What are spider veins?

   Spider veins are small dilated blood vessels that appear blue or red. They occur mostly on the legs, but sometimes on the face. Varicose veins are large dilated blood vessels that may be raised above the skin surface. They may occur along with spider veins. The cause of spider veins is not known. They can appear in men and women, and sometimes the condition runs in families. Precipitating factors include hormones, pregnancy, local injury, or tight, binding undergarments. Spider veins on the face, also called telangiectasias, can be caused by sun exposure or can be associated with a medical condition called rosacea.

 Can spider veins be prevented?

   Although spider veins cannot always be prevented, some measures that may help include wearing support hose, achieving ideal weight and exercising regularly. Eating a high fiber diet and wearing low heeled shoes is also advised.

 How are unwanted blood vessels on the legs treated?

   At Cary Dermatology, a physician will examine your legs to determine the type and extent of spider veins. If you have varicose veins you may be referred to a Vein Care Center to have the larger veins treated first. Once larger varicose veins have been successfully treated, then Injection Sclerotherapy can be used to treat the smaller spider veins. Sclerotherapy involves the injection of a sclerosing chemical solution through a very fine needle directly into the blood vessel. The solution irritates the lining of the unwanted blood vessels causing them to turn to scar tissue over a period of weeks. Eventually the veins become barely noticeable or invisible. After several treatments, most patients will see 50-90% improvement.

 Will the veins reoccur?

   Spider veins may reoccur after sclerotherapy treatment, but more often, previously injected veins remain invisible and a new spider vein reappears in the same area.

 Will insurance cover the treatment of unwanted blood vessels?

   Insurance does not cover the cost of treatment of spider veins. Payment is expected at the time of service.

 Are there other treatment methods?

   New lasers are now available for treating unwanted blood vessels. Currently, leg veins do not respond uniformly to laser treatments and many doctors use sclerotherapy and lasers in combination. Surgically tying veins off or pulling them out (stripping) are other procedures for treating unwanted blood vessels and are sometimes used for large varicose veins.

 How are spider veins on the face treated?

   Lasers and electric needle therapy have been used effectively for treatment of facial spider veins. (see Laser Surgery)