Spider Veins
Spider veins scattered with a small conglomeration in center.
Spider veins, referred to as such because of the similarity they often bear to a spider or a spider’s web, are a mild variant of varicose veins. These are very small or tiny blood vessels that lie very close to the skin. The walls of these very small veins become weak related to a variety of factors and begin to bulge at or through the skin's surface. Spider veins can be red, blue or purple in color. Spider veins are more common in women, but do occur in men, and are associated with a family history of varicose veins, hormonal changes and aging.
Discomfort associated with spider veins is usually less severe than with larger, bulging varicose veins, but associated itching can be very annoying. Rarely, slightly larger spider veins, called reticular or telangiectatic veins, may spontaneously bleed.
Treatment
The Vein Clinic uses Sclerotherapy and Laser Therapy to quickly and painlessly treat spider veins.
Sclerotherapy
Developed in the 1930's and one of the oldest treatments available for varicose veins, sclerotherapy remains the treatment of choice for small spider veins in the leg. It remains less expensive and more effective, with less patient discomfort, than other treatment options available. Sclerotherapy is also used to treat larger veins in the legs, which are not amenable to treatment with other means. An extremely fine, and usually painless, needle is placed into the vein. A small amount of sclerosing solition is then injected into the vein. This solution causes irritation of the lining of the vein wall, which cases the vein to spasm and become a small fibrous thread, resulting in permanent closure of the vein. These closed veins will be absorbed by the body and typically disappear in 1-3 months. While closure of the spider veins is permanent, it is possible for the body to form new spider veins in the future. A short follow-up treatment may be useful in future years.
Sclerotherapy is often performed at The Vein Clinic utilizing a technique called transillumination. The technique uses a high intensity light positioned close to the skin to identify slightly larger feeding veins that supply the spider-like veins. When sclerotherapy of these slightly larger feeding veins is performed using transillumination, treatment of the overlying spider veins is very often more effective and long-lasting.
Laser Therapy
Laser Therapy is also utilized in the treatment of spider veins and some slightly larger reticular veins in the leg. Laser therapy has its effects in similar fashion to sclerotherapy in the it will result in a mile irritation of the vein wall, causing the vein to spasm and become a small fibrous thread, with resultant permanent closure of the vein. State-of-the-art treatment offered at The Vein Clinic utilizes Syneron Elos technology, which uses a unique combination of radio frequency energy and light to treat the problem areas. This combination approach allows maximal effectiveness with the least risk of harmful side effects that may occur with systems that utilize only a single energy source.
Sclerotherapy and laser therapy do not require down-time and typically requires approximately 30-45 minutes for an average session, with absolutely no need for any sedation. Patients can return to a normal daily schedule immediately following treatment.
IMPORTANT:
Treatment for Spider Veins is considered cosmetic and is NOT COVERED by most medical insurance companies. The Vein Clinic offers affordable treatment. Ask us how we can help you eliminate Spider Veins quickly and painlessly.
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