Varithena Vein Treatment Santa Monica

Santa Monica Vein Treatments

The Santa Monica Vein Center is located in Santa Monica and serves Beverly Hills and the San Fernando Valley. We offer state-of-the-art vein care with Varithena®, a minimally invasive injectable sclerotherapy for varicose and spider veins. Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian is a dual board-certified specialist in Plastic Surgery and Venous & Lymphatic Medicine (ABVLM). Our center provides expert guidance, advanced diagnostic imaging, and personalized treatment plans for patients with cosmetic and medical vein concerns.

Our comprehensive varicose vein treatment center follows strict guidelines for the medical treatment of spider and varicose veins. We offer laser-based and RF-based treatments to eliminate venous reflux and treat vein disease at its common root. Many of our treatments are performed in a state-of-the-art Quad A certified surgery center in Santa Monica. 

Understanding Spider Veins and Their Treatment

Spider Veins can be a sign of Venous Insufficiency

Spider veins, also known as telangiectasias, are small, red or blue, web-like veins visible under the skin’s surface—commonly found on the legs or face. While they typically pose no health risk, they can be cosmetically distressing. Many dermatology practices in Santa Monica and Beverly Hills offer laser spider vein removal, but for best results, foam sclerotherapy—such as Varithena or traditional injections—is often more effective.
At Santa Monica Vein Center, spider veins are evaluated via duplex ultrasound to rule out deeper venous reflux. This ensures proper treatment planning and prevents recurrence. Our approach often combines spider vein sclerotherapy with other vein therapies for full leg rejuvenation.

What Is Varithena®?

Varithena® is a microfoam injectable solution FDA-approved to treat incompetent veins in the great saphenous vein system, the primary cause of spider veins and bulging veins. Under ultrasound guidance, Varithena is precisely administered into the malfunctioning vein, causing it to collapse and be naturally absorbed by the body—without surgical incisions or general anesthesia.

How Varithena Compares to Sclerotherapy & Laser Options

• Varithena® (Foam Sclerotherapy): Ideal for larger or tortuous veins, Varithena offers predictable results with minimal discomfort. Its foam displaces blood and seals the vein under ultrasound precision.
• Traditional Sclerotherapy: Often used for smaller spider veins, using liquid sclerosants. Effective but may require multiple sessions for extensive webs.
• Laser (Surface) vs. Laser (EVLT/EVLA):
  • Surface laser: Targets very fine spider veins but may require many sessions and yield limited results
  • Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT/EVLA): Addresses larger trunk varicose veins by sealing them from within, preventing future spider vein formation.

Our center tailors treatment with combinations of these options based on your vein anatomy and cosmetic goals.

Who Should Consider Spider Vein Sclerotherapy?

Ideal candidates may experience:

• Visible spider veins affecting self-esteem
• Mild discomfort or itching along spider veins
• Varicose veins that drain into spider veins
• Failed results with topical therapies or laser alone

An initial duplex ultrasound—performed by Dr. Karamanoukian—confirms the source of the spider veins and ensures the appropriate use of Varithena, sclerotherapy, or EVLT.

The Patient Experience at Santa Monica Vein Center

Consultation & Duplex Ultrasound

Your consultation includes a comprehensive vein mapping using duplex ultrasound, which provides real-time imaging of vein anatomy and blood flow. Dr. Karamanoukian personally performs and interprets this test, ensuring precision in treatment planning.

Varithena Treatment Day

• Duration: 30–45 minutes
• Anesthesia: Topical or minimal numbing
• Technique: Ultrasound-guided Varithena foam injection
• Recovery: Walk immediately, return to normal activities right away, wear compression stockings for a short term

Most patients observe improved leg appearance and reduced symptoms in just 1–2 weeks.

Advanced EVLT for Chronic Venous Insufficiency

If a larger saphenous vein is involved, EVLT/EVLA may be recommended first. Using a laser fiber inserted through a small puncture, Dr. Karamanoukian seals the vein from within. This prevents new spider veins and complements Varithena treatment.

Longterm Treatment of Varicose Veins in the Legs

We schedule follow-ups to ensure optimal healing and monitor for any reappearance. In some cases, minor sclerotherapy touch-ups may be offered to enhance results.
Why Varithena & Sclerotherapy Matter

Compared to surface laser removal, foam-based treatments like Varithena and traditional sclerotherapy target spider veins more effectively and with fewer sessions. Unlike endovenous laser (EVLT/EVLA), which closes deeper veins, these approaches offer precise cosmetic improvements with minimal downtime.

About Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian—Vein Specialist

Dr. Karamanoukian is a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine (ABVLM)—a rare and distinguished combination. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and has over 20 years of experience in minimally invasive vein treatment.

His training at UCLA and USC, along with fellowship-level vein expertise, makes him uniquely qualified to address both cosmetic and medical aspects of vein disease.
Why Patients Choose Santa Monica Vein Center

• Ultra-specialist care: Dr. Karamanoukian’s dual certification ensures precision and aesthetics
• Accurate diagnosis: Physician-performed ultrasound mapping improves treatment accuracy
• Comprehensive options: Varithena, EVLT/EVLA, and traditional sclerotherapy in one clinic
• Quick recovery: Walk-in treatments, no general anesthesia, and minimal downtime
• Professional credibility: Clinical privileges at Providence St. John’s Hospital and exceptional reviews in Santa Monica and Beverly Hills.
• Supportive patient care: Personalized consultations, insurance navigation, and follow-up guidance

Leading Cosmetic Treatment for Spider Veins and Reticular Veins

Schedule a Consultation Today with the Santa Monica Vein Center

If you're bothered by spider veins or have leg discomfort linked to venous insufficiency, contact Santa Monica Vein Center today. Our team will help you determine if Varithena, EVLT, or combined sclerotherapy is right for you.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian by phone or online—we look forward to helping you feel healthier, confident, and more comfortable in your skin.
We offer Varithena sclerotherapy, and laser vein treatments, along with specialist-led care in Santa Monica & Los Angeles.  We strive to provide patients with safe, effective, and aesthetically driven solutions for spider veins and varicose veins.