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Spider Veins

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Spider Veins

Spider veins and reticular veins are small, web-like, blood vessels that are easily visible on the surface of your skin. They can be red, blue, or purple and are commonly associated with varicose veins. Spider veins range in diameter from 0.1 to 1 mm. Reticular veins are dilated bluish sub-dermal veins measuring between 1 and 3 mm in diameter. When veins are more than 3mm in diameter, they are referred to as varicose veins. Varicose veins, although still visible through the skin, are usually larger, raised blood vessels that are swollen. 

Spider Veins
Spider veins
Reticular Vein
Reticular veins

Reticular Veins​

Although spider and reticular veins can be viewed as a cosmetic problem, they are often a result of underlying venous reflux in the larger veins, which is a medical condition. When reflux develops in the larger veins and results in the veins becoming bigger, the pressure is often transmitted to the nearby smaller veins under the skin and these manifest as spider veins and reticular veins. Therefore, it can be beneficial to check for reflux in the larger veins which may be the underlying cause for a patient’s spider veins. A non-invasive ultrasound examination is the gold-standard  for diagnosing the site and severity of venous reflux in the veins of the leg.

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Risk Factors

There are many factors that can increase your chances of developing spider veins:

  • Genetics: The majority of people who have spider veins, have family with them too.
  • Age: People who are older (Age 40+) tend to have a higher chance of developing spider veins as valves in the veins get weaker over time.
  • Gender: Spider veins are more prevalent among women than men.
  • Prolonged Sitting and Standing: Veins have to work harder to pump blood back to the heart during extended times of inactivity.
  • Obesity or Excessive Weight: Extra weight can add pressure to leg veins, making it difficult to pump blood back to the heart.
  • Multiple Pregnancies: The extra weight of a child, with the increased blood flow associated with carrying a baby, leads to veins having to work harder than normal.
  • Smoking: Narrows veins over time and thus puts added pressure on them.

IS THIS A COSMETIC ISSUE?

Although Spider Veins can be viewed as a cosmetic problem, and frequently treated in dermatology and other clinics by sclerotherapy, they can be a result of underlying Venous Reflux. Venous Reflux is NOT a cosmetic issue as is commonly believed. If left untreated, they can progress over time to more serious problems such as:  
  • Leg or ankle swelling
  • Leg heaviness and fatigue
  • Burning or itching of the skin
  • Restless legs
  • Skin changes/ pigmentation
  • Skin ulceration (ulcers/sores/open wounds)

Spider Vein FAQs

How much does spider vein treatment cost?

The exact cost of your spider vein treatment will depend on the type of treatment you receive and the specific details of your procedure. The average prices you may see online for sclerotherapy do not always include all costs and fees associated with the procedure. Laser spider vein treatments are often slightly more expensive than sclerotherapy. 

The best way to get an accurate cost estimate for your spider vein treatment is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ramaswami to discuss the specifics of your procedure. 

Does insurance cover the cost of spider vein treatment?

Insurance coverage for spider vein treatment depends on whether or not the procedure is deemed medically necessary. If spider veins cause significant pain, swelling or other symptoms, insurance might cover part or all of the treatment cost. However, if the treatment is for purely cosmetic reasons, it is unlikely to be covered by insurance. You can call the number on the back of your insurance card to check with your insurance provider to determine if your treatment may be covered.

Do spider vein treatments hurt?

Spider vein treatments are generally well-tolerated, though some mild discomfort may be expected. During sclerotherapy, some patients report feeling a mild burning or stinging sensation when the solution is injected into the veins. 

Laser treatments can cause a sensation similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin. Most patients find these sensations manageable, and Dr. Ramaswami takes great care to maximize your comfort during your procedure. Topical or local anesthetics may be used to minimize any discomfort during your spider vein treatment.

How soon will I see results?

With sclerotherapy, you might start noticing improvements within a few weeks as the treated veins gradually fade. Full results can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 3 months to develop. Laser treatments can also yield visible results within a few weeks, with continued improvement over several months. The exact timeframe for your results will depend on your individual healing process and the severity of the spider veins that were treated.

How many spider vein treatment sessions will I need?

The number of spider vein treatments you will need depends on a number of factors, including the size, location and severity of your spider veins and the type of treatment that Dr. Ramaswami recommends.

Smaller areas with fewer veins might require only 1 or 2 sessions, while larger or more extensive areas could need 3 to 5 sessions. Each session typically takes around 30 minutes to complete. Dr. Ramaswami will evaluate your veins and develop a personalized treatment plan to achieve the best results.

Are spider vein treatment results permanent?

While spider vein treatments can effectively eliminate existing veins, they do not prevent new veins from forming. The treated veins are permanently closed and absorbed by your body, but lifestyle factors, genetics and underlying venous conditions can cause new spider veins to develop over time. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, wearing compression stockings and avoiding prolonged periods of standing or sitting, can help to minimize the risk of new spider veins developing.

What Spider Vein Treatment Can Do for You

Spider veins can be treated with two methods

SCLEROTHERAPY

This treatment is a quick, minimally invasive procedure which involves the locating of the veins and injecting of a solution which collapses the spider/reticular vein. Afterwards, the vein is reabsorbed and disappears. Sclerotherapy is relatively painless with little or no downtime.

LASER

Spider Veins can also be treated with laser at Taylor Vein Solutions & Laser Aesthetics! Our laser treatment has little to no downtime and provides great results, much like our other treatment options.

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