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What are Spider Veins?
Spider veins are damaged blood vessels just under your skin. They get their name because they look similar to strings in spider webs, often creating a web like appearance. They can be red, blue, or purple veins and are usually harmless. Spider veins don’t typically cause any symptoms, but may cause burning, itching, or discomfort. They are typically found just beneath the skin surface and can appear in the legs, face, and chest, ranging in size from smaller to larger spider veins. These unwanted veins most commonly affect the lower extremities, especially the lower legs.
What Causes Spider Veins?
There are a variety of causes of spider veins. The causes can include everything from weakened valves to hormonal changes, increased pressure, and underlying venous insufficiency or other venous disorders. Spider veins can also be caused by genetics, trauma, prolonged sitting, long periods of standing, weight fluctuations, and certain health problems. In some cases, they may be associated with underlying venous disease that affects normal blood flow and benefits from evaluation by a vein specialist.
How Are Spider Veins Treated?
Spider veins are primarily treated using sclerotherapy sessions. Sclerotherapy is an injection spider vein removal therapy and minimally invasive treatment where a solution is injected into spider veins or smaller varicose veins. This minimally invasive procedure involves multiple injections to remove varicose veins and other problem veins. Whether you’re struggling with leg veins or spider veins in other areas, this treatment can work for many patients as part of comprehensive vein care.
The solution injected into the veins irritates the lining of the vein, making them sticky and causing the vein walls to compress and stick together. The solution irritates and stops the flow of blood through the treated veins and leads to the vein disappearing after a few weeks. After the vein disappears, the blood will then be re-routed to other veins, improving circulation throughout the treated legs.
Different foam or chemical solutions are used during sclerotherapy, but the specific dosage depends on the size of the vein. Additionally, the number of veins treated in one session depends on their size and where they are located. In some cases, laser therapy or laser treatment may also be recommended for smaller visible veins.
Sclerotherapy is typically done in-office using small needles and takes about 30–60 minutes. It does not require anesthesia and offers minimal downtime. After treatment, your medical team may recommend wearing compression garments to support healing. If a vein doesn’t disappear after the first session, it can be injected again, but there needs to be a few weeks or months between treatment sessions.
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Who is a Candidate for Sclerotherapy Treatment?
How do you know if you’re a good candidate for sclerotherapy? Anyone with varicose (enlarged veins) or spider veins can get the treatment, but it can be especially good for those who are dealing with aching, swelling, burning, or cramping due to spider or varicose veins.
But before the treatment, you will meet with a provider to go over your medical history, perform a physical exam, and ensure sclerotherapy is right for you. Anyone with active deep vein thrombosis or people who are pregnant or breastfeeding are not good candidates for sclerotherapy.
Recovery After Spider Vein Treatment
After the sclerotherapy procedure, Dr. Falcon will apply pressure and then massage the treated area. This is to keep the blood out of the injected vein and to move the solution around. A compression pad may be attached onto the injection site and Dr. Falcon may have you lie down for 15 minutes after the procedure to ensure you don’t have any reaction to the solution.
After you leave the office, you’ll want to walk around to prevent a blood clot from forming in your leg. But beyond that, you can return to your normal activities.
For the first few days, you will want to avoid blood thinners as well as hot baths or showers.
You’ll also want to avoid exposing the treated area to the sun for two weeks to avoid dark spots on the skin.
You may also want to wear compression stockings for two weeks after the procedure to maintain pressure on the area. And avoid shaving or using lotion on the injection site until it completely heals.
The results are likely to show up in 3-6 weeks for smaller veins while larger veins can take up to 3-4 months to fully disappear.
Is Sclerotherapy Covered by Health Insurance?
Most insurance companies do not cover injections for spider veins as they are considered cosmetic in nature. It is best to verify your coverage directly with your insurance company.
Schedule A Consultation
Are you struggling with spider veins and looking to learn more about sclerotherapy? Scheduling a consultation at Falcon Plastic Surgery is a great next step. Dr. Falcon and our experienced team can walk you through each step of the procedure.
To schedule a consultation today, call our Natrona Heights or Monroeville, PA offices or use our online scheduling form. We look forward to helping you achieve your goals.
