Thermocoagulation

Thermocoagulation is a way to treat spider veins using heat, but it’s different than a laser treatment. An insulated, ultra-fine needle is used on the skin surface of the spider vein to deliver energy, which creates heat and causes the vessel walls to collapse and scar.

Some patients report mild discomfort during the procedure, similar to the feeling of an ant bite, and the treated area may look flushed or show minor swelling for the first hour. Tiny scabs may appear afterward, but they usually flake away after a week or so. In some cases, the area may appear darker for a few weeks after treatment. Normal activities can be resumed immediately.

The treatment is not recommended for pregnant women or people who have certain conditions, including heart problems, diabetes, serious allergies to certain metals, and a history of seizures.

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, performed by vascular specialists and medical experts who are specially trained in vein disease.

Located at UAB Hospital-Highlands, the clinic provides outpatient care, while more intensive treatments and vascular surgery are performed at UAB Hospital. The UAB Vein Clinic is part of the larger UAB Vein Program. As the only one of its kind in the state, the UAB Vein Program was created to care for a wide range of vein problems.

When you choose UAB Medicine to care for your vein condition, you gain immediate access to physicians and surgeons who are leaders in the most complex vascular conditions and offer the latest treatment options.

Vein Clinic
UAB Hospital-Highlands
1201 11th Avenue South
Birmingham, Alabama

Care Providers

Videos

Spider Vein FAQ | Symptoms, Treatments, & More
Spider Vein FAQ | Symptoms, Treatments, & More
Frequently asked questions about spider veins.
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Dr. Marc Passman | Spider Vein Q&A
Marc Passman | Spider Vein Q&A
A one on one with Dr. Marc Passman of the UAB Vein Clinic about spider veins and the various treatment options.
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