• 1840 Mease Drive, Suite 319, Safety Harbor, Florida 34695
  • Mon - Fri: 8:00am - 5:00pm

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

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Office Hours

Mon - Fri:8:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday:Office Closed
Sunday:Office Closed
+(727) 712-3233
info@wfvav.com

Spider Veins

What Are Spider Veins?

A Red Flag for an Underlying Issue Potentially Causing Leg Aches and Discomfort

Spider veins – known in the medical world as telangiectasias or sunburst varicosities – are small, thin veins that lie close to the surface of the skin. Although these super-fine veins are connected with the larger venous system, they are not an essential part of it. They are often red or blue and have a web-like or spider web appearance, hence the name. 

Typically, spider veins, in contrast to varicose veins, don’t present a medical issue. They can, however, infrequently lead to symptoms like itchiness or bleeding. The primary driver behind patients seeking treatment is usually the unsightly appearance of these veins. As the treatment is predominantly sought for aesthetic improvement, it’s not commonly covered by insurance policies.
  • Fact: Spider veins are a common condition. Women are four times more likely than men to be affected by spider veins, especially as gravidity increases
  • Fact: It's estimated that around 50 to 55 percent of women suffer from this condition. This percentage is slightly higher than in men, where the occurrence is between 40 to 45 percent.
  • Fact: More than 40 percent of women have some form of varicose vein condition, which includes spider veins, and the incidence of venous disease increases with age.
  • Fact: The prevalence of spider veins also varies with age. For example, 41% of females aged 50 years and older are affected by spider veins. Overall, women account for about 55 percent of all varicose vein cases, compared to men who account for 45 percent.

What Are The Common Causes?

Spider veins can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
  • AGE: As you get older, your vein valves may weaken and not work as well.
  • HORMONAL CHANGES: These occur during pregnancy, menopause, and puberty, or from taking estrogen, progesterone, and birth control pills.
  • PREGNANCY: Besides hormonal changes, increased blood flow and pressure on the legs from a growing uterus can lead to spider veins.
  • OBESITY: Excess weight can put additional pressure on your veins.
  • STANDING OR SITTING FOR LONG PERIODS: This can force your veins to work harder to pump blood to your heart.
  • SUN EXPOSURE: This can cause spider veins on the face of people with fair skin.
  • HEREDITY: If other members of your family have spider veins, there's a good chance you may also get them.
It’s important to note that having one or more of these risk factors does not guarantee that you will develop spider veins, but it does increase your chances.
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How Does A Spider Vein Form?

The veins in our legs serve as uphill highways, carrying blood against the pull of gravity back to our heart. Within these veins are valves that function like a series of tiny doors, opening to let the blood pass upwards and then promptly closing to prevent it from slipping back down. Yet, as time goes by, these tiny doors can lose their strength, leading to a less than optimal performance. When this happens, blood can start to trickle back down and accumulate in the legs. This pooling of blood then prompts the formation of new, shallow veins that sit just below the skin’s surface. These are the veins that we commonly refer to as spider veins due to their web-like appearance.

What Are The Symptoms & What You Can Expect?

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While it might seem unexpected, given their diminutive size, spider veins can indeed cause the following symptoms:

  • Visible small veins that appear as thin lines, webs, or branches. They are usually red, purple, or blue.
  • Mild discomfort or aching around the affected area.
  • A feeling of heaviness or tiredness in the legs.
  • Itching or burning sensation at the site of the veins.
  • Swelling or throbbing in the affected area.
  • Nighttime leg cramps (Restless Leg Syndrome).

Spider veins usually take on one of three basic patterns. They may appear in a true spider shape with a group of veins radiating outward from a dark central point; they may be arborizing and will resemble tiny branch-like shapes; or they may be simple linear and appear as thin separate lines. Linear spider veins are commonly seen on the inner knee, whereas the arborizing pattern often appears on the outer thigh in a sunburst or cartwheel distribution.

Varicose veins differ from spider veins in a number of ways. Varicose veins are larger – usually more than a quarter-inch in diameter, darker in color and tend to bulge. Varicose veins are also more likely to cause pain and be related to more serious vein disorders.
It’s important to note that having one or more of these risk factors does not guarantee that you will develop spider veins, but it does increase your chances.

Spider Vein Treatment Options

By administering a concentrated medication like saline solution into these minor veins, they can be promptly treated and made to disappear instantaneously. This process induces minimal discomfort, leaves no scars, and requires no downtime.

Even with this swift treatment, the struggle with spider veins, sadly, is a lifelong journey for most patients. Even after successful treatment, the body tends to continue producing them. For this reason, most patients need intermittent maintenance treatments to keep their legs vein free. Spider vein treatments are done for cosmetic reasons and are not covered by most insurance carriers. Sclerotherapy can enhance your appearance and your self confidence, but it’s unrealistic to believe that every affected vein will disappear completely as a result of treatment. After each sclerotherapy session, the veins will appear lighter. Two or more sessions are usually required to achieve optimal results. You should also be aware that the procedure treats only those veins that are currently visable; it does nothing to permanently alter the venous system or prevent new veins from surfacing in the future.

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Sclerotherapy
Endovenous Ablation
Microphlebectomy
Venefit Procedure

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No one needs to suffer from untreated varicose vein disease or arterial related diseases anymore. In addition, with today’s favorable insurance coverage, the procedures are even more accessible. If you have a vein problem, contact us today.

Telephone: (727) 712-3233
Facsimile: (727) 712-1853
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