Spider Veins
Spider Veins vs. Varicose Veins
Spider veins, also called telangiectasias, are tiny visible vessels just underneath the skin. They develop most commonly on the face and legs. Varicose veins are distended veins beneath the skin. They may appear as bluish bumps and often cause discomfort. Those with unsightly varicose veins and aching pain often choose to have surgery to remove their varicose veins. Varicose veins are veins that are no longer functional, and their presence is not missed by the body. Ask your general surgeon about varicose vein treatment. If you have both varicose and spider veins, your varicose veins must be
treated first. Treating spider veins first is generally futile because, in the presence of varicose veins, they are bound to return soon.
Treatment Choices for Spider Veins of the Legs
The two options for spider vein treatment are sclerotherapy and laser. They can be employed independently or in combination.
Sclerotherapy (spider vein injection)
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a liquid agent through a tiny needle directly into your spider veins, causing them to contract and collapse. This procedure is best suited for medium to large spider veins because it relies upon fitting a tiny needle into a tiny vein. The procedure is performed in the office by a plastic surgeon or nurse and is relatively painless. Depending on the number of spider veins, the procedure may require five minutes to one hour. Afterward, you will wear ace bandages or compression hose for three to ten days as recommended by your plastic surgeon. You may resume sedentary activities immediately but should avoid exercise, hot baths and alcohol for two to three days. You should anticipate 50% improvement in spider veins following each sclerotherapy session. Expect that two to six sclerotherapy sessions at one to two month intervals may be necessary to achieve your desired results. Understand that some
spider veins may never be successfully treated through sclerotherapy.