Do Spider Veins Have You Hiding Your Legs?

Spider veins are a common, mild and medically insignificant variation of varicose veins. They are thin thread-like veins that lie close to the skin’s surface and are bright red to blue in color. Sometimes they are called thread veins. Spider Veins are caused by abnormal venous blood flow resulting in an increased pressure in these smaller blood vessels, causing them to stretch and become prominent. Many patients are bothered by unsightly spider veins because of their cosmetic appearance.

Spider veins can be found on the legs and feet as well as other areas of the body such as the face, neck and dacolletage. Smaller spider veins typically seen on the nose, chin, cheeks and dacolletage are commonly due to rosacea and sun damage. Larger spider veins are commonly seen on the temples and at the edge of the jaw line. Typically, none of these veins cause pain and are usually treated for cosmetic reasons only. Spider veins on the legs may be a sign of more serious venous disease, particularly when associated with other vascular symptoms such as aching burning pain and a feeling of tired legs that increases after long periods of standing or activity.

Spider veins are thread-like veins close to the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are gnarled, enlarged veins which commonly are found on the feet and legs. Unlike spider veins which are generally a cosmetic concern only, varicose veins can be a sign of underlying venous disease. Spider veins have no associated symptoms. Varicose veins on the other hand, can cause symptoms that may include leg pain, heaviness and aching. Both spider veins and varicose veins should be evaluated in a vein treatment center where the patient can be evaluated for underlying venous disease when appropriate.

Today, many providers treat spider veins with a laser, sclerotherapy, or a combination of both. Sclerotherapy is a rather simple procedure of injecting spider veins with an agent that causes them to collapse. Lasers are a safe, non-invasive and highly effective treatment for those spider veins too small to inject.  Laser spider vein treatment at JVAI is primarily provided with our 940 nm Medipulse laser system. This cutting edge technology erases spider veins right before the patient’s eyes with very little discomfort.

The first and most important step when seeking spider vein and varicose vein treatment is to understand the cause of the condition. Many vein centers do not provide treatment for underlying venous disease. They are not operated and staffed by physicians who are phlebologists or vein treatment experts and are not equipped or capable of diagnosing or treating underlying venous pathology. Podiatrists, dermatologists, internists and other practitioners who offer cosmetic vein treatment are known to take a weekend training on cosmetic treatment for spider and varicose veins for adding another stream of income to their practice. They are focused on providing a cosmetic treatment that eliminates the existing spider veins and/or varicose veins only. Their patients are not generally told that when venous disease is present, more spider veins and varicose veins are likely to develop in other areas of the legs.

At JVAI, many patients come to us for cosmetic spider vein treatment and varicose vein treatment. While they are bothered by the unsightly appearance of these veins, we can often offer them cosmetic solutions and treatment that addresses and permanently eliminates their underlying venous disease.

We use microphlebectomy to provide cosmetic treatment for veins on the surface of their legs. Through laser ablation, we correct the problem with incompetent valves in the saphenous and perforator vein systems. This vascular surgery procedure prevents future spider and varicose vein development from that source. Unlike cosmetic vein treatment centers where payment is the patient’s responsibility, our diagnosis and treatment of venous disease is generally covered by Medicare and private insurance.

Many factors may play a role in the development of spider veins. Heredity and trauma can influence the occurrence of spider veins. Hormonal influences during pregnancy are another contributing factor. Spider veins increase in incidence with advancing age.

Women of any age may be good candidates for sclerotherapy, but most are in the 30-60 age range. Spider veins related to pregnancy will usually disappear spontaneously a few months after the birth of the baby. Make an appointment with our clinician to evaluate your suitability for spider vein treatment.

We perform laser and sclerotherapy for the treatment of spider veins at the Joyce Vein & Aesthetics Institute.

• This is an office procedure and no hospitalization is required.
• You will be awake and comfortable during your procedure.
• Each treatment may be 30-60 minutes.
• Most patients require one to three treatments.
• After treatment, spider veins are no longer visible. Although there is no scarring from the treatment, lasers and sclerotherapy may cause some temporary brownish splotches which fade in a few months.
• There are no side effects that will limit your activities after treatment. You can return to work or your daily schedule immediately following treatments.

A consultation is needed to evaluate your unique situation and to formulate an appropriate plan. Click the tab below to request a spider vein treatment consultation.