SPIDER VEINS (SUPERFICIAL LEG VEINS)

Unwanted blood vessels-smaller ones are called spider veins-have a red or bluish color and appear on the surface of the body, particularly the legs and occasionally the face or elsewhere. They may be visible as short, unconnected lines each about the size of a large hair, they may be connected in a scraggly sunburst pattern, or they may resemble a spider web or tree with braches. In some people, they occur in a small area and are not particularly noticeable. In others, they may cover a large area of the skin and be quite unsightly.

A characteristic of unwanted blood vessels in some sufferers is occasional pain, ranging from a dull throbbing pain to a burning sensation.

Though the unwanted blood vessels do carry blood, the great majority, especially spider veins, are not necessary to the circulatory system. Thus, if their presence is distressing, they can be treated by injection of a solution that will cause them to disappear or at least become much smaller. The chance for a greatly improved appearance is about 80%, particularly if the nurse or physician is experienced in their treatment.

What causes spider veins?

Spider veins occur in both men and women, but more frequently in women. The hormone estrogen may play a role in their development, because puberty, birth control pills or pregnancy often seem to bring them on. During pregnancy, the enlarged uterus may restrict blood flow contributing to their development. They may also occur after a blow to a certain area of the body or as a result of wearing tight girdles or hosiery held up with tight rubber bands. In addition, spider veins may occur in association with underlying large varicose veins.

Can they be prevented?

There is no known method of prevention. Wearing support hosiery may prevent some unwanted blood vessels from developing in some people. Maintaining a normal weight and regular exercise may also be helpful. Protection from the sun is important to reduce the number of unwanted vessels on the face.

Treatment

In the majority of cases, a procedure called sclerotherapy is used, in which a solution, called a sclerosing solution, is injected with a very fine needle directly into the blood vessel. The solution irritates the lining of the vessel, causing it to swell and stick together and the blood to clot. Over a period of weeks, the vessel turns into scar tissue that fades from view, eventually becoming barely or not visible at all. Depending on the size, a single blood vessel may have to be injected more than once, some weeks apart, but in any one treatment session a number of vessels can be injected. The registered nurses at ADORA DAY SPA perform this treatment. For a complimentary consultation, please call (307) 773-8520.

Below are some common questions asked by patients:

• Is sclerotherapy treatment painful?

Most patients report that they feel a very mild stinging when the sclerosing agent enters the vein. Some report a slight ache in their legs the evening after treatment.

• How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments depends on the number of veins you wish to have treated. While some veins disappear after only one injection; however studies show that the average vein will require three to four treatments. Fortunately, we can treat more than one area at each session. The minimum time between treatment of any specific vein is four weeks, but one may treat one leg at one session and then treat the opposite leg in two weeks. With this in mind, you may pick the veins to be treated designing your own treatment schedule.

• What are possible side effects?

After the injections, there will be some bruising of the skin which usually disappears in several weeks. Rarely, it may last several months. The treated areas may heal with brown pigment which slowly clears over several months. Phlebitis (inflammation of the veins in the leg) is a rarely reported complication. If you note any pain, redness, or swelling, please call our office.

• When may I exercise again?

We recommend no strenuous activity involving your legs for the first 24 hours after treatment. Then you can resume your usual fitness program.

• How successful is sclerotherapy

After several treatments, most patients can expect a 50-80% improvement in treated vessels. However, the fading process is gradual and perfection is seldom achieved.

• Will insurance cover the treatment?

The treatment of spider veins is rarely covered by insurance. Even if the veins are painful they rarely pay.   We require payment at the time of service.

• Will treated veins recur?

Larger veins are likely to recur unless support hosiery is worn. Spider veins may recur. Often, however, it may seem that a previously injected vessel has recurred, when in fact a new spider vein has appeared in the same area.

 

VERICOSE VEINS

Larger unwanted blood vessels may be raised above the skin surface and serpentine; they may occur in association with spider veins. These large veins are called varicose veins, which frequently occur in association with a poorly working valve in a large vein.

Treatment

Surgery is most often indicated in the treatment of painful vericose veins. Please visit with a physician at the Cheyenne Skin Clinic about this condition and the possibility of having them removed.

Occasionally larger varicose veins underlie spider veins. In such cases, some physicians believe these vessels should be treated before the spider veins, either by sclerotherapy followed by compression or by a surgical procedure .