Spider veins are a very common cosmetic concern that tends to affect women more often than men. They often appear as a result of pregnancy, hormonal changes, standing for long periods of time, or you may be genetically predisposed.
They are not usually a medical concern, but they can cause embarrassment or anxiety in social situations because of the way they look on the face, legs, or ankles. You may be wondering, “Are there spider vein treatments?”
Yes. The qualified, board-certified surgeons at the Laparoscopic & Endoscopic Surgery Institute (LESI) offer spider vein treatments in Alpharetta and the surrounding Atlanta area.
What Are Spider Veins?
Spider veins are usually small red, purple, or blue blood vessels that can be seen just beneath the surface of your skin. They normally develop on your legs or face and may look like thin lines that form in a branch-like pattern or like a spider web.
They are not the same as varicose veins because they are much thinner and normally are not raised, twisted, or bulging like varicose veins. Spider veins are much smaller and thinner and normally do not cause serious symptoms, but some people report aching or itching in the affected areas.
Can Spider Vein Treatment Help?
If you are wondering if there are treatments available that can get rid of visible spider veins, then you will be happy to learn that there are several different procedures that can reduce or eliminate the visibility of spider veins. The best option for you will depend on the location of your veins, how large they are, and whether you may have deeper vein issues that are related.
What Are The Treatment Options For Spider Veins?
The appearance of spider veins can be reduced or eliminated through different treatments depending on your circumstances. The best treatment for you will depend on:
- The size of your veins
- The location of the veins.
- Your skin tone
- Any symptoms caused by the veins.
- Your health and medical history.
- If the doctor suspects a deeper vein issue.
Spider Vein Treatment Options Include:
Sclerotherapy
One of the most often used treatments for spider veins in the leg is a procedure called “sclerotherapy” and involves injecting the problem vein with a special solution. This irritates the vein and causes it to gradually seal itself closed and divert the blood flow to another vein that is healthier. The damaged vein is eventually absorbed by your body and becomes less visible or even undetectable under your skin.
The experts at LESI often use sclerotherapy to treat spider veins and smaller varicose veins during an outpatient procedure. After treatment, some patients need to wear compression stockings for a short amount of time, and many can return to most of their regular activities soon after their treatment session.
Laser or Light-Based Treatment
These treatments use targeted beams of light to heat up the very small blood vessels to destroy them. The vein shrinks and is gradually absorbed by your body, making it invisible or less noticeable.
Laser spider vein treatments are often used when they appear on the face or when they are very small, and sclerotherapy would not be a suitable treatment.
How Does Laser Treatment for Spider Veins Work?
Usually, your treatment plan will start with a consultation where the doctor will evaluate your concerns, identify the veins that need to be treated, and determine if a spider vein laser treatment would be the best fit for your needs.
To ensure your safety during a laser vein treatment, you will be given protective eyewear to put on while the vein specialist uses the controlled light to treat the visible blood vessels.
The light creates heat inside these targeted vessels, which causes them to gradually seal shut and fade away. Sometimes it only takes one session to treat the veins, and some need more than one session. The results can be different for everyone.
How Much Do Spider Vein Treatments Cost?
The cost of spider vein laser treatments can be different for everyone and depends on:
- The type of treatment used.
- The number of veins that need treatment.
- The size of the treatment area.
- How large the veins are.
- The number of sessions needed to get the desired results.
Treating spider veins is most often considered an elective cosmetic procedure and is not covered by medical insurance. If your spider veins are causing pain or swelling and stem from a deeper underlying vein disease, medical insurance may cover all or part of the cost of diagnosis and treatment.
A Consultation Is Needed To Determine Your Exact Cost For Spider Vein Treatment
A qualified vein specialist can determine the extent of your vein issues and how extensive your treatment needs to be. Some individuals have deeper vein problems that are exerting pressure on the blood vessels that are closest to the skin’s surface, which may require more complex treatment.
An examination allows the doctor to determine which treatment is most appropriate for you and how many sessions you will need. The best way to learn about the options for spider vein treatments is to schedule a consultation with one of LESI’s vein specialists. They will be able to answer any questions you may have and to provide you with the exact cost of your spider vein treatment.
Choosing Between Laser Treatment and Sclerotherapy
Everyone is different, so there is no one single vein treatment that works best. The vein specialists at LESI can assess your specific situation and provide guidance on whether sclerotherapy or a laser treatment would work best to achieve your desired goals.
Michael Williams, MD, FACS, FASMBS, and Brendon Curtis, MD, FACS, FASMBS, are board-certified surgeons with decades of experience in bariatric and general surgery, including the treatment of venous insufficiency and related vein conditions.
Set up your consultation today to learn more.
FAQs
Is Laser or Sclerotherapy Better for Treating Spider Veins?
It depends on the size and location of the veins as well as the health of the patient and the quality of their skin. If the veins are caused by a deeper-rooted issue, treatment options may expand to surgery.
How Many Spider Vein Treatment Sessions Will I Need?
It depends on how many veins need to be treated and how they respond to the treatment. You may need only one session to reach your desired results, or it may take two or more.
Does Insurance Cover Spider Vein Treatment?
No. Not normally, unless the veins are a result of a deeper underlying vein condition. If medically necessary, your insurance may cover your evaluation or treatment in part or in full.
What Is Recovery Like After Spider Vein Treatment?
It is normal to have some temporary redness, mild swelling, or slight bruising around the areas that were treated. If you have had a sclerotherapy treatment, you may need to wear special compression stockings for a while to help aid in your healing process.
Your doctor will provide some aftercare instructions that may give you some activity guidelines to follow for 48 hours or longer. You may feel great after your vein treatments, but activities like hot baths, saunas, excessive exercise, heavy lifting, etc., should be avoided until you have had enough time to fully heal. Your doctor will let you know when you can resume these activities.
