By: Suzanne Bruce, M.D.

Broken capillaries, spider veins and varicose veins often bring people to my practice in search of vein treatment in Houston. This is a common problem, and many people have questions about what they can do to correct it. Some frequently asked questions I receive include:

What are the various types of veins?

There are many types of veins in the human body. However, the 3 most cosmetically undesirable veins are capillaries, spider veins and varicose veins.

• Capillaries: small blood vessels that are usually purple or red in color. They often appear on the face and hands.
• Spider Veins: small to medium-size veins that create a tree branch or spiderweb pattern. These are frequently found on the legs.
• Varicose Veins: large, bulging veins that are blue, red or flesh-colored. They are usually found on the thighs and calves, and they may twist, bulge or cause discomfort.

What treatments are available for leg veins?

The most common treatments are sclerotherapy and laser procedures. Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting the vein with a special solution, which causes it to shrink. Laser vein treatments use laser energy to heat the vein, causing it to fade or disappear. These options work best for varicose and spider veins.

What can I do to get rid of broken capillaries on my face?

Facial veins respond well to Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and laser skin rejuvenation treatments. IPL uses light energy to reduce redness and improve wrinkles and skin tone. Laser skin rejuvenation can often achieve similar goals.