Under the expert guidance of our Board Certified Vascular Surgeon, Dr. Mark Zuzga, our team of Vein Specialists & Vascular Experts are committed to delivering top-tier outpatient vascular & vein evaluation and treatment throughout the greater Tampa & West Florida surrounding areas. Should you find yourself dealing with leg pain, swelling, ulcers, discoloration, or the appearance of spider and varicose veins, we invite you to request a screening today
An Inside Look at Spider Vein Treatments: What You Need to Know
It can be frustrating to try and cover them up with clothing or makeup, but thankfully there are several treatment options available to help get rid of them. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what spider veins are, what causes them, and the different treatment options available to you.
What are Spider Veins?
Spider veins are small, thin veins that lie close to the surface of the skin and are not an essential part of the larger venous system. While they can develop due to heredity, hormonal shifts, weight gain, or prolonged sitting or standing, they are mostly cosmetic issues that can cause self-consciousness and embarrassment.
Treatment Options
The good news is that there are multiple treatment options available for spider veins. Sclerotherapy is one of the most popular treatments and involves injecting a solution directly into the affected vein. This causes the vein walls to collapse and the blood to reroute through healthier veins, ultimately causing the vein to fade away over time.
Another option is laser treatment, which uses a beam of light to target and destroy the spider vein. Although it may require more than one treatment, it is a noninvasive option that requires no needles or injections. Keep in mind that not all veins are suitable for laser treatment.
Radiofrequency ablation and endovenous laser ablation are two additional treatments that are used for larger varicose veins, but they do not typically work for spider veins.
It’s worth noting that while spider vein treatments can be effective, they are not a one-time fix. The body tends to continue producing spider veins even after successful treatment, which means patients typically require maintenance treatments to maintain vein-free legs. These treatments are done for cosmetic reasons and are not covered by most insurance carriers.
The Take Away
Spider veins can be a frustrating issue, but there are several effective treatments available to help you improve the appearance of your legs. Whether you opt for sclerotherapy, laser treatment, or another method, it’s important to keep in mind that maintenance treatments may be necessary to keep your legs looking their best. If you’re interested in exploring treatment options, be sure to consult with a licensed professional who can recommend the best approach for you. We invite those of you in the Tampa Bay/Safety Harbor region of Florida to visit us West Florida Vascular & Vein. Call 727-772-3233 to schedule your appointment.