What are Spider Veins?
Spider veins, medically known as telangiectasias, are small dilated blood vessel near the surface of the skin, measuring less than 1 millimeter in diameter. Spider veins are vessels that have damaged vein walls and are not functioning normally. These damaged vessels can be very fine and red in color or more dilated and prominent with dark red, blue or purple colors. Spider veins are most commonly found on the legs and face, but they can also be found on other areas of the body. Common symptoms from spider veins include itching and burning. Spider veins in the legs may be associated with underlying or visible
varicose veins. When that is the case, other leg symptoms such as pain, throbbing, cramping, tiredness, fatigue, heaviness, and restlessness may accompany vein disease.
The distribution pattern of spider veins is also highly variable. They can be isolated and thread-like, small patches, or prominent burst patterns that have the appearance of a spider web or a tree with branches. On the legs, spider veins tend to be more common on the outside of the upper thigh, at the back or inner areas around the knee joint, and around the ankle. They can, however, be present throughout the entire leg or even in the foot. Spider veins located around the ankle and knee are more likely to be associated with underlying or visible
varicose veins. On the face, spider veins are most likely to develop around the nose, cheeks, or chin.
Untreated
varicose and spider veins will become more prominent and result in venous hypertension that damages other veins. The development of spider veins cannot be completely prevented, but they are easily treatable with
sclerotherapy,
Veinwave™ therapy or a combination of both. There is about a 90 percent likelihood of a greatly improving your appearance.
What Causes Spider Veins?
The tendency to develop spider veins can be impacted by heredity, gender, age, occupation, pregnancy, and lifestyle. Spider veins occur in both men and women. Spider veins are seen more frequently and typically at an earlier age in women. In females, estrogen and progesterone, whether natural or those contained in medications such as birth control or hormone replacement therapy, contribute to the development of spider veins.
In the face, spider veins (telangiectasias) may be impacted by the usual contributing factors, but they their development may also be related to sun exposure, cold exposure, trauma or medical conditions such as rosacea.
What can be done for Spider Veins?
Because so many factors are involved, spider veins cannot be completely prevented. Some measures that may slow the development or worsening of
varicose and spider veins in the legs include: wearing compression hose, avoidance of prolonged sitting or standing, maintaining a healthy weight, walking or other cardiovascular exercise and wearing low-heeled shoes. Because venous hypertension in the damaged veins causes damage to other veins, treatment can also slow the development of normal veins turning into spider veins.
Spider veins are easily treatable with
sclerotherapy,
Veinwave™ therapy or a combination of both.
Sclerotherapy is the gold standard treatment of prominent spider veins, including most spider veins that develop in the legs.
Veinwave™ is an excellent option for treating spider veins that are too fine to be treated with
injection sclerotherapy. For the face,
Veinwave™ is an excellent alternative to painful dermal lasers and light-based treatments.
What is the First Step to Treating Spider Veins?
The first step to treating embarrassing spider veins is to schedule a complimentary cosmetic evaluation at Tennessee Vein Center. Your free
vein evaluation will include a thorough discussion and preliminary exam to determine the course of vein treatment which best suits your specific needs. We have the expertise and treatment technology to comprehensively treat spider veins and
varicose veins. If you also have
varicose veins, complications from vein disease, or leg symptoms suggestive of
varicose veins or venous insufficiency, you should schedule a full medical consultation to evaluate your condition. During a medical consultation, you will have a comprehensive office visit and we will contact your health insurance carrier to determine your available coverage. Most health insurance has benefits for coverage of
varicose vein treatment. Call to schedule your complimentary cosmetic evaluation or comprehensive medical evaluation of your vein disease at 865-233-5858, or fill out our
contact form.
Call Tennessee Vein Center at 865-233-5858 to schedule a consult!
