What are spider veins?

Spider veins are referred to as venulectasias (blue veins) and telangiectasias (red veins). These small dilated blood vessels are near the surface of the skin, measuring between 0.5 and 1 millimeter in diameter and can appear as red, blue or even purple bursts that spider out on the skin. Spider veins most commonly occur on the legs, but are also found on the face, chest and other areas of the body.

Everyone is different — depending on the severity of your condition, your lifestyle, health issues and physical appearance, such as the color of your skin, spider veins will look different. Some patients may have light spider veins covering an entire leg, while others may have small groupings or patches.

While not life threatening, if left untreated spider veins will continue to multiply making it more difficult to achieve the cosmetic result you desire.

What causes spider veins of the leg?

Similar to the causes of varicose veins, the cause of spider veins can be due to age, gender, pregnancy, heredity, and lifestyle or occupations. All have an effect and can cause stress on the vascular system.

While spider veins appear in both men and women, they more frequently affect women. Female medical issues like hormone replacement, birth control and pregnancy contribute to the weakening of the circulatory system.

Spider veins in the legs typically have feeder veins below the surface as their cause.  Treating spider veins on the surface alone, as is done by most practitioners, will usually lead to recurrence or worsening of the spider veins.  At Kass Clinics we utilize technology to expose these underlying veins that need to be treated.  Typically treating one of these underlying feeders will treat multiple spider veins.

What are facial spider veins?

Facial spider veins typically appear on the nose and cheeks. The larger reticular (blue) veins appear around the eye and forehead. They are usually caused by environmental factors and sun damage.

Can spider veins be prevented?

Spider veins, just like varicose veins, cannot be prevented. There are, however, several measures you can take to help minimize spider veins and also speed recovery after treatment.

  • Wear compression stockings to support your lower legs and help minimize the development of unwanted blood vessels.
  • Maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight puts stress on your circulation.
  • Exercise regularly, especially with cardio-based workouts to promote healthy circulation.
  • Wear low-heeled shoes. Gravity is the enemy of our vascular system. High heels put unneeded stress on your circulation.

The Best Way to Treat Spider Veins – Kass Clinics Can Help

The Gold Standard of treatment for spider veins in the legs is sclerotherapy or foam sclerotherapy. This is a simple in-office procedure at Kass Clinics that takes 20-30 minutes per session. Sclerotherapy, a series of injections, works by injecting a small amount of medication, known as a sclerosing agent, into the damaged vein. This creates a minor inflammatory reaction inside the vein, causing it to collapse and to eventually be absorbed by the body.  Depending on the size of the vein will determine the amount of time required for the vein to disappear.  This can often be months and should be taken into consideration when deciding to begin treatment.  Laser therapy on the legs is ineffective because it cannot treat the underlying feeder veins, is usually more expensive and has more side effects.  Facial veins respond more favorably to laser therapy.

What is the first step in getting rid of spider veins?

The first step to alleviating the pain and embarrassment of spider veins is to schedule a FREE vein consultation with Dr. Kass. Your COMPLEMENTARY CONSULTATION will include:

  • A thorough discussion with Dr. Kass, who is one of the industry’s few board certified physicians specializing in Phlebology. He is a true vein treatment expert.
  • A preliminary exam of your problem areas to best diagnose your vascular issues.
  • A venous ultrasound to determine deeper vascular conditions.
  • Determining the best course of treatment to address your specific needs.
  • A review of your health insurance coverage and payment options.

Contact us for a FREE consultation!