SPECTRUM DERMATOLOGY | SCOTTSDALE & GREATER PHOENIX, ARIZONA
Often confused with varicose veins, spider veins are similar in nature; however, they are a cosmetic condition not medical. Although spider veins are not physically painful, the tiny web-like pattern of veins that are visible can create self-consciousness and cause embarrassment due to their visible appearance. Spectrum Dermatology provides expert dermatological treatment to lessen the appearance of spider veins helping to improve your appearance and confidence.
What Are Spider Veins?
Spider veins are veins that appear red or purple in appearance and that take on a pattern similar to that of a spider web. They are visible beneath the skin and are commonly found on the back of the thighs, legs, ankles and even the face. Spider veins do not typically swell or protrude above the skin making the condition more cosmetic in nature.
Causes Of Spider Veins
Just as varicose veins are caused by poor circulation, so are spider veins. Spider veins develop when blood is unable to circulate back to the heart due to weakened and damaged vein valves that are unable to close. This creates a backflow of blood causing it to pool inside the vein. Reticular veins can also influence spider veins with reticular veins referred to as feeder veins. Reticular veins are deeper and more prominent than spider veins and blue in color. The pooling of blood in reticular veins can feed back to surface blood vessels causing spider veins to branch off and form.
Other risks that may increase your chances of developing spider veins include:
- Hereditary or family history
- Obesity
- Inactivity, including standing or sitting for long periods of time
- Injury to the skin
- Increased pressure to the legs or abdomen, such as that endured from chronic constipation
- Hormonal changes
- Pregnancy
- Increase in age
Women and older individuals have a higher risk of experiencing spider veins due to hormonal fluctuations and veins becoming weak with age.
Spider Vein Treatment – How Sclerotherapy Can Help
Dermatologists can quickly and easily treat spider veins with sclerotherapy. This minimally-invasive treatment is safe and effective at destroying the damaged veins by injecting a solution known as sclerosant directly into the spider vein. The solution hardens the diseased vein causing it to seal shut. Blood flow is then naturally rerouted to healthy veins improving circulation. The damaged vein continues to shrink and is eventually absorbed and eliminated by the body. Sclerotherapy takes less than 30 minutes to complete depending on the extent of treatment needed.
Because the sclerotherapy solution is being injected into the bloodstream, it is essential that you seek treatment from a skilled medical professional such as the dermatologists at Spectrum Dermatology.
Enjoy Little To No Downtime With Sclerotherapy For Spider Veins
Most patients can resume their regular schedule immediately after their sclerotherapy treatment. The procedure is relatively painless and rarely causes side effects. However, some minor itching and bruising around the treatment area may develop following treatment but will dissipate soon after.
Results from spider vein treatment can be noticed immediately and will continue to improve over time. Multiple treatment sessions may be needed to achieve optimum results, usually ranging from two to three treatments spaced six to eight weeks apart. Results are permanent; however, new spider veins and reticular veins can develop and require future treatment.
What are spider veins?
Spider veins, or telangiectasias, are blood vessels that are visible beneath the skin and that usually resemble a spider web or tree branch.
Where do spider veins develop?
Spider veins appear most commonly on the back of the legs and thighs, as well as the face.
What is the difference between spider veins and varicose veins?
The main difference between spider veins and varicose veins is the fact that spider veins are a cosmetic condition treated by dermatologists. Varicose veins may be a symptom of a more serious issue and are typically larger, painful bulging veins. Both occur when blood backflows into the vein due to a faulty valve resulting in blood pooling.
How are spider veins treated?
Sclerotherapy is a minimally-invasive treatment that involves injecting a solution into the diseased vein causing it to collapse and reroute blood flow to healthy veins.
What are the benefits of spider vein treatment with sclerotherapy?
- Safe and effective
- An outpatient procedure that requires no surgery and no hospitalization
- Improves appearance and self-confidence
- Permanently destroys damaged veins
Who is a candidate for spider vein treatment?
Anyone who has noticeable spider veins that are causing them to be self-conscious may be a good candidate for spider vein treatment. The best way to determine your candidacy is to contact Spectrum Dermatology and schedule a consultation.
Contact Spectrum Dermatology To Schedule Your Vein Disease Consultation
If your self-esteem is suffering due to tiny spider veins that have become visible, contact Spectrum Dermatology to learn more about vein disease and your options. Our highly skilled dermatologists will take the time to evaluate your skin and vein condition and recommend the best possible treatment that will help you look and feel your best. Don’t let spider veins compromise your appearance, contact us today by calling (480) 948-8400.