Veinwave
The Veinwave™ system is a revolutionary, FDA-approved technique used by vein specialists around the world to eliminate spider veins on the legs through thermocoagulation (heat). The process involves using an ultra-fine insulated needle on the surface of the spider vein to deliver just enough heat to cause the vessel walls to collapse, but because of the insulation, the extra heat is not transmitted into the skin (similar to sucking the air out of a drinking straw and then gluing the inside walls together). Unlike lasers and other light-based therapies that use photocoagulation ("light") with variable penetration through the skin, Veinwave™ treatment usually is more precise and complete.
Fine, thread-like spider veins measuring less than 3mm in size (similar to a strand of hair and too small for sclerotherapy) respond best to Veinwave™ treatment. This also includes mattes of tiny spider veins incompletely treated with sclerotherapy or other light-based therapies. For larger spider veins, sclerotherapy is the preferred option. Some patients experience mild discomfort, but Veinwave™ treatment usually is very tolerable – especially compared to electrolysis, laser, or intense pulsed light treatments. It is not necessary to use an anesthetic for the procedure. In fact, it is better to avoid any local anesthetics to prevent vasodilation (relaxation) of blood vessels. At most, patients might require an over-the-counter pain medicine such as Tylenol.Why UAB
Whether you are looking for treatment for spider and varicose veins or a more complex vein problem, The UAB Vein Clinic offers comprehensive evaluation, specialized treatment, and compassionate care for the health of your veins.
As central Alabama’s premier comprehensive vein center, The UAB Vein Clinic provides state-of-the-art cosmetic, minimally-invasive, and surgical treatments by vascular specialists and medical experts who are specialty trained in vein disease.
The clinic, located at UAB Hospital-Highlands, provides outpatient care, while more intensive treatment is provided at UAB Hospital. The UAB Vein Clinic is part of the larger UAB Vein Program. As the only program of its kind in the state, the UAB Vein Program is designed to care for a wide range of venous problems.
When you choose UAB Medicine to care for your vein condition, you gain instant access to physicians who are leaders in the most complex vascular conditions and offer the latest in cutting-edge treatment options.
Images and Videos
Dr. Marc Passman discusses how to prevent spider and varicose veins and what treatment options are available.
Spider & Varicose Veins: Insights into an Unsightly Problem
Watch "Spider & Varicose Veins - Insights Into an Unsightly Problem", a webinar hosted by Dr. Marc Passman, director of the UAB Vein Clinic. If you struggle with spider or varicose veins, this webinar is for you!


Related Conditions
This procedure may be used to treat or diagnose several different conditions. We have listed some of these conditions below for your convenience. Please note that this is not a comprehensive list and may vary depending on your specific diagnosis.
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- Veinwave™ FAQs
Veinwave™ FAQs
How long has the Veinwave™ system been available?
Veinwave™ is a revolutionary technique used by vein specialists around the world to eliminate spider veins on the legs. Veinwave™ is the only treatment of its kind having FDA clearance in 2009 for treatment of spider veins.
How does Veinwave™ work?
The Veinwave™ system uses thermocoagulation ("heat") to treat spider veins. The process involves using an ultra fine insulated needle on the surface of the spider vein to deliver just enough heat to cause the vessel walls to collapse but because of the insulation extra heat is not transmitted into the skin (similar to sucking the air out of a drinking straw and then gluing the inside walls together). Unlike lasers and other light based therapy which use photocoagulation ("light") with variable penetration through the skin, Veinwave™ treatment is usually more precise and complete.
What types of veins are best treated by Veinwave™?
Fine thread-like spider veins measuring less than 3mm in size (similar to a strand of hair and too small for sclerotherapy) respond best to Veinwave™ treatment. This also includes mattes of tiny spider veins incompletely treated with sclerotherapy or other light based therapies. For larger spider veins, sclerotherapy is the preferred option.
Does Veinwave™ treatment hurt?
Some patients have mild discomfort, but usually Veinwave™ treatment is very tolerable – especially compared to electrolysis, laser, or intense pulsed light treatments. It is not necessary to use any anesthetic for Veinwave™ procedures. In fact, it is better to avoid any local anesthetics to prevent vasodilation ("relaxation") of blood vessels. At most, patients would require over-the-counter pain medicine like Tylenol.
How does the treated vein look afterwards?
Most vessels will almost completely disappear immediately after treatment. The treated area may feel flushed with some minor swelling in the skin for a few hours. Some "micro-scabs" may appear but will flake away within a few days. For the next few weeks, the treated vessel will resemble a "cat scratch." Occasionally, the area may appear darker after treatment with some brownish pigment change. How long after Veinwave™ treatment can normal activity resume? Normal activities can be resumed immediately after treatment, including normal sun exposure and light make-up over the treatment area.
Once an area is treated, can the spider vein return?
Most properly treated spider veins will disappear. For the small percentage of veins that are incompletely treated or return, additional treatment may be required.
Are there any situations where Veinwave™ treatment should be avoided?
Please notify you practitioner if you have any of the following conditions: Serious allergy to nickel or chromium metals; pacemaker, automatic defibrillator, or other implantable devices; heart conditions; skin infection; diabetes mellitus; pregnancy; seizure history; tattoos. Prior to treatment, makeup or artificial suntan in area to be treated should be avoided.
Will insurance pay for Veinwave™?
The cost for Veinwave™ is not covered by insurance and will not be billed to insurance by UAB. UAB Vein clinic fee schedules will be made available prior to treatment.
For more information visit the Veinwave™ website at veinwave.com.
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