Spider veins are a common problem that affects millions of people worldwide. According to some studies, as many as 41% of women over the age of 50 have spider veins, but men can also develop these red, blue or purplish web-like lines on the face and body. While spider veins don’t typically cause any symptoms and are generally harmless, they can make you feel self-conscious or embarrassed about your appearance in areas where they form.
If you want to eliminate unsightly spider veins, Speciality Vein Care in Norfolk, Massachusetts, can help. Board-certified general surgeon and venous expert Dr. John Frasca has more than 30 years of experience in helping people in Boston and the surrounding areas improve their vascular health and regain their confidence. Call us today at 508-660-1115 to schedule a consultation and say goodbye to spider veins for good.
Spider veins, also referred to as telangiectasia, are networks of red and blue lines that appear on the surface of the skin. They’re closely related to varicose veins, but are smaller and more superficial blood vessels that don’t twist, knot and bulge outward.
They are most commonly found on the face and legs but may develop on other areas of the body as well. Spider veins are typically a cosmetic issue and rarely cause any symptoms, but some people report burning, itching or discomfort because of them.
Spider veins are damaged blood vessels. Veins contain one-way valves that control the direction of blood flow within the body, but these valves don’t close properly in varicose and spider veins, allowing blood to pool in affected areas — usually the legs. The trapped blood increases pressure within the veins and causes them to swell, stretch and twist.
Spider veins are usually considered harmless, but they may indicate a more serious underlying problem called chronic venous insufficiency, especially when they co-occur with varicose veins. Because of this, it is a good idea to have spider veins evaluated by an experienced doctor to ensure that no other medical issues need to be addressed. For those who want to eliminate spider veins for aesthetic reasons or to alleviate discomfort, there are a number of minimally invasive treatment options available that can help.
The first course of action for improving vascular health and alleviating uncomfortable symptoms associated with spider veins is compression stockings. These customized stockings promote healthy blood flow in the legs, reducing swelling, itchiness and pain associated with varicose and spider veins. However, compression stockings will not eliminate the appearance of red and blue vein networks that have already appeared.
To achieve this purpose, treatment options that close the vein and address the underlying problem are required. But by improving circulation and preventing blood from pooling, compression stockings can help stop new spider veins from appearing and enhance the effectiveness of sclerotherapy, therapeutic ablation or venous closure procedures.
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that injects medicine directly into the affected veins. It uses a sclerosing agent, a solution that irritates the lining of the blood vessels and causes them to seal shut. Eventually, treated spider veins fade and disappear before being reabsorbed by the body. Blood flow is then rerouted through healthy veins in the area.
Sclerotherapy is a relatively quick, easy and painless procedure that requires no downtime or recovery. Spider veins typically respond fast to treatment, with near-complete results developing within a few weeks. Compression stockings can help speed up this process by promoting blood flow and encouraging the veins to close more quickly.
In the event that spider veins are found to be part of more serious underlying venous insufficiency, other procedures such as radiofrequency endovenous ablation might be recommended as part of a comprehensive vein treatment plan.
Radiofrequency endovenous ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency waves to shrink and damage affected blood vessels, causing them to close. The treatment is nonsurgical and requires just a small incision in the targeted area, through which a thin tube called a catheter is inserted directly into the vein. When in place, it generates heat that permanently seals the walls of the vein.
Typically, treatment takes less than an hour to complete. Patients can immediately resume all normal activities, with the exception of strenuous exercise or heavy lifting. Radiofrequency ablation may provide immediate symptom relief from varicose and spider veins, but cosmetic results take longer to appear, usually developing over the next few weeks.
The VenaSeal™ Closure System works similarly to sclerotherapy and radiofrequency endovenous ablation, in that it relieves symptoms and improves the appearance of varicose and spider veins by sealing shut the affected blood vessels. However, instead of heat or sclerosing agent, it uses an adhesive to permanently close the vein.
During treatment, a small amount of medical adhesive is delivered directly into the affected vein with a thin catheter. Vein closure and symptom relief are immediate, but like other treatment options, cosmetic results will develop over time. Afterward, the catheter is removed and a small bandage is placed on the puncture site. Patients can return to normal activities the same day with minor restrictions, such as avoiding strenuous exercise.
Vein conditions can be complex and require more than one approach to achieve satisfactory results. If you have spider veins and larger varicose veins that are bothersome, Dr. Frasca may recommend combining minimally invasive treatment options such as sclerotherapy and VenaSeal with a procedure like ambulatory microphlebectomy to help you find relief. He also has a number of advanced diagnostic tools at his disposal to help pinpoint the exact cause of your concerns and provide highly effective treatments tailored to your needs.
Some people are more prone than others to developing spider veins due to factors such as aging, genetics, lifestyle and hormonal changes, so they can’t be entirely prevented. However, in addition to minimally invasive treatments that eliminate unwanted spider veins, there are some things you can do at home to help reduce your risk of developing more.
If you’re bothered by spider veins and living in Boston or the surrounding areas of Norfolk, Norwood, Franklin, Taunton and Attleboro, Massachusetts, there is help available. Whether your spider veins are uncomfortable or simply an aesthetic concern, contact Specialty Vein Care to learn your options in bidding farewell to pesky spider veins for good.
Spider veins are small, superficial blood vessels that appear near the skin’s surface. They are distinct from larger veins deeper within the body. Because of this, spider veins cannot turn into varicose veins if left untreated. However, untreated varicose veins may cause spider veins to appear due to the increased pressure they create in affected areas.
You’re more likely to develop spider veins if someone in your family had them. Women are also more prone to spider veins than men. Other factors that increase the risk of spider veins include pregnancy, obesity, age, prolonged sitting or standing and a sedentary lifestyle.
Spider veins are usually considered harmless and very rarely a serious medical concern. Most often, they are a cosmetic issue. Unlike varicose veins, they don’t typically cause symptoms, although some people can experience discomfort related to their spider veins. Additionally, a large number of spider and varicose veins may point to chronic venous insufficiency, so it’s always a good idea to have them evaluated by a vascular specialist such as Dr. Frasca to ensure that no other underlying issues need to be addressed.
If spider veins aren’t causing you issues, they don’t necessarily need to be treated. But people who experience discomfort or notice that more are developing may want to have them removed — especially if they appear on the face or make you feel self-conscious about wearing shorts, skirts or other clothing that reveals your legs. It is also recommended to have spider veins evaluated if they occur alongside varicose veins to assess your vascular health.
