An estimated fifty percent of the adult female population and fifteen to twenty percent of men have spider veins. Red, blue or purple "starburst" clusters, or a web-like small, non-essential blood vessels that lie close to the surface of the skin.
Spider veins are most common in the thighs, ankles, and feet. They may also appear on the face. Although no specific cause has been identified in the formation of spider veins, there are many factors that can contribute to the development of spider veins, including: pregnancy, obesity or weight gain, chronic sun exposure, activities that require prolonged standing, genetics and certain medications, such as birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy.
Other possible causes for varicose veins are race, posture, occupation, primary valvular incompetence, and incompetent perforating veins. This condition is associated with increased pressure to the veins by excess blood backs up in the blood stream. As a result new veins are formed on the surface of the skin.
The most common treatment for spider veins are sclerotherapy with Asclera and laser treatments with 1064 Nd:YAG Laser.
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure done by your healthcare provider to treat uncomplicated spider veins and uncomplicated reticular veins. The treatment involves the injection of a solution into the affected veins.
Asclera® (polidocanol) is a prescription medicine that is used in sclerotherapy and administered by a healthcare provider to treat two types of veins:
Asclera® is a sclerosing agent that is injected into the vein. It works by damaging the endothelium, the cells lining the inside of blood vessels. This causes the inflammation in the lining of the vessels. Eventually, cellular debris and platelets clot the blood vessel. Over time, the clotted vein will be replaced with tissue.
A typical sclerotherapy session lasts 15 to 45 minutes. One injection is usually administered per inch with multiple injections per session. Following treatment compression stockings or support hose should be worn continuously for 2-3 days and for 2-3 weeks during the day time.
For two to three days following the treatment, avoid (if you are uncertain, please ask your healthcare provider):
Yes, they may include:
Red and blue veins in your face, neck, torso, arms and legs, can be very unattractive and bothersome. Laser treatment can significantly reduce and eliminate these veins without any needles or incisions.
Laser light harmlessly penetrates the skin and targets the dilated blood vessels beneath the skin. Energy of the light is absorbed by red pigment in the blood of the veins. This, in turn, closes the vein.
This procedure is safe for any skin type.
A pulse of Laser Light may feel as a pinch similar to rubber band snap. After treatment, vein disappears immediately and skin will appear red for a few days. Bruising, swelling, and darkening of the vein may develop, as well as, blistering. A bruise-like discoloration lasting 4-7 days and gradually fading in a beige or light brown color can be expected. A complete skin clearing occurs in 4-6 months.
If you have any other questions or if you would like to schedule a consultation for spider vein treatments click here or call us at (570) 354-0420.