment using the VBeam Perfecta, your specialist will use a specialized handpiece to deliver the laser energy. It features cooling technology that sprays a coolant onto the skin before each pulse, minimizing discomfort and protecting the surrounding skin. (4) As the laser energy is absorbed into the blood vessels and cells, it is converted into thermal energy. This heats them, causing them to collapse and eventually be reabsorbed into the body.

Other Vein Treatments

Depending on your needs, you may be recommended a different vein procedure other than our sclerotherapy or laser vein treatments. These procedures may include:

Endovenous Ablation Therapy

Endovenous ablation therapy is a technique reserved for larger veins. This uses a catheter that is inserted into the veins before emitting radiofrequency energy. This energy heats the vein walls, causing them to seal themselves off before collapsing.

Endoscopic Vein Surgery

Endoscopic vein surgery is a more extensive procedure that can be performed to address varicose veins that can cause swelling, ulcers, or significant pain to develop. When performing this procedure, a camera is inserted into the treatment area to visualize the veins before a small surgical tool is used to treat them from within.

Ambulatory Phlebectomy

An ambulatory phlebectomy is a minimally invasive vein procedure that is used to treat larger or more problematic veins near the surface of the legs. This treatment utilizes small excisions and punctures in the skin before a surgical hook is used to extract the problematic veins.

Vein Stripping & Ligation

Vein stripping and ligation involve surgically tying off and removing problematic veins from the body. This treatment has historically been performed to address more significant or severe cases of varicose veins, although it is less common today.

Personal Consultation

During a personal consultation, your specialist will meet with you and ask you about your medical history, current prescriptions, and symptoms. They will also ask you about your treatment goals and perform a physical evaluation to assess any areas of concern.

Using this information, your specialist will recommend either sclerotherapy or one of our laser treatments. They will modify certain aspects of your procedure to ensure each of your needs is addressed. Your specialist will also answer any questions you may have.

To schedule this consultation, please contact us online. Alternatively, call the practice most convenient for you directly:

Recovery

Most patients can return to their daily activities soon after treatment, depending on which method is used. However, you will likely need to wear compression stockings during exercise and when upright for the two weeks following your treatment. Patients should avoid a hot tub/Jacuzzi in the two weeks following treatment, as the heat tends to dilate blood vessels. Following schlerotherapy, patients are advised not to fly in an airplane for 24-48 hours.

Your specialist will provide you with a full set of detailed recovery instructions after your treatment. These instructions will guide you on any activity restrictions and how to care for your healing skin. We ask that you follow each recovery instruction closely, as they are designed to help you optimize your recovery and enhance your results.

Results

Our varicose and spider vein treatments each yield gradual results, meaning you will be able to see your veins slowly fade over time. You will be able to enjoy smoother, clearer skin, as well as improvements in your general comfort and confidence.

The results of our varicose and spider vein treatments are designed to be long-lasting; once the treated veins have fully faded, they typically do not return. However, new veins may develop over time.

Cost of Varicose & Spider Vein Treatment

The cost of your varicose and spider vein treatment may vary depending on the type of treatment performed. After your treatment plan has been created, your specialist will provide you with a comprehensive cost estimate for your varicose and spider vein treatment.

To schedule a consultation and learn more about the cost of your personalized vein treatment, please contact us online or call the practice closest to you:

FAQ

What is the difference between sclerotherapy and laser vein treatments?

Sclerotherapy is an injectable treatment that uses a medical-grade solution to cause varicose veins to close and collapse. On the other hand, laser treatments use advanced technology to deliver powerful beams of light to the targeted veins. The light energy carefully heats the vein walls, allowing your body to naturally clear them away. Some laser treatments are best for spider veins and cannot adequately address varicose veins.

How many treatment sessions will I need to get rid of my veins?

The number of treatment sessions will vary depending on the severity of your concerns, your desired outcomes, and the selected treatment method. During your consultation, your specialist will help you determine the optimal number of treatments to include in your treatment plan.

Are varicose & spider vein treatments painful?

Our treatments are generally well-tolerated, and most patients experience only mild discomfort. During sclerotherapy, you may feel a brief stinging or burning sensation as the solution enters the vein. Laser treatments can cause a sensation similar to a quick snap from a rubber band on the skin, but cooling devices can be used to reduce discomfort.

How long will it take to recover from a varicose & spider vein treatment?

Recovery is fairly minimal, and you may return to your routine shortly after being treated. Redness, bruising, or mild swelling may be experienced in the treatment area, but these effects typically subside after several days.

References

  1. Antani MR, Dattilo JB. Varicose Veins. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470194/
  2. Sandean DP, Syed HA, Winters R. Spider Veins. Nih.gov. Published September 19, 2024. Accessed October 28, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563218/#article-29299.s7
  3. Beneat A, Oropallo A. Sclerotherapy. Nih.gov. Published January 11, 2024. Accessed October 28, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK599526/#article-145193.s4
  4. Zhang C, Ge HS, Yang S, Zhang XJ. Clinical efficacy of 595-nm pulsed-dye laser in treatment of childhood facial spider nevi. Chinese Medical Journal. 2019;132(20):2417-2422. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/cm9.0000000000000467