Many people silently struggle with vein issues that go far beyond appearance. From aching, heavy legs to visible spider veins and swelling, these symptoms can disrupt your comfort, limit your lifestyle, and signal deeper circulatory concerns. Left untreated, they may worsen over time, leading to chronic pain, skin discoloration, or even ulceration.
At Bellaire Dermatology in Houston, TX, our board-certified specialists offer advanced, minimally invasive vein therapies designed to relieve discomfort, improve circulation, and restore function and appearance, so you can move freely and confidently again.
What Are Vein Conditions, and When Should You Seek Treatment?
Millions of Americans live with vein disorders that develop due to aging, genetics, hormonal changes, pregnancy, or prolonged periods of standing. While visible veins are often the most noticeable sign, deeper issues may manifest as swelling, skin changes, or persistent leg discomfort.
We take a comprehensive approach to vein care. Every patient begins with a thorough evaluation so we can tailor treatments to your unique anatomy, symptoms, and goals, whether you’re seeking cosmetic improvement or medical relief.
Common Symptoms of Vein Conditions and Disorders
- Visible spider or varicose veins
- Aching or heavy legs, especially after long periods of standing
- Swelling around the ankles or calves
- Itching or irritation near discolored veins
- Skin changes such as dryness, thickening, or dark patches
- Restlessness or leg cramps at night
These symptoms are more than an inconvenience—they can signal underlying vascular dysfunction. Seeking timely care at Bellaire Dermatology can prevent complications and lead to lasting relief.
Types of Vein Conditions We Treat
Our team is experienced in identifying and treating a variety of vein disorders, including both cosmetic and clinical issues:
Spider Veins & Varicose Veins
- Spider veins (telangiectasias) are small, web-like clusters of red, purple, or blue veins just beneath the skin. They typically appear on the face and legs and are often treated for appearance-related concerns.
- Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that may bulge under the skin’s surface. These can cause significant discomfort, swelling, and aching, especially in the lower legs.
Telangiectasias (Facial Broken Capillaries)
These tiny dilated vessels often develop due to sun damage, aging, or skin conditions like rosacea. They are usually treated for appearance-related concerns using non-surgical approaches.
Venous Reflux / Venous Stasis
This condition occurs when valves inside leg veins malfunction, allowing blood to pool in the lower extremities. Over time, this leads to swelling, pressure, and chronic skin changes, a condition known as venous insufficiency.
Stasis Dermatitis
Chronic venous insufficiency can progress to stasis dermatitis, an inflammatory skin condition caused by fluid buildup and poor circulation. It appears as red, flaky, and sometimes painful patches on the lower legs and requires both vascular and dermatologic care.
What Vein Treatments Are Available at Bellaire Dermatology?
We offer four safe, proven treatments to help with vein problems. All procedures are done in our office and require little to no recovery time.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Ambulatory phlebectomy is a simple outpatient treatment used to remove larger varicose veins close to the skin. We make tiny openings in the skin to take out the damaged veins. It’s done with local anesthesia and usually doesn’t need stitches.
Because the cuts are so small, there’s very little risk of scarring. Most patients can go back to normal activities in a day or two. This treatment works well for bulging veins that can’t be treated with injections or heat.
Cosmetic Sclerotherapy
Cosmetic sclerotherapy is often used for spider veins and small varicose veins. It involves injecting a special solution into the problem veins. This causes the veins to close and fade over time as the body absorbs them.
This treatment does not require anesthesia and can be done quickly in the office. It’s a good option for visible veins on the legs and ankles and may need a few sessions for best results.
VNUS Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation / Endovenous Thermal Ablation
This minimally invasive treatment is used to treat venous reflux, a condition where faulty vein valves cause blood to flow backward and pool in the legs. Over time, this can lead to swelling, discomfort, and bulging varicose veins. The procedure targets the affected vein using gentle heat delivered through a thin tube inserted into the vein.
Radiofrequency energy heats the vein walls, causing them to collapse and seal shut. Once closed, the body naturally reroutes blood through healthier veins and gradually absorbs the treated vein. The procedure takes less than an hour, is performed under local anesthesia, and has a quick recovery time with little to no downtime.
Foam Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy (USGS)
Foam ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy (USGS) uses a special foam and real-time ultrasound imaging to treat deeper veins that can’t be seen on the surface. The foam covers more of the vein wall, helping it seal better.
Ultrasound helps the provider guide the treatment exactly where it’s needed. USGS is helpful for medium to large veins, for treating venous reflux, or for veins that didn’t fully improve with earlier treatments. It’s done in the office with little to no downtime.
What Are the Benefits of Vein Therapy?
Vein therapy offers more than cosmetic improvement—it also supports your overall vein health and comfort. At Bellaire Dermatology, our treatments are designed to deliver safe, lasting results with minimal downtime. Key benefits include:
Reduced Pain and Discomfort
Treatments help relieve common symptoms like leg pain, swelling, heaviness, and fatigue. Many patients notice a significant improvement in daily comfort and mobility.
Improved Appearance
Vein therapy reduces or eliminates visible spider and varicose veins. This leads to smoother, more even-toned skin with a healthier look.
Better Circulation
Closing off damaged veins allows blood to flow more efficiently through healthy vessels. This helps prevent further vein damage and supports long-term vascular health.
Minimally Invasive Options
Most of our vein therapies require only local anesthesia, small incisions, or injections. There is little to no scarring, and treatments are performed entirely in-office.
Quick Recovery
Recovery time is short, with most patients returning to work or regular activities within a few days. Results continue to improve as the body heals and absorbs treated veins.
How to Maintain Your Results
After your vein therapy, adopting supportive habits can play a crucial role in preserving your results and promoting long-term vein health. Proactive care not only prevents the recurrence of problem veins but also enhances your overall vascular function.
Wear Compression Stockings
Wearing compression stockings as advised by your provider helps facilitate proper blood flow in the legs. These garments reduce venous pressure, prevent blood from pooling, and are especially beneficial after treatment or during prolonged periods of standing, travel, or physical activity.
Stay Physically Active
Engaging in regular low-impact exercises like walking, cycling, swimming, or yoga helps keep your leg muscles active, which in turn supports vein function. Muscle movement is essential in assisting blood flow back toward the heart, especially in individuals with a history of venous reflux or varicose veins.
Elevate Legs Daily
Elevating your legs above heart level for 15 to 20 minutes a few times a day can help reduce swelling and prevent venous pressure buildup. This practice is particularly important for patients who spend long periods sitting or standing.
Avoid Prolonged Sitting or Standing
To prevent venous pressure from building in the lower legs, avoid remaining in one position for extended durations. If your job requires you to sit or stand for long hours, take short breaks every 30 to 60 minutes to walk around, stretch, or perform ankle flexes.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Managing a healthy body weight reduces the load on your leg veins and lowers the risk of developing new varicose veins. A balanced diet and consistent exercise routine can also support better circulation and overall vascular wellness.
Follow Up with Your Provider
Attending follow-up appointments is key to long-term success. These visits allow us to monitor your progress, assess for any early signs of recurrence, and make adjustments to your maintenance plan if needed.
Patient Candidacy: Who Is a Good Candidate for Vein Therapy?
Vein therapy can be essential for restoring leg health and comfort. At Bellaire Dermatology, we evaluate each patient individually to determine the most appropriate course of action. You may be a strong candidate for vein therapy if you:
- Have visible spider veins or varicose veins that affect your appearance or confidence
- Experience leg symptoms such as aching, heaviness, swelling, or cramping
- Have a family history of vein disease or chronic venous insufficiency
- Spend prolonged periods sitting or standing, especially in your occupation
- Are in good general health and have realistic expectations about outcomes
- Have noticed skin changes, irritation, or discoloration near affected veins
Our goal is to identify candidates who will benefit from cosmetic improvement and better circulation and long-term vascular health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vein Therapy
How long do vein therapy results last?
Results vary depending on the treatment performed and your post-procedure habits. Many patients experience long-term improvement, especially when following maintenance guidelines such as wearing compression stockings, staying active, and attending follow-up visits. In some cases, additional treatments may be needed over time to address new veins that may develop.
Is vein therapy painful?
Most procedures offered at Bellaire Dermatology are well-tolerated and performed with local anesthesia. Patients may experience mild discomfort during or after treatment, but significant pain is uncommon. Our providers will discuss what to expect based on your specific procedure.
Can I return to work after treatment?
In most cases, yes. Many of our vein therapy options require little to no downtime. Most patients can return to normal activities the same day or within one to two days, depending on the procedure and the extent of treatment.
Will my insurance cover vein treatment?
Medical necessity plays a key role in insurance coverage. Treatments for symptomatic varicose veins or venous reflux may be covered, while cosmetic treatments like spider vein removal are typically not. Our team can help determine eligibility and provide documentation for insurance claims when appropriate.
How do I know which treatment is right for me?
At your initial consultation, we will perform a detailed evaluation using diagnostic tools like ultrasound imaging. Based on your symptoms, vein anatomy, and goals, we’ll recommend the most effective treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Why Choose Bellaire Dermatology for Vein Therapy?
With more than 27 years of experience in the Houston area, Bellaire Dermatology is known for delivering expert, high-quality care. Our board-certified dermatologists specialize in both medical and cosmetic skin conditions, including complex vein disorders.
We use advanced diagnostic tools and proven, minimally invasive treatments to provide effective vein care in a comfortable outpatient setting. Each treatment plan is tailored to your anatomy, symptoms, and goals for optimal, long-term results.
As a full-service dermatology practice, we also address related skin concerns that may affect or stem from vein issues. Our coordinated, patient-first approach ensures comprehensive care every step of the way.
Ready to Restore Your Leg Health?
Bellaire Dermatology offers expert vein therapy services designed to relieve discomfort, improve circulation, and reduce the visibility of vein issues. Whether you’re seeking treatment for painful varicose veins or facial spider veins, we’ll help you choose the right solution and guide you through every step of the process.
We proudly serve patients across Houston, Sugar Land, and surrounding areas. Call (713) 661-4383 today or request a consultation online to get started.
