Spider veins are similar to and often associated with underlying varicose veins, but there are some major differences. Spider veins are smaller in size, beginning as tiny red capillaries that lie close to the surface of the skin and are easily visible. Spider veins are most commonly found on the thighs, calves, ankles or face, where they often become a cosmetic concern.
Not all spider veins require treatment, particularly if they are not causing pain or other physical symptoms. However, some people decide to have them removed for cosmetic reasons, and treating these veins early could prevent worsening symptoms associated with venous reflux disease.
What causes Spider Veins? What to know about Spider Veins
Spider veins can have the same symptoms as varicose veins: itching, burning, heaviness, and fatigue of the legs. Spider veins are abnormally dilated blood vessels in the skin that are mostly treated as a cosmetic problem because they are not life threatening. Our spider vein treatments are done by sclerotherapy, which is injection of a medicine into the spider veins, causing them to shrivel up and shut down. This causes the blood to reroute itself to nearby healthy veins.
Small spider veins will disappear almost immediately after injection of sclerotherapy, and larger spider veins need at least 3-4 weeks to heal and to disappear. It is impossible to eliminate 100% of the spider veins, but usually 60-80% elimination is attainable, depending on the patient. A patient may need multiple appointments to attain this.
Appointments are 30 minutes long, and Dr. Sandman will inject as many veins in this appointment as she can get. If there are still more veins that need to be injected, another appointment will be scheduled. Patients can drive themselves to this appointment, as sedation is not needed.