Spider veins, known in the medical world as telangiectasias or sunburst varicosities are small, highly colored red or blue veins that lie close to the surface of the skin . These super-fine veins are connected with the larger venous system, but they are not an essential part of it.
A number of factors contribute to the development of spider veins, including heredity, pregnancy, and other events that cause hormonal shifts, weight gain, injury, occupations or activities that require prolonged sitting or standing, and the use of certain medications. Spider Veins can be treated with injections, lasers, or a combination of both.
Laser Spider Vein TreatmentLaser surgery can be used to destroy veins by sending a very strong beam of light onto the vein, making the vein slowly disappear. There are no needles or incisions. Patient discomfort is limited to a small pinch when the laser hits the skin. This can usually be soothed by cooling the skin prior to and after the 15-20 minute procedure. Side effects are minimal and include some redness and swelling of the skin that disappears within a few days. Patients may also notice some skin discoloration for a week or two after treatment.
Injection Spider Vein Treatment
Sclerotherapy is a nonsurgical treatment for veins that involves injecting a saline or detergent-like solution into the vein, causing the lining of the vein wall to swell, stick together and ultimately seal shut. Once the vein is sealed, the flow of blood is stopped and scar tissue develops in the vein. Sclerotherapy may need to be performed multiple times over the course of weeks or months to achieve the desired results.
Click here to Learn about Varicose Veins.
