Spider Veins

About Spider Veins

Spider veins are smaller, thread-like veins that occur near the surface of the skin and often appear on the legs or face. They can appear as red, purplish, or blue veins and often look like tree branches or spider webs with jagged edges that grow outward. Spider veins can cover a small area and avoid notice, or they can cover a larger area and become quite unsightly. It is also possible that they may enlarge over time. Some estimate that over half of all adult females will develop spider veins.

Spider veins, or telangiectasias, are a symptom of vein disease and often related to (and may appear in combination with) varicose veins and can derive from the same underlying causes. They occur in the capillaries closest to the surface of the skin, which are fed by veins called reticular veins (also know as ‘feeder veins’).

Symptoms of Spider Veins

Small thread-like veins usually on the legs (may also be on chest, face or hands).

Cause of Spider Veins

The most common cause of spider veins is genetic predisposition. They occur more frequently in women (for instance, in and around a pregnancy). They also may be the result of a traumatic injury. Spider veins on the face may be related to excessive sun exposure.

Spider Vein Treatment

Treatment

The best treatment for spider veins is sclerotherapy and, to a lesser extent, surface laser treatment.

Sclerotherapy consist of injecting directly into the spider vein a chemical solution that will close the vein. The process that usually takes 1-2 months (and several treatments) and the resulting vein closure leads to the disintegration of the vein. If underlying venous disease is present, other vein treatment methods may need to be employed.

In many cases, patients seek out treatment for cosmetic reasons, but because spider veins are often a sign of venous reflux, it’s a surprise to many that the treatment for spider veins can involve procedures to address these underlying veins they were previously unaware of. Spider veins are a lifelong problem, but if we treat the underlying venous disorder that is causing them, it can halt the progression that worsens the severity of the spider veins. We scan every patient that presents to our practice for venous reflux because of this association between spider veins and venous reflux.

Treating the underlying venous will not prevent the spider veins from coming back, as new spider veins can grow in nearby capillaries, but it will significantly slow their progression.

Spider Vein Treatment Cost

Unlike varicose veins, insurance typically does not cover spider vein treatment. Spider vein treatments are typically charged on a per area basis, which can range anywhere from $400-$800+. City Surgical Care is committed to helping patients look and feel their best so contact us today to learn more about our spider vein treatment options and special offers.