Spider Veins

Spider veins (telangiectasias) are small, thin blood vessels visible beneath the skin. They usually develop on the face or legs, and may be bluish or purple in color. Although most spider veins are only a cosmetic issue, for some people they can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as aching, burning, or itching.

Spider veins are extremely common, affecting nearly half of the adult population of the United States. Many patients are bothered when spider veins develop on prominent areas such as the legs or face, and seek treatment to eliminate them. Many spider-vein treatments are highly effective and minimally invasive, offering aesthetically pleasing results without painful or lengthy downtime. At Medical Spa and Wellness by Michelle NP, we recommend that you bring a clean pair of medical grade compression hose to your appointment, to be worn for 1 week post treatment.

Causes of and Risk Factors for Spider Veins

Spider veins develop from a backflow of blood in the veins. This condition, which results from damaged valves in the veins, is called “venous reflux.” As blood collects in these veins, their walls distend. Risk factors for developing spider veins include the following:

Genetics
Hormonal changes
Increasing age
Lack of exercise
Obesity
Pregnancy
Standing on your feet
Sun exposure

Having a family history of spider veins is also a risk factor for developing them.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Spider Veins

Spider veins, are diagnosed during your appointment, and we decide during your visit which veins we can treat, and discuss what to expect from your appointment.

Compression Stockings

Post treatment of your spider veins, it is vital for you to wear your compression stockings, which put pressure on the affected veins and promote blood flow back to the heart. This will help your treatment last and it will promote better success for keeping them from returning.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy involves injecting a medication into the veins. Michelle typically uses either Asclera or Polidocanol which is a prescription medication that is designed to collapse your spider veins. This procedure is performed within a Medical appointment at Medical Spa and Wellness by Michelle NP by Michelle. Each treatment takes approximately one hour, and a typical patient can require one- four treatments.

Prevention of Spider Veins

Although there is no sure way to prevent spider veins, making certain lifestyle changes may reduce the risk of developing them. Lifestyle changes include losing weight, exercising regularly, and wearing support stockings and comfortable, flat shoes. It is also important to move the legs frequently, and to refrain from sitting too long without standing up and walking.