Santa Monica Vein Center · 804 7th Street, Santa Monica
Is this a Spider or Varicose Vein?
Santa Monica
Santa Monica Vein Center · 804 7th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90403 · (310) 998-5533
Dual board-certified plastic and vein surgeon Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian diagnoses and treats spider veins and varicose veins in Santa Monica using sclerotherapy, laser vein treatment, and advanced minimally invasive techniques.
Schedule a Consultation Vein Treatment Overview
Raffy Karamanoukian MD FACSDual Board-Certified vein Surgeon
Santa Monica Vein Centeradvanced vein treatments
Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian, MD FACS Dual Board-Certified Plastic and Vein Surgeon Santa Monica Vein Center · 804 7th Street, Santa Monica, CA · (310) 998-5533
Spider Vein vs Varicose Vein · Santa Monica
Diagnosing Spider Veins and Varicose Veins in Santa Monica
Spider veins and varicose veins are both caused by weakened or damaged valves inside the veins, but they look and feel very different and require different treatment approaches. Getting the right diagnosis before treatment is essential.
Spider veins (telangiectasias) are tiny dilated blood vessels 0.1 to 1 mm in size that appear near the skin surface as fine red, purple, or blue lines, often in a web or starburst pattern. They are common on the thighs, calves, ankles, and face. They rarely cause pain but are cosmetically bothersome.
Varicose veins are larger, bulging, rope-like veins that protrude above the skin, typically blue or dark purple, and appear on the legs. They can cause aching, heaviness, swelling, and itching and may signal underlying chronic venous insufficiency that warrants further evaluation.
Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian at Santa Monica Vein Center is a dual board-certified plastic surgeon and vein surgeon who evaluates both conditions and designs individualized treatment plans. His unique dual expertise allows him to address the vascular and aesthetic dimensions of vein disease together. Call (310) 998-5533.
| Feature |
Spider Veins |
Varicose Veins |
| Size |
0.1 to 1 mm |
3 mm or larger |
| Appearance |
Flat, web or starburst pattern, red or purple |
Raised, rope-like, blue or dark purple |
| Symptoms |
Primarily cosmetic |
Aching, heaviness, swelling, itching |
| Common Locations |
Thighs, calves, ankles, face |
Thighs, calves, behind knees |
| Gold Standard Treatment |
Sclerotherapy |
Sclerotherapy, foam, microphlebectomy, EVLT |
Varicose Vein Treatment at Santa Monica Vein Center
Varicose Vein · Behind Knee · Santa Monica Vein Center Small varicose vein behind the knee evaluated at Santa Monica Vein Center. Dr. Karamanoukian performs targeted sclerotherapy and laser vein treatment for veins in this area. (310) 998-5533.
Vein Treatment Options at Santa Monica Vein Center
Sclerotherapy: The Gold Standard
A fine-needle injection of sclerosing solution directly into the affected vein causes the walls to collapse and seal. The body reabsorbs the closed vein over several weeks and it fades from view. Sclerotherapy is preferred over laser for spider veins and small varicose veins because it also closes feeder veins beneath the skin, producing more lasting results. Most patients need two to three sessions. Each session takes under an hour with no downtime.
Laser Vein Treatment
Laser energy is absorbed by the blood within visible veins, heating and closing them without a needle. Ideal for very fine facial spider veins and tiny telangiectasias under 0.3 mm that are too small for sclerotherapy. Laser is also used for residual veins after sclerotherapy. Multiple sessions may be needed for optimal clearing.
Foam Sclerotherapy
For larger reticular veins and small varicose veins, sclerosing solution is mixed with air to create a foam that displaces blood inside the vessel and makes contact with more of the vein wall. Foam sclerotherapy produces more efficient closure of larger vessels than standard liquid sclerotherapy.
Microphlebectomy and EVLT
Large varicose veins that do not respond to injection therapy may require microphlebectomy, the removal of the vein through tiny incisions, or endovenous laser thermal ablation (EVLT) of the underlying incompetent saphenous vein causing the varicosities. Dr. Karamanoukian evaluates each patient to determine if these advanced options are appropriate. Call (310) 998-5533.
Santa Monica Vein Center · 804 7th Street, Santa Monica
Schedule Your Vein Consultation with Dr. Karamanoukian
Causes of spider veins and varicose veins include: genetics, pregnancy, hormonal changes, prolonged standing or sitting, aging, sun exposure, and prior vein injury. Patients with a family history of vein disease are significantly more likely to develop both spider veins and varicose veins. Compression stockings can slow progression but only treatment eliminates existing visible veins. Call (310) 998-5533 at Santa Monica Vein Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between spider veins and varicose veins?
Spider veins are tiny, flat, web-like vessels near the skin surface. Varicose veins are larger, raised, and bulging and can cause physical symptoms including aching and swelling. Both are treated at Santa Monica Vein Center by Dr. Karamanoukian. Call (310) 998-5533.
What is sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is the gold standard treatment for spider veins and small varicose veins. A sclerosing solution is injected into the vein with a fine needle, causing it to close and fade. It also closes feeder veins beneath the skin, producing more lasting results than laser alone. Most patients need two to three sessions at Santa Monica Vein Center. Call (310) 998-5533.
How long does sclerotherapy take and is there downtime?
Each sclerotherapy session takes under one hour. There is no downtime and most patients return to normal activity immediately. Compression stockings are worn for one to two weeks after treatment. Treated veins fade gradually over four to six weeks. Call Dr. Karamanoukian at (310) 998-5533.
Schedule Your Vein Diagnosis and Treatment
Santa Monica Vein Center · 804 7th Street, Santa Monica
Treat Your Veins with Dr. Karamanoukian
Dual board-certified plastic and vein surgeon Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian offers gold standard spider vein and varicose vein treatment throughout Los Angeles at Santa Monica Vein Center. Sclerotherapy, laser, foam, microphlebectomy, and EVLT. Same-week appointments available.