Spider veins are the undesirable thin, weblike blue, red or even purple veins that appear on the legs, particularly the thighs and calves. They have plenty of things in common with varicose veins and vein disease. It’s important to understand how spider veins can be the first sign of something more problematic.
Spider veins most commonly occur due to a genetic predisposition and some of strain we put on our legs each day while standing (or even sitting for prolonged periods of time). Hormonal changes, medications, obesity, pregnancy and aging are contributing factors. Women are more likely than men to have visible spider veins.
Separately, there is a medical condition some with spider veins also have and is referred to as venous insufficiency. In venous insufficiency, blood is not properly circulating back to the heart and results in blood to pool in the legs. As the pressure builds in the legs from poor circulation, individuals can experience common symptoms and signs. Spider veins and varicose veins are one important visible sign, but not everyone will necessarily have them. Symptoms include leg pain, leg fatigue, restless legs, skin discoloration or even leg ulcerations. Later more complicated vein disease is rare but can include bleeding varicose veins, infection and DVT.
Are spider veins dangerous?
Spider veins are a cosmetic condition, however when symptoms are involved there can be underlying venous insufficiency. It’s important not to gloss over these symptoms and focus only on the spider veins. Instead , a proper evaluation with a vein doctor in mount laurel nj will include a comprehensive history and physical examination along with a duplex ultrasound to evaluate the anatomy and integrity of underlying veins.
Cosmetic Spider Vein Treatments:
Spider vein removal using cosmetic treatments can be broken down into 2 categories. As mentioned above, this will follow a complete evaluation for any underlying causes.
Subsequently, we can then focus on the best 2 available treatments for spider veins:
Sclerotherapy for spider veins:
This procedure involves a formulated liquid that is injected directly into the spider veins. The chemical will begin to irritate the walls of the targeted veins causing them to collapse and eventually be absorbed. After some time, the vessel will no longer be visible.
Laser Therapy for spider veins:
This procedure directs a laser beam on the skin, just over the area of the spider vein. The heat from the laser is absorbed by the vein and leads to scarring within the vessel. Ultimately, the treated veins will also be reabsorbed until they are no longer visible.
Sclerotherapy is better because:
Spider vein removal near me is better at treating a greater variety of veins as laser penetration is limited.
The success rate is high leading to greater degree of satisfaction
Pain is less in comparison to laser therapy
Laser Therapy is better when:
Very fine spider veins or matted veins are better treated under laser
There is a needle phobia
No risk of allergic reactions to the medications used in sclerotherapy
Spider Vein Treatment Procedures if You Have Vein Disease
The most important thing is to be aware that venous insufficiency is cause for spider veins and is covered by insurance when medically necessary. However this requires proper evaluation and diagnosis by a vein specialist. While more involved than treating spider veins alone, the newest spider vein treatment near me involves methods that are non-surgical and minimally invasive:
Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation
Endovenous Laser Ablation
VenaSeal
Clarivein
Getting appropriate attention is the first step and there are a few trusted center for vein restoration that can meet the needs and challenges of each patient. Be certain to do some homework before visiting any vein center.
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