What are Spider Veins?

[en Espanol]

Spider and medium-sized veins can be found on the face, neck, chest, abdomen and legs either alone or in association with varicose veins. Spider veins are fine, threadlike, purplish-blue or red veins close to the surface of the skin. Medium-sized veins are blue-green veins generally present along with spider veins. They occur almost exclusively in women. They generally don’t cause symptoms, they do NOT contribute to normal circulation and are considered a cosmetic problem.

Evaluation and treatment of your Spider Veins

Cosmetic sclerotherapy is the treatment of medium-sized and spider veins using a sclerosing agent which is injected into the veins, causing them to close and ultimately disappear. Treatments are approximately 35 minutes, with multiple injections being done at each treatment. Both legs can be treated at the same time. A minimal amount of burning or stinging occurs with injections. We are currently recommending compression hose be worn after each treatment for a determined period of time.

What to Expect after your Spider Vein Treatment

Immediately following treatment expect to see bruising, red spots, localized swelling and heat sensation. Gradual closure occurs over days to weeks. Treatments are spaced at six week intervals, with an average of two to five treatments for most people to achieve complete clearance.