Spider Veins

Spider veins are enlargements of otherwise invisible blood vessels in the skin that take on a blue or red color. They can be flat or raised, may occur anywhere on the thighs, legs, ankles and feet, and are found in both men and women.

Although the cause of spider veins is not actually known, they may have their basis in heredity or hormones, especially estrogen. Many times spider veins occur together with varicose veins. While many patients seek treatment for cosmetic improvement, others are looking for relief from discomfort.

Risk Factors

Traumatic injuries can contribute to the formation of spider veins. They may become worse with pregnancy, then improve after delivery. Spider veins increase with aging.

Treatment

Support hose and weight loss are often mentioned as ways to prevent or treat spider veins but do not necessarily improve the condition. The only real treatment for these vessels is to eradicate them. The preferred treatment is injecting a solution into the vein that causes the vein to contract. The process is called sclerotherapy.

Sclerotherapy is almost painless and improves the appearance but it does not prevent new spider veins from developing in the future. While lasers are frequently used to eliminate spider veins on the face, they are generally not as effective as sclerotherapy on veins in the arms and legs.

Cost of Treatment

Treatment of spider veins is not covered by most insurance policies. However, the procedures are relatively inexpensive, costing several hundred dollars per treatment, depending upon the size of the area to be treated.

Improvements in Lifestyle from Treatment of Spider Veins and Varicose Veins

Patients with varicose veins frequently seek treatment for the pain that these enlarged vessels can cause, but both patients with varicose veins and those with spider veins appreciate the improvement in appearance that treatment can produce.

Many patients find the conditions cause them to be self-conscious about their appearance and to restrict their activities, by perhaps avoiding sunbathing, swimming or going to the beach where their veins would be noticed. These conditions can also cause people to limit the clothes they wear, preventing them from wearing styles they might prefer, but are reluctant to wear because their spider or varicose veins are revealed.

To make an appointment at the Vascular Center, call (808) 522-4469 or the 24 hour appointment line at (808) 522-4777.