Cosmetic Procedures: Spider Veins

Varicose veins are large, raised, swollen blood vessels that twist and turn. They usually develop in the legs.

Spider veins are smaller, red, purple and blue vessels that are also twisted and turning. Spider veins are easily visible and are found just under the skin. They are also most often seen on the legs.

What Causes Varicose Veins and Spider Veins?

A number of factors predispose a person to varicose and spider veins. These include:

• Heredity
• Occupations that involve a lot of standing, such as nurses, beauticians, teachers and factory workers
• Obesity
• Hormonal influences during pregnancy
• The use of birth control pills
• Post-menopausal hormonal replacement
• A history of blood clots
• Conditions that cause increased pressure in the abdomen including tumors, constipation and externally worn garments like girdles

Other reported causes include trauma or injury to the skin, previous venous surgery and exposure to ultraviolet rays.

Who Is Affected by Varicose Veins and Spider Veins?

Varicose veins and spider veins develop more often in women than in men. They increase in frequency with age. An estimated 30% to 60% of adults have varicose veins or spider veins.

What Are the Symptoms of Varicose Veins and Spider Veins?

Many patients with varicose veins complain of pain, described as an aching or cramping in the legs. Other common symptoms include tiredness, restlessness, burning, throbbing, tingling or heaviness in the legs. Pain caused by varicose veins is usually relieved by elevating the legs or by wearing support hose.

In women, symptoms may be worse during certain parts of the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy. Patients also may develop swelling, ulcers (large sores), and an increase in the pigmentation or darkening of the color of their skin, especially in the ankle region. Occasionally, varicose veins and spider veins can form a painful blood clot with inflammation of the vein called thrombophlebitis.

What Are the Treatment Options for Varicose Veins and Spider Veins?

There are seven major forms of treatment for varicose veins and spider veins.

1. Support Stockings. The most conservative approach is simply to wear properly-fitting support hose, especially when the veins cause painful or uncomfortable symptoms. These stockings can generally be purchased at any surgical supply store and at some pharmacies. They come in below-the-knee, above-the-knee and pantyhose styles.

2. Lifestyle changes. Good skin hygiene, weight loss (if needed), and walking can help treat varicose veins and spider veins.

3. Sclerotherapy. This procedure, which has been available since the 1930s, is another treatment option. This procedure uses a highly concentrated saline (salt) solution or a specially made detergent that is injected directly into the vein, causing the vein to disappear gradually over 3 to 6 weeks. The procedure is simple, relatively inexpensive and can be performed in an outpatient setting.

4. Endovenous Laser Treatment is a procedure in which a small laser fiber is inserted into the vein. Pulses of laser light are delivered inside the vein, which causes the vein to collapse. The procedure is done as an outpatient under local anesthesia.