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Varicose Veins / Spider Veins
What are Spider Veins and why do they occur?
Spider veins are small blue or red collections of dilated superficial vessels often seen on the face, breast and legs that are formed due to increased back pressure from incompetent poorly functioning larger veins.
These smaller vessels “break and dilate” because the venous blood pushes against a larger venous pressure gradient much like a knotted water hose.
This condition affects nearly half of all adults over the age of 50 in the US, and may occur as a result of hormonal changes, pregnancy, obesity, heredity and lifestyle such as distance running and long term standing.
Varicose Veins / Spider Veins Q & A
How are Spider Veins removed?
Depending on the degree of severity, laser ablation or sclerotherapy or a combination of both may be used to treat the problem. Sclerotherapy is a safe method of eliminating unsightly varicose and superficial veins also called telangiectasia. With a very small needle and a special medical light, the veins are visualized and a foaming sclerosing agent is injected directly into the veins. This creates an injury that causes the vein to collapse and disappear over time.
Laser vein ablation uses a specific laser wavelength to target the blue or red color in the vein in order to injury the vein with heat. The injury will cause the vein to collapse and naturally be removed by the body over time. Laser ablation is a safe option in particular for nose and facial veins as often seen with rosacea and sun damage.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments needed to clear or improve the condition differs from patient to patient and depends on the extent of varicose and spider veins present. Individual veins usually require one to three treatments although difficult areas may require up to 6 treatments. Sclerotherapy generally achieves 70 to 80 percent improvement with one treatment while laser ablation achieves around 30 to 40 percent improvement with one treatment. Please remember that although the
treated veins do not return, the underlying cause of varicose and spider veins will continue and new veins typically appear as we age.
Is Vein Removal For Everyone?
The majority of persons who have sclerotherapy or laser ablation performed will see good to complete clearing of the veins. However, 10% of patients who undergo vein treatment have veins do not totally disappeared after six treatments. In very rare instances, the patient’s condition may become worse after sclerotherapy.
What to expect post treatment? Any special instructions?
Paper tape is worn on the injected area for 12 hour and no hot showers or extreme
temperature changes such as hot yoga or Jacuzzi are recommended. Often support hose are to be worn if injections were done on the lower body. The side effects are generally mild but can include temporary bruising, swelling, itching, hyperpigmentation and slight cramping directly following the treatment. You should avoid exercise and NSAIDS for a few days following the procedure and completely avoid direct sun exposure on the treated area for at least 3 months.
What time is year is best for vein treatments?
Laser vein ablation and sclerotherapy treatments are typically recommended in the fall, winter and spring seasons. Since the most common side effects are hyper-pigmentation and bruising and the fact that compression stockings are not ideal in the hot summer sun, pant season is best so that the next summer you can confidently wear shorts and skirts.
Dr. Anita does an initial free vein consultation to evaluate each individual’s concern. She will then prescribe a treatment which may include injection of a foaming sclerosing agent or laser vein ablation.
Dr. Anita suggests the following treatments for this condition:
To learn more about Varicose Veins / Spider Veins treatment or to schedule a consultation by Dr. Anita Dormer, MD, please contact us at 212-535-5905