Dr. McPherson is board certified in general and cardiothoracic surgery and performs all aspects of adult cardiac, general thoracic, and peripheral vascular surgery to treat Reticular Veins.
Most people have heard of varicose veins and spider veins but not reticular veins.
Reticular veins are 1- 4 mm in size and don’t pop out of the skin as varicose veins do. They are bigger than spider veins but smaller than varicose veins.
Reticular veins are often blue or purple in color. They look like a cluster of blemishes and commonly affect the following areas:
These veins can become spider veins if left untreated
There are two main procedures that can treat reticular veins: Sclerotherapy and surface laser therapy. Both therapies are noted to have a high rate of success and patient satisfaction.
80% of all adults suffer from reticular veins, making them a very common condition worldwide.
Reticular veins are signs of an underlying vein-related problem. Hormone imbalances, weak veins, and genetics all play a role. They occur when veins become dilated, allowing the blood inside to flow backward. This causes an increase in pressure, which then forces the vein to enlarge. They then become an unappealing shade of blue or green due to the marbled lines beneath the skin. The enlarged veins are damaged or weakened as a result.
Since these veins can feed into existing spider veins, they are also known as feeder veins.
While venous insufficiency is the biggest indicator of this condition, having a family member with this condition can be an indicator that you have a higher risk of developing reticular veins.
Most reticular veins are aesthetically unpleasant and not harmful in any way. They can indicate a strong likelihood of having a venous condition, however.
Even people without a family history are vulnerable. People that undergo great physical trauma to the leg area are susceptible to this condition.
Surface laser therapy is the most minimally invasive procedure that can address reticular veins. Lasers do not hurt the nearby tissues.
20-30 minutes are required on average. It may require multiple sessions to see lasting results.
This procedure involves anesthesia and being injected with a special chemical. This compound acts on your veins to seal it off from the rest of the healthy veins in the limb. Then the affected vein shrinks down until it is completely absorbed by the body.
If you suspect you have reticular veins and would like a professional consultation, contact Southern California Vein Center today to schedule a consultation. Our team can provide you with the professional medical care you need.
Varicose veins result from increased pressure in the legs. This results in pooling of blood in the valves of the leg veins. This causes the veins to bulge and become bluish in color. Some patients have vein disease in the absence of visible varicose veins. They often complain of leg fatigue, heaviness, and swelling. Many of these patients have dark discoloration of the legs, very thin skin, and sometimes ulcers.
Risk factors for developing varicose veins include people who spend a lot of time on their feet, women who have had one or more children, obesity, and a family history of varicose veins.
If you have one or more of these risk factors, early use of compression stockings may prevent you from developing varicose veins. Elevation of the legs when sitting is also a helpful preventative measure.
Dr. McPherson strives to deliver the best reticular vein treatment Ventura has to offer. Dr. McPherson’s patients range from all over Los Angeles and Ventura county. Your treatment will be performed in Dr. McPherson’s surgery center located in Oxnard, CA, just outside of Ventura.
Self-verified patient of James G. McPherson, III, MD, MPH, FACS
This is not someone you want to give less than 5 stars to. It may seem too embellishing to say "this person gave me a new life", but in fact that's exactly what he did! There are no words to describe the total care he showed to me. I thank him every day.
I absolutely admire Dr Mc ! He is an outstanding Heart surgeon with hands of gold.
Dr McPherson is unlike any other physcision I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Not only is he professional in every way, but extremely caring, knowledgable and experienced in his field. I have such trust in him, I wish he were my family physician.
James G. McPherson, III, MD, MPH, FACS is board certified in general and cardiothoracic surgery and performs all aspects of adult cardiac, general thoracic and peripheral vascular surgery.
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