Laser treatment, or phototherapy, works well to cosmetically improve spider veins. This procedure is performed in a doctor's office and is available throughout the country. But If you have pain or aching in your legs, you will still need to follow the basic, self-help measures. When the problem involves larger varicose veins, it is a sign of deeper valve malfunction. Ultrasound is used to evaluate blood flow in the vein and locate the abnormal valve or valves.
Treatment often consists of ligation and sclerotherapy.
This surgical procedure begins with ligation, or interruption, of the vein at the level of the defective valve. The vein is then injected with a sclerosing agent and the leg is wrapped with a compression stocking. A fibrous tissue reaction occurs, causing the walls of the vein to stick together, obliterating the channel of the vein. Vein stripping, another alternative, involves the surgical removal of an entire vein. This procedure is fairly extensive, and is generally reserved for more severe cases, when all the valves in a vein malfunction.