Under the pen name “Spiderwoman,” an 18 year old girl expressed disgust over her vein problems on a plastic surgery website: “Gross! I'm only 18! They are showing up in many places.”

“Spiderwoman” is not alone. According to statistics, 50% of the population in the United States have varicose or spider veins and 90% of those are females.

Spider Veins

Imperfections on the body always turn into bigger problems when a person is conscious of their appearance. One such cosmetic flaw is the appearance of telangiectasia—better known as spider veins.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASAP) defines spider veins as small clusters of veins that appear red, blue or purple in appearance and are most likely to appear on the legs, thighs, calves and ankles.

The Cause

Spider veins are formed by the dilation of small blood vessels near the surface of the skin. They may take on a true spider shape with a group of veins radiating from a dark central point.

The ASPS cites many factors as contributing to the development of spider veins, including family history, pregnancy, hormonal shifts, weight gain, prolonged standing and sitting and the use of certain medications.

As evidenced by the case of “Spiderwoman,” a person in any age bracket can acquire spider veins, but they are mostly seen in woman between the ages of 30 and 60.

Spider veins are considered a cosmetic problem, and the majority of people feel no pain from them. However, there can be discomfort and some pain where a majority of veins cluster in one area.

Treatment is Available

People living with spider veins have alternatives to get rid of them. The two procedures used to eliminate spider veins are sclerotherapy and laser treatments. Since these veins are mostly considered cosmetic, the procedures aren't typically covered by insurance.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy comes from the Greek word meaning “hardening.” The cosmetic surgeon injects a chemical called a sclerosing agent into the vein, causing it to inflame and the blood to clot. This closes the central channel of the vein, which eventually collapses, turns into scar tissue, and fades in color.

“Vessels are like veins on a leaf. If you can find the main feeder, or trunk, then all of those vessels can be flushed out with one injection,” said Dr. Peter Schmid, board certified plastic surgeon.

Most doctors prefer this method of treatment for it is minimal side effects and because it's considered to be more comfortable for the patient. The procedure only takes between 15 and 45 minutes and the injections are given for every inch apart of the spider vein.

There may be up to 40 injections per session with the healing process taking up to 4 months with the likelihood of repeat sessions.

The advantages of the sclerotherapy treatment include almost immediate results—the patient can see about a 50% improvement after the first session. Also, sclerotherapy is a procedure that can be performed in the office and the patient can go home on the same day. After the procedure, compression stockings may be prescribed to guard against clotting.

Kay, a Boulder Colorado resident, underwent sclerotherapy treatment and attests to its effectiveness: “The treatment took very well.”

Laser Treatment

Laser treatment is a newer technology in treating spider veins, but effective just the same. There are no needles or incisions, but a heat sensation as the lasers sends many strong bursts of lights on the veins, making the vein slowly fade and disappear.

Laser treatments, depending on the severity of the veins, last 15 to 20 minutes with 2 to 5 treatments generally needed. When spider veins are larger then 3mm, laser surgery is not a practical option.

Like the sclerotherapy procedure, laser is done in the office, has very few side effects and the patient can leave in the same day.

Seeking Treatment

The first step to seeking treatment for spider veins is to find a board certified plastic surgery that is experienced in vein removal processes and who fully informs you of your options.

Contact a board certified plastic surgeon near you today to learn more about spider vein treatments.

(Article by: Donna Corrado)