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Spider Veins

Vascular & Interventional Associates -  - Board Certified Vein and Vascular Specialist

 

  

Spider veins are small, but their dark red and purple colors are hard to miss. and the veins have a tendency to spread into highly visible and embarrassing patches. If you want to improve your appearance and get rid of unsightly spider veins, call the Board Certified Vein and Vascular Specialists of Crestview Hills, KY, Northern Kentucky, and Cincinnati, OH. They have years of experience using today’s top treatment to permanently eliminate spider veins. To schedule an appointment, call the office or use the online booking feature today.

Spider Veins Q & A

What causes spider veins?

Spider veins develop when small blood vessels near the surface of your skin become enlarged and visible. These unsightly veins appear when weak or damaged valves allow blood to build up in the vein.

As the tiny veins become engorged with blood, they create a network of red, blue, or purple veins that resemble a spider’s web or tree branches. Spider veins may occur anywhere on your body, but they’re most common on the calves, thighs, and ankles.

What symptoms develop if I have spider veins?

Spider veins are unattractive and affect your appearance, but they seldom cause other symptoms and they don’t pose a threat to your health. In some cases, however, spider veins may be a sign that you have other underlying venous problems.

What increases my risk for spider veins?

You’re more likely to develop spider veins if you:

  • Have a family history of spider veins
  • Spend a long time standing or sitting
  • Have high levels of estrogen
  • Are overweight or obese
  • Are pregnant
  • Are an older adult

Age-related changes and high levels of estrogen lead to weak blood vessel walls and damaged valves. Prolonged standing and sitting, pregnancy, and being overweight place pressure on your leg veins. As a result, venous hypertension develops, increasing your risk of spider veins.

How are spider veins treated?

The vein specialists at Vascular & Interventional Associates have years of experience using sclerotherapy to permanently eliminate spider veins. Sclerotherapy is the gold standard for treating spider veins because it’s safe, quick, and effective.

During sclerotherapy, your provider uses a tiny needle to inject a medication into the targeted spider veins. The medication, called a sclerosing agent, makes the veins walls swell, stick to each other, and seal shut.

After the veins close, your body naturally diverts the blood flow to nearby healthy veins. The treated area turns into scar tissue that your body gradually absorbs. Within a few weeks, the vein fades away.

You may need 3-5 treatments to achieve optimal results. After each treatment, you need to wear compression hose for a period of time, but you can get back to your normal activities nearly immediately.

If you’re ready to eliminate unsightly spider veins, call Vascular & Interventional Associates or book an appointment online.