Leg Veins/Spider Veins

What It Is

Spider veins, also called telangiectasias, are groups of small blood vessels that develop close to the surface of the skin. They appear red, blue, or purple and often take the appearance of a spiderweb. They are less than 1mm are commonly seen on the legs and face.

Spider veins affect many adults and tends to affect women more often than men. They can become more prevalent with age and there are a variety of factors that can increase a person’s chance of developing spider veins. This includes aging, prolonged periods of sitting or standing, obesity, pregnancy, hormonal changes, weight gain, injury, and family history.

The majority of patients seeking treatment for removal of leg veins are for cosmetic reasons. They often cause no symptoms or signs of concern.

How It’s Treated

Laser Treatments

• Pulse Dye Laser – The Pulsed Dye Laser is able to effectively treat and remove small veins on the body. The laser energy emitted by the device and applied to the skin causes the proteins in the vein wall to thicken. Over the next few weeks, the damaged vessels are then naturally eliminated by the immune system. After a few short treatments, most small vessels are treatable.

Non-Laser Treatments

• Sclerotherapy – This treatment involves the injection of hypertonic saline (a “sugar solution”) into the affected vein(s) using a tiny needle. This will clog the vein, causing a mild bruise that will resolve on its own within 10 to 12 days. Meanwhile, your veins will also disappear during this time.