Exploring Treatment Options for Spider Veins

Blog Author February 9, 2016

Spider Veins

Spider veins are common in the United States, affecting millions of people across the country. If you think you may have spider veins, consult the information below to learn about your treatment options.

What are Spider Veins?

A spider vein is an abnormal blood vessel that may develop in any location on the body. However, these veins are most common on the hands, face, chest and legs. If you have spider veins, you may notice thin, easily-visible veins that appear to form webs. These veins are rarely painful, and they are unlikely to be raised above the surface of the skin. Although spider veins don’t usually cause physical discomfort, they can still be problematic for sufferers. Many people with spider veins report embarrassment, low self-esteem and even anxiety because of their condition. Fortunately, if you have unwanted spider veins, you can improve their appearance with the right treatment.

Treatment Options for Spider Veins

If you have spider veins, you may benefit from one of the following treatment options for spider veins:

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy procedures treat spider veins by using laser energy to force the abnormal veins to collapse. This energy is delivered to the veins via a transdermal laser. Because this procedure can cause discomfort, local anesthetic may be used to keep the patient more comfortable.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a procedure that treats spider veins with a series of injections. During this procedure, a special chemical is injected into each spider vein with a thin needle. This chemical irritates the walls of the vein, causing it to close off. In some cases, a vein specialist will use a combination of both laser therapy and sclerotherapy to treat spider veins. Both of these procedures are performed on an outpatient basis with minimal discomfort and very little downtime.

Making an Appointment

To learn more about spider vein treatment, make an appointment with a qualified vein doctor at the Kimmel Institute today.

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