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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 legs or even the face. Although they usually are not painful or harmful, they can be symptomatic or an indicator of deeper venous issues if they continue to recur after treatment or appear in clusters around the ankles. Typically more of a visual nuisance than a medical one, they may cause an achy or “burning” feeling in the affected leg(s).
The factors that can affect the development of varicose veins are similar to those for spider veins:
- Heredity is a major factor, so if members of your family have developed spider veins, it is likely that you will as well.
- Obesity.
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause may also play a role in spider veins.
- Standing or sitting for long periods of time can also increase your risk of developing spider veins.
Spider Vein Treatment
Sclerotherapy is the gold-standard in spider vein treatment, which 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.
Used primarily to remove tiny spider veins on the face and nose that are too small for sclerotherapy, Veinwave treatment uses an ultra-thin needle that emits radio frequency energy into the vein in order to damage the vein. Essentially, the targeted cells are heated with the current which then causes them to die. These damaged cells will be absorbed by the body and flushed away by the body’s own metabolic processes. Results are almost immediate, with continued improvement over the next few days and weeks.
Varicose Vein Treatment
Following an initial consultation and duplex ultrasound, varicose veins are treated in-office with one or a combination of the following treatments, which are often covered by insurance if the patient is symptomatic and the ultrasound shows signs of venous reflux (backwards flow of blood).
EndoVenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)
The Endovenous Laser Treatment (or Ablation) procedure is performed in Dr. Cutchen’s office under local anesthesia. This procedure closes the abnormal saphenous veins. With ultrasound guidance, a thin laser fiber is inserted into the vein through a tiny incision in the calf and advanced to the top of the vein. After placement of local anesthetic around the vein, the laser is activated, which delivers heat to the vein wall, causing it to heat, collapse and seal shut. The vein will then disappear over 6-12 months. Patients are able and required to walk immediately after the procedure, and most patients return to work the next day. Following treatment, patients wear prescription-strength compression stockings for three weeks.
In some cases, other treatments, including ambulatory phlebectomy and endovenous chemical ablation, are used in combination with endovenous laser ablation to achieve the best possible results.