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Spider veins are small, damaged veins typically measuring less than 1mm in diameter, and often appearing in clusters. They most frequently appear on the surface of the calves, ankles, thighs, or even the face. They are not typically painful or harmful but can be an indicator of deeper venous issues. In many cases, they are more of a visual nuisance than a medical problem, but they may cause an achy or tingling feeling. Some of the factors that can contribute to the development of spider veins are heredity, obesity, hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause, and prolonged standing or sitting.
How Can I Treat Spider Veins?
If you are troubled by the appearance of spider veins on your legs or face, the specialists at Albuquerque Vein & Laser Institute can help. Two of our most commonly performed treatments are Sclerotherapy and Veinwave Laser Treatments.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is considered the gold standard in spider vein treatment. This treatment involves the injection of an FDA-approved solution directly into the vein via a tiny needle. The injected solution irritates the lining of the vein, causing it to collapse and then to disappear over time. Most patients require a series of 3-5 treatments over the course of several months, although the number of required treatments varies with each patient.
Some of the major benefits of sclerotherapy include:
- No downtime
- Minimal discomfort/outpatient procedure
- Affordable
- Extremely effective with an overall success rate greater than 90%