Which type of doctor is more suitable for spider vein removal?

Question

Which type of doctor is most suitable for the following: 1- removal of spider veins on legs, and 2- broken capillaries around nose? Would it be a dermatologist at a top Boston hospital? (MGH, BWH, etc), or a plastic surgeon who does all kinds of surgery in private practice? since this is a skin issue I am leaning towards the dermatologist, but would appreciate to hear pros and cons.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

It’s important to distinguish between varicose veins and spider veins when choosing between laser therapy, sclerotherapy, and vein surgery. With two board certified vein specialists, our center uses a combination of visual examination, functional flow measurements, ultrasound, transillumination, and infrared light to map out vein networks prior to therapy. Lasers can be used to treat deep varicose vein insufficiency, vein perforators, and varicose veins. Sclerotherapy is ideal for spider veins and reticular veins. Whereas surgery is reserved for severely incompetent varicose vein segments.

Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Kevin Haney, MD · Answer

I myself, crossed over from radiology to strictly specializing in veins. I would recommend seeing a vein specialist, simply because they are seeing spider veins every day. Some dermatologists can inject sclerotherapy, plastic surgeons usually don't have sclerotherapy high on their agenda unfortunately. A huge advantage of going to a vein specialist is they typically use ultrasound to guide the foam sclerotherapy, which is much more accurate and effective. Best of luck!- Dr. Haney

Michael Nguyen, MD · Answer

Lower extremity spider vein evaluation should be done by a Board Certified in Venous and Lymphatic system (vein specialist) who is able to evaluate the venous system of the lower extremities with expertise. Vein specialist cannot only take care of the spider veins, but also treat the underlying cause of spider veins. Clinical evaluation looking at signs and symptoms, patient's history, and ultrasound imaging are done first to detect faulty vein valves in the legs. Then treatment plan is then decided accordingly.The treatment is recommend for our patients with veins in the face as an area of concern would be to use laser therapy. Treatment of facial veins requires a highly skilled doctor because arteries and veins run very closely together and there is a risk of complication. See a board certified provider with expertise for an evaluation and treatment of facial veins. Thank you and good luck!

Albert Malvehy, MD · Answer

Most dermatologists are comfortable treating veins on the face, as are most vein doctors. A radiofrequency treatment such as VeinWave or a hyfrecator is used to treat most of these, though some large ones may require sclerotherapy. Most (though not all, of course) plastic surgeons don't use surface lasers and hyfrecators very often.

John Landi, MD · Answer

I would recommend that you see a vein specialist.  Over the last 15 years the treatment of veins has become highly specialized.  Although many type of physicians treat veins, a vein specialist is someone who devotes their entire practice to the treatment of veins and this person would be up to date on all types of vein related treatments.

Ivan Brooks, MD · Answer

I would highly recommend going to a vein specialist. There are several different types of methods to remove spider veins . Sometimes a venous mapping , ultrasound is also recommended to determine best treatment option .

Which type of doctor is more suitable for spider vein removal?

Answers (6)

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