Varicose Veins Specialist

Rodolfo Farhy, MD, FACC, FAHA -  - Cardiologist

Heart and Vein Center

Rodolfo Farhy, MD, FACC, FAHA

Cardiologist & Cosmetic Specialist located in Lathrup Village, MI


Varicose Veins Q & A





What causes spider veins?

Spider veins occur when small blood vessels near the skin’s surface enlarge, making the tiny purplish-red veins visible. They often appear on the face and legs, where they affect your appearance but seldom cause pain or other symptoms.

What causes varicose veins?

Varicose veins are easy to identify -- they’re abnormally enlarged and gnarled, often resembling ropes that twist up and down your leg. They typically develop in leg veins, because they must work against gravity to transport blood back to your heart.



Are varicose veins common during pregnancy?



How are varicose veins treated?

Dr. Farhy uses two key treatments to eliminate varicose and spider veins:

  • Sclerotherapy: Sclerotherapy eliminates visible veins by injecting a medicated foam that irritates the vein walls and causes scarring that blocks blood flow. After the injection, the veins gradually collapse and disappear. Dr. Farhy may do the procedure visually or perform ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy to locate veins that can’t be seen on the skin surface.
  • Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT): EVLT uses lasers operating at a wavelength that’s only absorbed by dark pigments in blood. Dr. Farhy maps your veins using ultrasound, then applies a local anesthetic before inserting a small access tube into the vein. A thin laser fiber is threaded through the tube, then the laser is turned on and its heat permanently closes the abnormal portion of your vein. Over time, the vein shrinks and disappears.