Understand Your Vascular Symptoms

Whether you're experiencing aching legs, swelling, or visible veins, we'll help you identify the condition and find the right solution.

rosacea woman face
Vein Conditions
Vascular Symptoms
Varicose Vein Symptoms
Varicose Veins Causes
Leading Medical Certifications
AAFP
ARDMS
The American board of venous & lymphatic medicine
Plastic surgical nursing certificate board (psncb)
american society for laser medicine and surgery
Vein Conditions

Vein Conditions Shouldn't Hold You Back

Vascular symptoms—from varicose veins and spider veins to leg swelling and facial redness—are more than a cosmetic concern. They’re often signs that your venous system needs expert care. At Colorado Skin & Vein, we’ve spent over 20 years helping Denver-area patients understand what’s happening beneath the surface and chart a path to lasting relief. Using advanced diagnostic ultrasound and state-of-the-art laser technology, we identify the root cause of your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan designed around your life, your goals, and your timeline.

Find Your Symptoms. Find Your Solution.

Vascular symptoms can present in many forms—visible veins, leg discomfort, swelling, skin changes, or facial redness. Below, explore the conditions we treat every day and find the information that matches what you’re experiencing.

Varicose Veins

Painful, discolored veins that make your legs feel heavy and tired. Daily activities become challenging as aching, swelling, and discomfort progressively worsen.

Spider Veins

Fine, branching veins visible just beneath the skin’s` surface. Though typically cosmetic, they may indicate underlying circulation issues and affect confidence in social settings.

Restless Leg Syndrome

Uncomfortable urges to move legs, often with crawling or tingling sensations that worsen at night. Sleep disruption leaves you exhausted and frustrated daily.

Rosacea

Chronic facial redness, flushing, visible blood vessels, and sometimes bumps or pustules. Triggers like heat, stress, and foods cause unpredictable, embarrassing flare-ups.

Port Wine Stains

Permanent vascular birthmarks ranging from pink to deep purple, typically on face or limbs. Without treatment, they darken and thicken over time.

Leg Swelling

Persistent leg swelling, heaviness,or achiness—particularly at the end of the day—often signals venous insufficiency. Left untreated, these symptoms can progress and impact mobility.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)

The most common underlying cause of leg vein problems, CVI develops when vein valves fail and blood pools in the lower extremities. Symptoms range from mild aching and swelling to severe skin changes and ulcers. Early intervention prevents progression and complications.

Facial Veins & Redness

Visible veins around the nose, cheeks, and chin—along with persistent redness or flushing—can impact your confidence and how you’re perceived.

Leg Pain & Discomfort

Aching, throbbing, or burning sensations in your legs—especially after standing or by day’s end—often signal compromised venous circulation.

Skin Changes

Venous skin changes often appear gradually: darkening around the ankles, skin that feels tight or itchy, areas that look shiny or feel unusually firm. These aren’t cosmetic issues—they’re signs of tissue damage from chronic venous insufficiency.

Superficial Thrombophlebitis

A clot in a surface vein causes localized pain, redness, and a rope-like hardness you can feel beneath the skin. The affected area may be red, warm, and swollen.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Unlike superficial clots, deep vein thrombosis occurs in the major veins within your leg muscles and poses serious risks if untreated. Symptoms include significant leg swelling, pain, and warmth.

Pregnancy and Varicose Veins

Pregnancy puts tremendous pressure on your leg veins while hormones relax vein walls—a perfect storm for varicose vein development.

Facial Veins & Redness

Visible veins around the nose, cheeks, and chin—along with persistent redness or flushing—are dilated blood vessels close to your skin’s surface.
VASCULAR TREATMENTS

Advanced Treatments, Lasting Results

State-of-the-art vascular treatments designed to eliminate diseased veins, restore healthy circulation, and return you to the life you love. With minimal downtime and exceptional outcomes, our procedures combine medical precision with patient-centered care.

Varicose Vein Treatments

Non-surgical approaches target root causes of vein dysfunction. Results include eliminating discomfort, improved circulation, enhanced appearance, and return to active lifestyles.

Spider Vein Treatments

Non-invasive approaches treat multiple veins per session with minimal discomfort. Gradual improvement brings back the clear, youthful skin you remember.

Facial Vein Treatments

State-of-the-art laser approach fades broken capillaries and discoloration effectively. Restore your natural, healthy glow with treatments that fit your schedule.

Port Wine Stain Treatments

Specialized laser therapy targets deep vascular birthmarks through customized treatment series. Achieve significant lightening and improved skin texture, even for longstanding lesions.

Rosacea Treatments

Advanced treatments address underlying vascular causes of chronic redness and flushing. Patients experience dramatically improved skin tone, texture, and reduced sensitivity.

Sclerotherapy

Direct injection approach treats multiple veins per visit with immediate results developing over weeks. Enjoy smoother, more attractive legs without surgery.

Ava our intelligent virtual assistant

Ask Ava About Your Symptoms

Ava is our intelligent virtual assistant, available 24/7 to answer your vascular health questions. Whether you’re exploring treatment options, understanding symptoms, or preparing for your first consultation, Ava provides personalized guidance instantly. Get clear, helpful answers on your schedule—no appointment needed.

Why Patients Choose Us

For 20 years, Denver-area patients have trusted us for exceptional vascular care. Our combination of medical expertise, cutting-edge technology, and personalized attention delivers outcomes that truly transform lives.

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Insurance & Vein Treatments

Insurance & Vein Treatments

Insurance can be confusing; relief shouldn’t be. We accept most major plans and Medicare, verify coverage quickly, and secure prior authorization when necessary. In many cases, no referral is required, but if your plan needs one, we’ll help obtain it. After your ultrasound confirms medical necessity, we submit all documentation and keep you updated at each step. You’ll start care with a clear understanding of timing, coverage, and any estimated out-of-pocket costs.

Testimonials

Real Patients. Real Relief.

Real experiences from Colorado patients who chose minimally invasive vein care—and saw meaningful, lasting change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Vein Treatment Questions Answered

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen, and twisted veins, often appearing blue or dark purple just beneath the skin’s surface. They occur when valves within the veins weaken or fail, causing blood to pool and the veins to stretch. They most commonly affect the legs and feet.

The primary cause is weakened vein walls and faulty valves. Key risk factors include genetics (family history), increasing age, female gender (due to hormonal influences), pregnancy, obesity, prolonged periods of standing or sitting, and a history of blood clots.
Symptoms can include visibly enlarged and twisted veins, aching pain, a feeling of heaviness or fatigue in the legs, swelling (especially in the lower legs and ankles), throbbing or burning sensations, muscle cramping (particularly at night), itching around the veins, and skin discoloration or hardening near the affected veins.
While often considered a cosmetic issue, varicose veins can cause significant discomfort and pain. If left untreated, they can sometimes lead to more serious complications such as skin ulcers (sores that are slow to heal), bleeding from the veins, superficial thrombophlebitis (blood clots in the surface veins), and, rarely, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a more serious type of blood clot.
Common vein-related symptoms include visible varicose or spider veins, leg heaviness or aching (especially after standing), nighttime cramping, swelling in the ankles or lower legs, restless legs, and skin changes near the ankles. If your symptoms worsen throughout the day and improve with leg elevation, that’s a strong indicator of venous insufficiency. The most reliable way to know for certain is a diagnostic ultrasound performed by a registered vascular technician, which we offer in-office.
No, though they’re related. Varicose veins are larger, deeper veins (typically 3mm or greater) that bulge beneath the skin and appear rope-like or twisted, often in blue or purple. Spider veins are smaller dilated vessels closer to the surface that create red, blue, or purple web-like patterns. Both often stem from the same underlying issue—venous insufficiency—where vein valves fail and blood pools. However, they require different treatment approaches based on their size, depth, and location.
Absolutely. Many patients with significant venous insufficiency experience leg pain, heaviness, swelling, cramping, or restless legs without obvious visible veins. The malfunctioning veins may be deeper within the leg, detectable only through ultrasound imaging. In fact, some of the most symptomatic vein disease occurs in the deep venous system or larger saphenous veins that aren’t visible at the surface. If you’re experiencing persistent leg discomfort, a vascular evaluation can identify hidden circulation issues.
Schedule a comprehensive vascular consultation. During this visit, we’ll discuss your symptoms, medical history, and concerns, then perform a thorough physical examination. If indicated, we’ll conduct diagnostic ultrasound imaging to map your venous system, identify valve dysfunction, and measure blood flow. This ultrasound, performed by our registered vascular technician, is painless and takes 20-45 minutes. With these findings, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific conditions, fits your lifestyle, and works toward your goals—whether that’s eliminating pain, improving appearance, or both.
Lifestyle modifications—regular exercise, weight management, leg elevation, and compression stockings—can slow progression and reduce symptoms but won’t reverse existing vein damage or repair faulty valves. Think of these measures as symptom management rather than cures. They’re excellent for prevention and can make you more comfortable, but once venous insufficiency develops, damaged valves don’t heal on their own. Treatment eliminates the malfunctioning veins permanently while your body redirects blood through healthy vessels. Many patients combine treatment with lifestyle changes for optimal long-term vein health.

Restore Confidence in Your Legs

Take the first step toward healthier, smoother, and pain-free legs with our advanced vascular and vein treatments tailored to your needs.

Colorado's Vascular & Aesthetic Medicine
Danielle Killingsworth, NCMA, Aesthetics Coordinator at Colorado Skin & Vein in Denver

Danielle Killingsworth

NCMA, Aesthetics Coordinator

Danielle is a Colorado native who brings more than 22 years of experience in the medical field. Throughout her career she has developed a diverse clinical background across infectious disease, general surgery, and pain management — giving her a well-rounded understanding of patient care and of what it takes to create a safe, comfortable, and personalized experience.

As Aesthetics Coordinator at Colorado Skin & Vein, Danielle combines that clinical knowledge with a genuine passion for aesthetics. She is dedicated to helping patients feel confident, informed, and supported throughout their aesthetic journey, from the initial consultation through treatment and follow-up care.

She believes one of the most rewarding parts of her career is building meaningful relationships with patients and helping them look and feel their very best.

Outside of work, Danielle enjoys spending time with her family, including her four boys, getting lost in a good book, and working in her garden. Fun fact: she is a dedicated Dallas Cowboys fan.

Nikki Moyta, Operations Director at Colorado Skin & Vein in Denver

Nikki Moyta

Operations Director

For over 26 years, Nikki has dedicated her career to the dermatology and aesthetics industry, building her experience from the ground up — starting in a patient scheduling call center, moving to the front desk, and rising to executive leadership overseeing multiple providers and locations.

Originally from Pittsburgh, she moved to Orlando before starting 10th grade and later attended Seminole State College of Florida. Her career in dermatology began in 2002, scheduling appointments for a multi-location practice. She grew quickly within the organization, moving into front-desk and checkout roles before being promoted to Office Manager in 2008. In 2012, her leadership and operational expertise led the CEO to seek her out for an expanded role overseeing multiple providers and locations — a position she held through 2022.

Outside of her professional career, Nikki is passionate about giving back to the community:

  • Community outreach
  • Voted “Cheerleader of the Practice”
  • 1st Place Winner — Miles for Melanoma

With a career built on leadership, dedication, and a genuine passion for patients and the aesthetics industry, she is excited to bring her experience and enthusiasm to the Colorado community. When she is not in the office, you can find Nikki with her Siberian husky, Compass, somewhere on top of a mountain.

Betina Lacson, RVT at Colorado Skin & Vein in Denver

Betina Lacson

RVT

Betina graduated from the Cardiovascular Technology Program at Grossmont College in California in 2020, and brings more than six years of experience in the duplex world of venous insufficiency. Much of her career has centered on superficial vein mapping and assisting in surgery while providing attentive patient care.

At Colorado Skin & Vein, she assists with venous ablation procedures as well as ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy. She is committed to quality care at every stage — from the initial consultation, through surgery, to post-operative appointments — making sure each patient feels fully supported.

In her free time, Betina loves Kizomba dancing with her Afro-Latin dance community, and can often be found at electronic dance music shows in different cities. If you are feeling generous, she will happily accept a karaoke room or an iced Thai milk tea.

Brooke Owens, PA-C, MPAS at Colorado Skin & Vein in Denver

Brooke Owens

PA-C, MPAS

Brooke Owens, PA-C, MPAS is a compassionate Physician Assistant who brings a strong clinical foundation, exceptional attention to detail, and a patient-centered approach to Colorado Skin & Vein.

Prior to joining the practice, Brooke spent several years in pediatric primary care, caring for patients with a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. She became known for her thorough evaluations, thoughtful clinical decision-making, and ability to build lasting relationships with patients and their families. That experience strengthened her diagnostic expertise while reinforcing the importance of listening carefully, educating patients, and creating individualized treatment plans.

Drawn to the unique blend of medicine, procedures, and patient transformation, Brooke was excited to move into vascular medicine and aesthetic care. She is passionate about helping patients improve not only their health but also their confidence — whether they are seeking treatment for vein disease, skin concerns, or cosmetic enhancements. By combining broad medical experience with advanced specialty training and a meticulous eye for detail, she delivers safe, effective, and personalized care.

Brooke believes the best outcomes begin with trust. She values taking the time to understand each patient’s goals, answer questions, and ensure they feel informed and comfortable throughout their care.

Angel Croce, Staff Manager at Colorado Skin & Vein in Denver

Angel Croce

Staff Manager

Angel has been in healthcare for more than 20 years. Her journey began in 2004, after her father suddenly passed away from a stroke. Losing him was a life-changing experience, and it inspired her to choose a career where she could help others and give patients and their families the care, compassion, and support they need during difficult times.

Throughout her career she has worked across cardiology, neurology, family practice, and urgent care — each experience helping her grow both personally and professionally. She now works in vascular care and aesthetics, where she enjoys building relationships with her patients, helping them understand their care, and making sure they feel comfortable and supported throughout their journey.

Outside of work, Angel is a proud mom of two. Family is incredibly important to her, and in her spare time she loves being outdoors with her husband and their two dogs — hunting, fishing, and enjoying Colorado.

For Angel, healthcare is more than a career — it is personal. What started as a way to honor her father’s memory has become more than two decades of caring for others, and she is grateful to keep doing something that means so much to her every day.