Spider & Reticular Veins

Spider veins are similar to varicose veins in appearance, but they are smaller. They are often red or blue and are closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins. They can look like little tree branches or spider webs. Spider veins can be found on the legs and face and can grow to cover a very large area of skin. Reticular veins are a larger variety of spider veins, often with a straighter appearance.

Causes of Spider Veins 

The two main causes of spider veins are age and heredity, both of which can lead to venous insufficiency.  Venous insufficiency is as a result of the system of returning blood from the extremities to the heart becoming compromised, resulting in the ‘backwards flow’ of blood in these veins, otherwise know as venous reflux. Reflux allows pressure to build in the smaller veins underneath the skin, causing them to swell and stretch. 

Preventing Spider Veins

Spider veins can’t always be prevented, however, a few simple tips could help prevent their onset in some individuals.

• When you are in the sun protect your skin by avoiding excess exposure and by wearing sunscreen
• Avoid crossing your legs
• Don’t wear clothes that are tight and impede your circulation
• Control your weight
• Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time
• Wear support stockings  

Treatment for Spider Veins and Reticular Veins

Two treatment options exist for Spider and Reticular veins, injection sclerotherapy, and laser sclerotherapy. Dr. Weiswasser will discuss with you which treatment option is best.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy involves injecting a liquid agent through a tiny needle directly into your spider or reticular veins, causing them to contract, collapse, and shut down. This procedure is recommended for medium to large spider veins because it relies upon fitting a small needle into a very small vein. The procedure is performed in our office and is relatively painless, lasting anywhere from five minutes to an hour depending on how extensive the spider veins are. As this technique relies on the vein shutting down following treatment, one or more ‘touch-up’ sessions are often necessary.

During laser treatment, a laser is placed on the skin over your spider veins. Energy from the laser causes spider veins to shut down. Laser therapy is most effective for extremely small spider veins which are not amenable to injection. This procedure is relatively painless, with most patients experiencing mild discomfort similar to having a small rubber band snapping against skin.