Spider Veins

What are Spider Veins?

Spider veins, medically called telangiectasias, are abnormally functioning veins that appear close to the surface of the skin. Unwanted reticular veins, those larger blue or green veins, are also very common and can in many instances contribute to worsening spider veins. The legs, face, and chest are all common places where these veins occur. Spider vein treatment in most cases can safely, and efficiently eliminate those veins and improve your appearance.

Spider veins form because of various factors that lead to vein valve damage. Your veins are constantly pushing gallons of blood throughout your body day-in and day-out. When blood reaches the lower half of your body, more significant energy output is required as it works against gravity’s natural forces. The movement of the muscles in your legs is what supplements this needed energy. However, suppose your leg muscles don’t move enough and are inactive essentially. In that case, vein valves can become weakened or damaged as they don’t have the necessary energy to prevent blood from flowing backward. Over time, blood begins to pool, causing spider veins to form. While spider veins can develop on various parts of your body, they are especially vulnerable to forming on your legs for this reason.

What factors contribute to Spider Veins?

While doctors do not fully understand the precise reason for spider veins developing, several factors can ultimately determine if you can develop them. Genetics and the environment can play large roles in spider veins developing. Factors that can influence spider veins forming include:

• 
  Obesity – too much weight can put pressure on your vein valves and walls, especially in your legs.
• 
  Sedentary Lifestyle – Sitting too long in front of a computer or standing for long periods at a time can lead to spider veins. It is best to stretch your legs regularly if this applies to you.
• 
  Age – Over time, blood vessels weaken, which can lead to spider veins appearing.
• 
  Hormonal Changes – It is known that estrogen found in either birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy can affect the vein walls.
• 
  Pregnancy – Gaining large amounts of weight and hormonal changes for women can weaken the veins.
• 
  Certain Skin Conditions – Inflammatory skin can hurt your vein health.
• 
  Alcoholism – Drinking too often and too much can ultimately affect your blood circulation.

If you have spider veins, there is a high possibility one of these factors contributed to their development. During an initial consultation, we can assess your condition and treat it and give helpful advice so that they do not reform.

Spider Vein Treatment Options

Unwanted veins can be treated with Sclerotherapy, Veinwave™, or Cutera® Excel V™ Laser. These treatments cause the unwanted veins to close down, allowing your body to dissolve the vein wall over a period of time. The type of vein being treated and your skin type are a few factors that will determine which treatment course you are the best candidate for.

Spider vein treatments are performed in our offices in Alcoa, TN. Treatment takes approximately 20 minutes and the number of spider vein treatments needed to treat your veins can vary and is dependent upon a number of factors including the types of veins you have, and the severity. Most patients need anywhere from 3-8 treatments to see the results they want. Perfection, while desirable, is unfortunately not realistic. Improvement, however, is always anticipated. The majority of our patients are very happy wearing shorts and bathing suits again after they have finished treatments.