Vein Health, The University of Kansas Health System
Q: What are spider veins?
A: Spider veins are dilated vessels within the skin that appear as clusters of fine red, blue or purple veins. These clusters most commonly appear in the skin of the legs, ankles and feet. Spider veins are often hereditary. In some people, spider veins can cause burning, itching and bleeding of the skin. Often, they don’t cause any symptoms; however, cosmetic improvement in the appearance of the skin is desired. Sclerotherapy is the most effective initial treatment for spider veins. This treatment includes tiny injections of medication into the veins to make them seal closed and the color fade with time. It often takes a few treatments for the best cosmetic result.
Q: Are varicose veins a common problem?
A: Varicose veins are a common problem affecting up to 25 percent of the population. Venous disease is often hereditary and slightly more common in women. They can develop during teenage years and are often a life long problem. Varicose veins are amenable to treatment to both visually improve appearance and help symptoms such as achiness, heaviness and swelling of the legs. Varicose veins are treated with minimally invasive procedures performed in a comfortable setting at our Center for Advanced Vascular Care.
By: Dr. Jenny Cho
Dr. Jenny Cho is a vascular surgeon at The University of Kansas Health System. She earned her medical degree from the University of Cincinnati and completed general surgery residency at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati. She then completed a vascular surgery fellowship at Indiana University. In practice since 2010, Dr. Cho is certified in vascular surgery through the American Board of Surgery. She is also certified in vascular ultrasound interpretation by The Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation. She is co-director of vein services at the Center for Advanced Vascular Care and medical director of Vascular Surgery Ultrasound at The University of Kansas Health System. Dr. Cho has special interest and expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of venous disease, arterial disease and bypass surgery.
10700 Nall Ave.
Level 3, Suite 300
Overland Park, KS
kansashealthsystem.com/VeinHealth
