Spider Vein Treatment
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No one wants to see tiny, ugly-looking veins on the surface of their skin. If you see these small varicose veins every time you look in the mirror, you probably feel self-conscious about your appearance, thinking that others may stare at you because of your noticeable veins. If this sounds like you, you may have spider veins.
With the aid of the warm, professional VIVAA team, you can say goodbye to self-consciousness and say hello to freedom from unwanted skin troubles.
Spider Vein Treatment Overview
Defining Spider Veins
Small blood vessels that become dilated and appear just under the skin's surface are spider veins. You may think these are varicose veins, but they are not. Spider veins are different because they appear in other parts of your body, not only the legs, which is the case with varicose veins. Generally, spider veins appear in areas of the body that get a lot of sun exposure, particularly the face, hands and arms, although they can also appear on the legs.
The name says it all. Spider veins are so named because of their appearance, which resembles a web. They can appear just about anywhere. They may cause a disfiguring and unappealing appearance but are generally not life-threatening. If you have spider veins and find they hinder your daily confidence, we’re here to help.
What causes spider veins?
Although faulty valves regulating blood flow are involved in varicose and spider veins, an increase in pressure is the primary cause. Anyone who stands for a long time, such as schoolteachers and salespeople, is more likely to develop them due to the added pressure on the tissue over long periods on the tissue. Age and genetics are other factors that can contribute to development.
Risk factors
Factors that can increase your risk of developing spider veins include:
- Genetics
- Pregnancy
- Age
- Being overweight
- Hormones
- Sitting or standing for extended periods
- Previous blood clots or vein damage
- Excess pressure in the face, such as forceful coughing, sneezing or vomiting
- Sun damage
Are there any risk factors for leaving spider veins untreated?
In general, spider veins are harmless. However, it’s good to have them checked to ensure they’re not a symptom of underlying or developing health issues that may be burdensome.
However, when ignored, spider veins can lead to other, more serious complications, such as chronic venous insufficiency. This condition happens when veins stop working correctly and can’t deliver blood from the heart to the legs. It can also lead to a condition called venous stasis ulcers, where blood pools in the legs and sometimes in the arms. Swelling, changes in skin color and leg ulcers are symptoms of stasis.
Treatment for Spider Veins at VIVAA
We have several options for spider vein treatment at our new Bellevue Office, such as sclerotherapy, ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, or laser therapy. If you’re nervous about treatment, cost or the anxiety of a doctor’s visit, our team has options to help. We offer minimally invasive treatment options to resolve and eventually remove spider veins effectively. VIVAA specialists are here to help you determine the most appropriate treatments and recommend additional self-care measures you can take to avoid spider veins.
Laser Treatment
Lasers send targeted light beams into veins in targeted areas that make them slowly fade and disappear without using needles or incisions. Following laser therapy, most patients see enlarged veins fade over several months, although they may not completely disappear. You may experience itching, swelling, redness, bruising or permanent changes in skin tone.
Sclerotherapy
This procedure treats blood vessels by injecting veins with a chemical solution that scars and makes them shrink, ultimately causing them to close. Blood is forced to return to the heart through healthier veins, which in turn causes the diseased veins to fade and be absorbed by the body. Affected veins sometimes need more than one treatment. This procedure does not require anesthesia and can be done during your lunch hour. Few side effects, except itching, skin color changes, and minor swelling, occur with sclerotherapy, and you can usually do daily activities right after your treatment.
Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy
This procedure is helpful in preventing new spider veins from appearing. Ultrasound allows our doctors to locate problem veins accurately and accurately place the optimal number of injections that are best for your condition.
Preventing Spider Veins
To prevent new spider veins from appearing, you can take simple steps to reduce your chances of having them develop:
- Wear Compression Stockings: Lightweight compression stockings, often found at pharmacies and medical supply stores, can help prevent and manage spider veins
- Lifestyle: Maintain an appropriate weight to help reduce the stress on your legs, a primary determinant of spider veins. Exercise several times weekly and include activities like running or walking to improve blood flow and increase muscle strength.
- Relieve Pressure: Don’t sit or stand for long periods; try to elevate your legs above your head.
- Sunscreen: People with light, sensitive skin should apply sunscreen regularly, as prolonged sun exposure is a factor in creating spider veins. This is especially true for those who develop spider veins in their face and nose.
Get in touch with Vein, Vascular & Aesthetic Associates. We serve the communities of Everett, Kirkland, Newcastle, Seattle and Sammamish.
SCLEROTHERAPY FOR FACIAL VEINS AT VIVAA
*Video courtesy of Dr. Sidhu
*Photo courtesy of Dr. Sidhu
Don’t allow spider or varicose veins to get in the way of your daily life. Treatment for these conditions is strongly recommended for medical and cosmetic reasons. We make treatment comfortable and accessible. Use our Request an Appointment form to develop a long-term treatment plan. Effective treatment of spider veins is yours when you schedule a consultation at VIVAA today. We serve the areas of Bellevue, Everett, Sammamish, Kirkland, Newcastle and Seattle, WA.
Q & A about Sclerotherapy (by Dr. Sidhu from RealSelf)
When flying out of town for vein treatments, how long should we wait before flying home?
Q: To get vein treatment, I must fly to another city. How long should I stay in town after a combination of EVLT, sclerotherapy, and microphlebectomy before flying back home?
A: All the treatments mentioned above have very low complication rates. For endovenous laser ablation, we do duplex scans between the third and fifth day after the procedure, and then you can fly. For sclerotherapy, there is no restriction to fly. In my practice, I don't see any need for phlebectomy. I can get better results with ablation and sclerotherapy and don't believe in leaving behind permanent scars from phlebectomy. Good luck.
Would Sclerotherapy work to shrink a prominent vein on my left arm?
Q: I have very thin skin, and you can see my veins very prominently on my arms and chest. Would Sclerotherapy work to shrink the one on my left arm? People always ask if I have a bruise because it is so prominent. I am a 48-year-old woman of average weight.
A: Sclerotherapy is successful in treating prominent veins anywhere in the body. Having said that, it's best to have a formal consultation to actually see the area of concern and provide the best treatment option.
Having problems with my leg, had varicose veins removed six months ago.
Q: I had varicose veins removed approximately six months ago, and everything was fine until three days ago when I awoke and was in immediate pain from the groin going to the area that’s killing off my vein. I’ve been taking ibuprofen, and it’s helped, but now the same area has become red. I’m a little panicked and would appreciate any help. Thanks, Dave.
A: It's not normal to have that response after vein treatment, especially six months ago, and if you were doing perfectly fine all along. I recommend seeing the provider to evaluate the area for infection.
How do they target specific veins with sclerotherapy?
Q: My varicose veins (legs, vulva) only pop out when sitting or standing. I will be lying down under twilight sedation.
A: Sclerotherapy is not done under anesthesia. Most body parts can be treated with sclerotherapy if your veins bother you. There are several techniques to highlight those ugly veins to be treated with sclerotherapy. Make sure you have a consultation with someone who understands the vascular pathology. Good luck.
Will severe matting after sclerotherapy go away?
Q: I had EVLT treatment on both legs about a month ago. A week after the procedure, I had my first session of sclero. Two weeks later, I had a second session. I know it may take a while to heal, but after the sclero sessions, I was left with little red veins throughout my legs, clusters of little leg veins in some places, especially the knee area. I've never had red veins like that, and I'm wondering, will it go away in time, or will I need to have more treatment?
A: It’s tough to see in the pictures if the red areas are from the vein treatment or just residual veins. Anyway, I would wait for 4-6 weeks, and at that time, all the successfully treated veins should start to disappear, but if the area still blanches and has tiny red veins, then those veins will need to be injected again. It's common that the tiny pink ones start showing after the bluish veins are injected successfully. They were always there, but the blue color from reticular veins has been dominating them.
What is the normal amount of time for reabsorption of superficial spider veins following laser treatments? Three weeks post-op.
Q: I had laser treatment for superficial spider veins on my thighs and the inside of my left knee. It's been three weeks, and they have not been reabsorbed yet. They also look worse and darker, but no redness surrounds them. They are not infected. Is this normal? I am not overweight and did not lift any heavy weights or run (I do hike and dance) after the procedure three weeks ago. I was told I didn't need compression stockings for recovery, so I didn’t buy them. Thank you.
A: Thank you for the question. Sometimes, you need several sessions with the laser to remove spider veins. More than one treatment with a laser to get rid of the spider veins, and if they are big, then the laser doesn't work that effectively. Now, if they blanch, they are still open, and if they don’t, they are probably thrombosed and just need more time to fade away.
What is the best laser spider vein treatment??
Q: Spider veins cover my legs. Years ago, I had surgery to remove a couple of varicose veins. I underwent many sessions of laser TX 12 years ago, and it was painful and did no good. Nine months ago, I went to a dermatology clinic that poked me for an hour (sclerotherapy), and my legs look worse now. WHAT do I look for in treatment? I've seen great before and after pics, why can't I get good results? I've spent thousands over the years. I'm guessing I'm not getting the correct TX.
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Author - Dr. Ramandeep Sidhu
SPECIALTIES: Percutaneous aneurysm repair, endovascular treatment of peripheral arterial disease, treatment for varicose veins, open vascular surgical procedures, deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism treatment and aesthetic services.