Spider Veins
Challenges of Spider Veins
Spider veins, like varicose veins, are caused when blood can’t move through vein valves correctly, leading to pooling. Unlike varicose veins, spider veins are exceptionally small—less than one millimeter in diameter—have a bluish-purple tint and usually appear in a large spiderweb pattern.
Spider veins don’t have many other symptoms, although, if left untreated spider veins can become painful, itchy, or achy. Eventually, spider veins can develop into varicose veins—so it’s important to get them looked at by a spider vein reduction specialist.
Causes of Spider Veins
Spider veins have the same root cause as varicose veins—weak vein walls and improper blood flow. These conditions can appear in anyone, but they are more likely to occur in older, Caucasian individuals with a family history of vein problems. In addition to these factors, spider veins can also be caused, at least in part, by lifestyle, diet, sun overexposure, and even mild injury.
Spider Vein Therapy at The Vein Center
At The Vein Center, one of our Advanced Practice Providers (APP) utilize the latest techniques and equipment to safely and quickly reduce the appearance of spider veins—before they develop into a more serious health condition. Our spider vein therapy options include cosmetic sclerotherapy, cutaneous laser vein reduction, and compression therapy.
Compression Therapy
Compression therapy uses a specially designed sleeve or sock to apply constant pressure to veins, promoting proper blood flow and potentially eliminating spider veins without intensive spider vein therapy.
Cosmetic Sclerotherapy
Cosmetic sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive form of spider vein therapy that involves injecting a agent into problematic veins. This agent irritates the vein lining, causing it to collapse and seal. Blood is quickly redirected to nearby healthy veins, and patients experience little to no discomfort during the procedure.
Laser Spider Vein Reduction
Cutaneous laser spider vein reduction treatments gently heat veins close to the surface of the skin, causing them to collapse and divert blood to nearby healthy veins. The process is safe and effective at reducing the appearance of spider veins.
Check out our Procedures page for more information on each of these safe, innovative vein treatment options.