Spider Veins

Spider veins are similar to varicose veins except smaller. These small red, purple and blue “threadlike” veins are visible on the surface of the skin. They occur on the legs, but can also be found on the face. Spider veins vary in size and often look like a spider’s web or a tree branch.

Spider veins are purely cosmetic issues and pose no threat to a person’s health. Since they are usually not associated with deeper vein issues, ultrasound tests are not required for routine cases.

Do I Have Spider Veins?

Beyond the obvious visible symptoms associated with spider veins, they generally have no adverse effects. An unsightly appearance is the common cause for concern of patients.

Common Risk Factors

• Heredity – family history of varicose veins
• Gender- Women are at a higher risk than men
• Pregnancy- especially during the late term
• Obesity
• Excessive standing and sitting

Diagnosis

We will conduct an initial consultation to determine if unsightly veins are spider or varicose veins. In some cases, spider veins could be secondary to varicose veins.

During the consultation, we will ask you questions to help determine your vein issues. If visual and anecdotal evidence is not clear, we may need to run an ultrasound to determine the size and location of problem veins.

Treatment options

We treat spider veins with sclerotherapy and cutaneous laser treatment. Unfortunately this is a lifelong battle for most patients. Even after successful treatment, the body tends to continue producing them.

For this reason, most patients need intermittent maintenance treatments to keep their legs spider vein free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my insurance cover this procedure?

Because spider vein removal is primarily considered a cosmetic procedure, most insurance plans do not cover the procedure. However, spider vein surgery often qualifies for flexible spending account payments. We also accept all major credit cards to cover the procedures.

How many treatments will I need?

Each patient is different and requires a personal evaluation to determine the number of treatments and areas we need to treat.

Will my spider veins ever come back?

Although we treat the spider veins at their source, the body usually continues to produce them. Most patients require intermittent treatment of spider veins through their lifetime.

Can light-skin and dark-skin be treated with lasers?

The infrared laser technology can restore skin color and remove unwanted veins with no long term discoloration of the skin. We can treat every skin type from fair to dark effectively. Temporary redness may occur in some patients, but we adjust treatment regimens to individual skin types.

Can I prevent further spider veins from reappearing?

When spider veins are hereditary, there may be nothing you can do to prevent them. However, spider veins that appear only during pregnancy may not reappear if there are no more pregnancies. Additionally, it may help to maintain a healthy body weight and avoid excessive standing or sitting.