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Spider Vein Treatment
WHAT ARE SPIDER VEINS?
Spider veins are smaller, thread-like veins that occur near the skin’s surface and often appear on the legs or face. They can appear as red, purplish, or blue veins and often look like tree branches or spider webs with jagged edges that grow outward.
Thankfully, spider vein treatment is done through nearly painless and minimally-invasive procedures today.
SYMPTOMS
Some estimate that over half of all adult females will develop spider veins.
Similar to varicose veins, spider veins can cover a small area and avoid notice, or they can cover a larger area and become unsightly. It is also possible that they may enlarge over time.
Spider veins, or telangiectasias (tel-AN-juh-ek-TA-ze-uhs), are often related to (and may appear in combination with) varicose veins and can derive from the exact same underlying causes. They occur in the capillaries closest to the skin’s surface, which are fed by veins called reticular veins (also known as ‘feeder veins’).
WHAT CAUSES SPIDER VEINS?
Spider veins are very common. Although they can develop in anyone, certain risk factors can cause some people to be more likely to develop spider veins than others.
They occur more frequently in women due to the shifting of hormones from pregnancy, birth control, or age. Genetic predisposition is another common cause of spider veins. Individuals with a family history of spider veins are likely to get them as well.
Any issues that will cause more pressure or damage to the veins will increase the chances of developing spider veins. Issues include being overweight or obese, standing for long periods, or a history of blood clots.
What’s the difference between spider veins and varicose veins?
Both vein issues are different types of a condition known as venous insufficiency resulting from having weak or damaged valves in the veins. They look different enough to spot the difference, however.
Spider veins are blue, red, or purplish veins and are usually painless. Varicose veins on the other hand, are larger and deeper than spider veins. They typically look twisted or lumpy, with a red or flesh tone.
As opposed to spider veins, varicose veins can cause pain in the legs and itching, bleeding, swelling or heaviness. Varicose veins also increase the risks of developing blood clots or having circulation issues.
Diagnosing Spider Veins
At Virginia Vein Care, our ultrasound technicians are expertly trained, so we can offer you the right treatment course for your spider veins.
SPIDER VEIN TREATMENT
While spider veins are generally not a threat to your health, they can cause some discomfort, and many people want them removed for cosmetic reasons.
Some people try wearing compression socks or stockings to apply pressure to the veins in the lower legs to help improve blood flow. While this may provide symptomatic relief for symptoms of venous insufficiency, it is not known to change the appearance of spider veins.
Treatments to reduce the appearance of spider veins include:
Sclerotherapy:
A treatment method that involves the insertion of a small needle that injects a chemical solution into the vein. This solution will cause the lining of the vein to swell and close. Sclerotherapy causes the spider vein to fade away over time, sometimes with more than one bout of treatment. Compression stockings are worn for several days or weeks after the procedure.
VeinGogh Ohmic Thermolysis:
This safe and effective spider vein treatment involves inserting a hair-thin probe into the vein to deliver a ‘microburst’ of heat delivery to the vein to coagulate the blood within it. This will cause the vessel to collapse and reabsorb into the body. VeinGogh therapy is best reserved for spider veins on the face.
What to Expect During a Consultation for Spider Vein Treatment
You should be prepared to discuss several things during your spider vein treatment consultation to ensure your needs are met and your vascular specialist is fully informed of your condition.
Points that may come up include:
- Your goals for the treatment procedure
- Any medical conditions, family history, drug allergies, and medical treatments
- Current medications you are taking including vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drug use
- Any complications you may have had in the treatment area such as pain or previous injury
- Any surgical procedures which have been performed near the affected area including vein treatments
Your vascular specialist will also review your options, examine your veins, and go over the potential outcome of spider vein treatment and any risks or potential complications.
Be sure to ask any questions you might have of your vein doctor.
Preparing for Your Spider Vein Treatment
Your vein doctor will ask a few things of you before treatment, including:
- Stop using tobacco products
- Take certain medications or adjust current medications
- Stay away from aspirin, any anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding
How to Prevent Spider Veins
Specific changes to your lifestyle may possibly help reduce your risk of developing spider veins and prevent existing spider veins from growing worse.
These steps include:
Staying active—avoiding long periods of standing or sitting by getting up and walking around every half hour.
Wearing sunscreen—some spider veins can be prevented by applying sunscreen each day, especially on your face.
Watching your weight—this can help reduce the pressure on your veins and keep your blood flowing properly.
Watching your alcohol consumption—consuming alcohol can cause blood vessels in your face to break, leading to spider veins.
Not overusing hot tubs—the high heat of saunas and hot tubs can cause surface veins to swell, increasing the risk of dilated and bulging veins in your legs.
Get Spider Vein Treatment Today
Book a visit with a trained spider vein specialist at Virginia Vein Care today to determine which treatment is best for you. The physicians and sclerotherapists at Virginia Vein Care have over 30 years of clinical experience treating all forms of venous disease of the lower extremity.
We have offices in McLean, VA, and Purcellville, VA, so call us today to resolve your vascular issue.