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Spider veins are dilated small blood vessels that have a red or bluish color. They appear mostly on the legs, and occasionally on the face or elsewhere. They can be short, unconnected lines each about the size of a large hair or connected in a scraggly, "sunburst" pattern. They may also look like a spider web or a tree with branches. Sometimes, they occur in a small area and aren't very noticeable, or they can cover a large area of skin and be quite unattractive. Larger dilated blood vessels called varicose veins may be raised above the skin surface. They may occur along with spider veins. Some people with unwanted blood vessels can have pain, ranging from a dull throbbing pain to a burning sensation. The larger vessels are more likely to cause discomfort. Although unwanted blood vessels carry blood, the great majority of them, especially spider veins, are not necessary. If they are unsightly or uncomfortable, they can be treated by injection of a solution that will cause them to disappear or become much smaller. There is about a 50-90 percent chance for a greatly improved appearance. WHAT CAUSES THESE BLOOD VESSELS TO BECOME VISIBLE? The cause of spider veins is not known. Some people are genetically predisposed to this condition. The condition can occasionally occur as part of an internal disease. Spider veins appear in both men and women, but more frequently in women. The hormones estrogen and progesterone may play a role in their development. Puberty, birth control pills, pregnancy, genetics or hormone replacement therapy often seem to bring them out. They may also appear after an injury or as a result of wearing tight girdles or hosiery held up with tight rubber bands. Spider veins on the nose or the cheeks of fair skinned persons may be related to sun exposure. CAN SPIDER VEINS BE PREVENTED? Wearing support hose may prevent some unwanted blood vessels from developing. Keeping one's weight at a normal level and exercising regularly is also helpful. Eating a high fiber diet and avoiding high-heeled shoes can also help. Sun protection is important to limit the number of unwanted vessels on the face. HOW ARE UNWANTED BLOOD VESSELS ON THE LEGS TREATED? The solutions available are slightly different, and the choice of which solution to use depends on several factors including the size of the vessel to be injected. Your dermatologist will decide which solution is best for your particular case. In the majority of cases, a procedure called sclerotherapy is used to treat unwanted blood vessels. The sclerosing agent is injected with a very fine needle directly into the blood vessel. This procedure has been used as an effective treatment for spider veins since the 1930s, and before that was used for larger veins.
A single blood vessel may have
to be injected more than once, some
Occasionally larger varicose veins are underneath the spider veins. In such cases, some physicians believe these vessels should be treated before the spider veins. This can be done by using sclerotherapy followed by compression, or by a surgical procedure performed by a vascular surgeon. Other physicians believe that spider veins may be treated by sclerotherapy without worrying about the varicose veins unless they become troublesome. HOW SUCCESSFUL IS SCLEROTHERAPY? After several treatments, most patients can expect a 50 percent to 90 percent improvement. However, fading is gradual. Disappearance of spider veins is usually achieved, but similar veins may appear in the same general area. CAN SCLEROTHERAPY BE USED ON ALL SKIN TYPES? Yes. All skin types and skin colors respond equally well. WILL INSURANCE COVER THE TREATMENT OF UNWANTED BLOOD VESSELS? Insurance coverage varies. Since the treatment is usually for cosmetic reasons, the procedure may not be covered. ARE THERE SIDE EFFECTS TO SCLEROTHERAPY? Even with a highly experienced physician performing the treatment, there are some possible side effects. They include:
WILL TREATED VEINS RECUR? Larger veins are likely to recur unless support hose are worn. Spider veins may also recur. It may seem that a previously injected vessel has recurred, when, in fact, a new spider vein has appeared in the same area. Usually the vessels resolve much faster than the development of new lesions so that legs are vastly improved for long periods of time. ARE THERE OTHER TREATMENT METHODS? New lasers may hold promise for treating blood vessels, but currently vessels in the legs do not respond uniformly to laser treatment. Sclerotherapy is the most effective treatment. Surgically tying veins off (ligation) or pulling them out (stripping) are other procedures for treating unwanted blood vessels. This is usually reserved for large varicose veins. HOW ARE SPIDER VEINS ON THE FACE TREATED? There are several ways to treat spider veins on the face. Lasers have been used successfully, alone or in combination with electric needle therapy. Sometimes, a sclerosing agent can be used successfully to treat facial veins. WHAT DO I DO AFTER TREATMENTS? Physicians may differ in their after treatment instructions to patients. Depending on certain factors, such as the size of the blood vessels injected, patients may be instructed to put their legs up for an hour or two and then walk. Others are asked to walk immediately. All patients are instructed to walk a good deal in the days following the procedure so that blood will be pushed through other vessels. Some physicians bandage the injected areas and instruct patients to "compress" the treated vessels by wearing support hose. This may help seal the treated vessels, keep the blood from collecting under the skin and reduce the development of dark spots. This also may reduce the possibility of recurrence. Others put tape dressings on the areas and do not use compression unless the veins are large or have other characteristics. Between treatments, many physicians recommend the use of compression or support hose. This may be particularly recommended for people who spend a lot of time on their feet. Cancellation Policy: In fairness to other patients and our staff, a 24 hour notice is required to cancel any appointment. When notice is not given for cancellation, full service cost will be charged or gift certificate forfeited. Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment.
TO FIND A VARICOSE VEINS OR SPIDER VEINS DOCTOR NEAR YOU, VISIT
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SCLEROTHERAPY
weeks apart, depending on its size. In
any one treatment session a number of vessels can be injected.
Stinging or pain at the sites
of injection and swelling of the ankles or feet (these are rare). 