Spider veins (telangiectasias) are damaged, visible blood vessels just beneath your skin’s surface. They typically look red, blue or purple. They may appear in clusters that look like spider webs or tree branches. Spider veins can form anywhere, but they usually develop on your legs, hands or face.

Despite their name, spider veins aren’t actually veins. They’re small, damaged blood vessels that connect to the veins and arteries in your body (otherwise known as capillaries, venules and arterioles).

TREATMENT FOR SPIDER VEINS-

Sclerotherapy- is a minimally invasive medical procedure offered by vein specialists to treat unsightly or uncomfortable spider veins and varicose veins. If you’re considering improving the appearance of your legs or alleviating symptoms such as swelling or pain, this guide will walk you through the process of how sclerotherapy works for both conditions.

Understanding Spider Veins: Causes and Risk Factors

Spider veins, or telangiectasias, are small, damaged veins that appear near the surface of the skin. While often a cosmetic concern, they can sometimes signal underlying venous issues. Understanding why they form is the first step toward effective treatment and prevention.

What Causes Spider Veins?

Spider veins develop when the small valves in your veins weaken. Normally, these valves act as one-way gates, pushing blood back toward the heart. When they fail, blood can flow backward and pool in the vein. The resulting pressure causes the vein walls to expand and branch out, creating the characteristic red, blue, or purple "spider web" appearance.

Primary Drivers of Valve Weakness

• Venous Insufficiency: A condition where the veins have trouble sending blood from the limbs back to the heart.
• Increased Pressure: Chronic pressure on the legs can cause the delicate vessel walls to stretch and become visible.
• Hormonal Fluctuations: Changes in estrogen and progesterone can weaken vein walls, making them more susceptible to dilation.

Common Risk Factors

While anyone can develop spider veins, certain factors significantly increase your likelihood: Gentics, hormones,and pregnancy

TREATMENT OF SPIDER VEINS-

Sclerotherapy- is a medical procedure used to eliminate varicose veins and spider veins. It involves injecting a solution directly into the affected veins. The solution is Sotradecal, this mediacation will irritate the lining of the blood vessel, causing it to collapse and stick together. Over time, the vessel fades from view. The science behind sclerotherapy is based on this reaction, which closes off the vein and redirects blood flow to healthier veins. The procedure is minimally invasive.

Preparing for Treatment-

Must bring your compression hose on the treatment day. They can be purchased on Amazon. We CAN NOT treat unless you have hose. Do not use lotion or oils on the day of the treatment session. 

Do not suntan, use tanning oils, or tanning machines for 3-4 weeks prior to each laser treatment. Please alert staff if you have had exposure to sun/tanning/self-tanners as this will change your treatment.

Do not shave your legs on the day of the treatment session.

If something occurs that would interfere with following your treatment plan normal activities please postpone treatment. ( Illness, Injury, Travel).

Please notify the office if you are/might be pregnant, changes in medications or medical conditions.

During the Treatment-

The sclerotherapy procedure itself is relatively straightforward and typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes. During the treatment, the area is cleaned and using a fine needle, the sclerosant solution is injected into the affected veins. Patients might feel a mild discomfort or itchy sensation during the injection, but this usually subsides quickly.

Post Treatment -

            Leave compression hose on for: 72 hours continuously.  Avoid vigorous exercise for 1 week ( walking is encouraged). Drink plenty of fluids, walk frequently and avoid heavy lifting, abdominal exercises.  ARNICA cream can be purchased on Amazon to help with the healing process. Massage onto treatment areas 1-3 times per day until bruising/inflammation resolve. Please be aware that veins look worse before they look better. Remember vein treatments can range anywhere from 1-3 treatments. It is very important to stay on to plan that was given.  Avoid direct sun exposure during treatments. Always wear sun protection. Tylenol CAN be taken if you experience mild discomfort (AVOID: Aleve, Advil, Mortin, Aspirin) .Please call the office if you experience pain, fever, chills, or small or tender areas at the treated site(s).