Many patients come to Premier Vein Clinics exasperated because the appearance of their spider veins is taking a toll on their lifestyle. Cosmetically, spider veins can certainly be unsightly. It’s not uncommon for patients to tell us they won’t wear shorts on even the hottest summer day because of ugly spider veins on their legs, and even that they’ve stopped doing outdoor activities because of this choice. And spider veins on the face present a different cosmetic challenge. Concealers and make-up are often inadequate in covering these blemishes and self-consciousness plagues many of our patients. They are literally uncomfortable in their own skin.
Spider veins appear on the surface of the skin of the legs or face as tiny red or purplish lines that twist and turn, like a spiderweb, as the name indicates. Most commonly found on the legs or face, spider veins are tiny, dilated veins that are usually harmless since they’re not essential for circulation. They are sometimes referred to as capillary veins or broken veins (which is inaccurate since they’re not actually broken.)
Spider veins are not the same as varicose veins, which are bulging veins in the legs caused by a disruption in blood flow. However, both conditions are influenced primarily by genetics, so it’s not uncommon for a patient to seek treatment for both varicose and spider veins.
Unlike varicose veins, spider veins are typically painless and harmless, but they don’t repair themselves and can become more pronounced with factors such as hormone fluctuations and sun exposure. Additionally, spider veins tend to spread or become more visible with age as the skin loses collagen. Those appearing on the legs may worsen with long periods of sitting or standing.
Fortunately, treatment of spider veins is easier than ever. Sclerotherapy is a very effective and minimally invasive, in-office treatment in which the spider veins are injected with a solution that causes them to collapse and fade away over time. Sclerotherapy is often used in conjunction with laser treatments for varicose veins to achieve further cosmetic relief.
Sclerotherapy is quite effective in eliminating most visible spider veins. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there is a strong chance—up to 90 percent—of greatly improved appearance after sclerotherapy. While this procedure is not usually covered by most insurance plans, it is an affordable treatment for many people.
So, if spider veins are keeping your legs in hiding, request an appointment with one of the experienced vascular surgeons at Premier Vein Clinics. We are conveniently located on Papermill Drive in Knoxville. Call (865) 588-8229 to schedule an appointment, or request an online consultation and take the first step in restoring your health.