Blog

EXCLUSIVELY DEVOTED & FOCUSED ON VENOUS DISEASE

Category: Spider Vein Treatment

spider veins

Are those tiny red, blue, or purple veins bothering you whenever you glance at your legs or chest? 

You are not alone. Millions of people struggle with spider veins and those visible veins often seem harmless but can sometimes hint at deeper health concerns.

It is important to know the causes and symptoms of spider veins on your chest if you are looking for the best spider vein treatment options in Beverly Hills or if you are just starting to notice one. This article will explore what causes spider veins, their symptoms, when to seek help and the best treatment options available today.

Spider veins – What are they?

It is a little bloodstream appearing below the surface of the skin. They often look like little spiderwebs. Many people think they are only a cosmetic problem but that may indicate a more serious condition. It’s a good idea to visit a vein specialist to find out if they need to be treated or if they are just harmless.

Causes of spider veins

Spider veins are the result of various circumstances. The most common causes are

Genetics: You are at a higher risk of developing them yourself if you have spider veins in any of your family members.

Age: Spider veins can appear because vein valves can weaken with age.

Hormonal changes: Using birth control pills or going through menstruation or pregnancy can impact vein health.

Extended periods of standing or sitting: Jobs requiring extended periods of inactivity might raise the pressure in the veins.

Obesity: Vein pressure is increased by excess body weight.

Sun exposure: Excessive sun exposure can damage skin and small veins, particularly on the face and chest.

Trauma: Blood vessels damaged by past surgeries or injuries may develop spider veins.

If you want the greatest spider vein treatment, you must identify the reasons behind your veins.

Symptoms of spider veins

They can occasionally cause discomfort or other signs, even though spider veins are harmless. Some examples of these signs are

  • Leg pain or a sensation of heaviness
  • Swelling in the lower legs or ankles
  • Continuous cramping, trembling, or burning
  • Itching in the veins
  • Feeling pain from sitting or standing without any movement for a long period

It is advisable to schedule a visit with a vein treatment centre if you experience any of these symptoms. Early analysis can help you stop the illness from getting worse.

Are spider veins dangerous?

There is no significant health risk associated with spider veins. Spider veins are an indication of inadequate veins that reduce the ability to carry blood. A lack of venous function can result in consequences such as blood clots or skin abnormalities if not treated.

It is essential to check for vein changes if you experience any of these signs.

Vein care experts at places like the Center for Vein Wellness can provide a full assessment and recommend the right course of action whether for cosmetic improvements or medical needs.

Spider veins versus varicose veins

They have related conditions but not the same.

Spider veins resemble spiderwebs and are smaller. They may be uncomfortable or bothersome but they rarely produce physical symptoms. 

Varicose veins Varicose veins are larger with bulging veins that often cause pain or swelling and a heavy sensation.

Both conditions benefit from early treatment. Many vein treatment centers like the Center for Vein Wellness specialize in spider vein treatment and varicose vein treatment offering a full range of care options.

Diagnosis of spider veins

Spider veins are usually identified by medical examination. An echocardiography might be performed to check for signs of vein deficiency. A respectable vein treatment facility will ensure nothing is overlooked by doing a comprehensive test.

Options for spider vein treatment

Various treatments are available for spider veins which depend on their position and the degree of severity.

  • Sclerotherapy

It is considered one of the most effective ways to treat spider veins. The veins are injected with a certain solution that causes the veins to gradually collapse and vanish. Leg veins are commonly treated with it.

This procedure is mostly chosen by patients seeking spider vein treatment services in Beverly Hills due to its high success rates and short recovery period. Center for Vein Wellness provides expert sclerotherapy procedures to help restore a smooth skin appearance.

  • Laser therapy

It eliminates spider veins using concentrated light radiation. This approach is useful for smaller veins or veins that appear in sensitive areas like the face and chest. It requires no injections.

This can be the best option if you are worried about spider veins on your face and chest. It provides outstanding outcomes and a rapid recovery duration.

  • Radiofrequency treatment

It is an advanced solution that seals off troublesome veins with heat. It is used for treating bigger varicose veins rather than spider veins. A thorough vein care treatment may include this treatment if there is venous insufficiency.

Lifestyle changes

The development of new spider veins can be prevented by adopting good living habits. 

  • Exercise regularly to improve good circulation
  • Raise the legs while at rest to lessen the strain on the veins
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Wear compression stockings
  • Protect your skin from sun exposure
  • Avoid long periods of sitting or standing without any movement

Experts at Center for Vein Wellness often recommend these measures which can greatly enhance the results of medical treatments.

Choosing the right vein treatment center

When selecting a provider consider the following:

  • Certified specialists with experience in spider vein and varicose vein treatment
  • Access to the latest technologies and treatment methods
  • Comprehensive diagnostic services to assess overall vein health
  • Care plans that are customized to meet the needs of each person
  • Positive patient reviews and a strong reputation in the community

The Centre for Vein Wellness is famous for providing excellent treatment focusing on patient comfort and medical proficiency. If you need help with spider veins or advanced varicose vein treatments, they provide various treatment options.

Preventing spider veins

How to prevent spider veins?

It is not always possible to be completely safe but there are several things you can do to lower the threat.

  • Stay active by doing regular exercise to improve blood flow
  • Wear compression stockings if recommended by your doctor
  • Maintain a healthy diet and weight
  • Protect your skin from the sun if you are sensitive to spider veins on your chest and facial areas
  • Avoid crossing your legs when sitting since this may disrupt blood circulation
  • Change your position frequently if your job involves long hours of sitting or standing

You can maintain the health of your veins over time by following these easy steps.

When to see a specialist

You have to consult a specialist if you notice any symptoms even though spider veins are usually harmless.

  • Pain and discomfort around the veins
  • Variations in skin tone or structure near veins
  • Spider veins are growing quickly
  • Symptoms of venous insufficiency such as chronic leg pain or ulcers

Early consultation with a vein treatment center ensures that any potential problems are identified and treated immediately.

Conclusion

People of all ages can get spider veins which is a common condition that is sometimes regarded as a cosmetic issue. Sometimes they can be a sign of vein problems that need to be treated. Making educated decisions regarding your health is made possible by being aware of the causes and symptoms.

It is worth consulting a professional if you are bothered by the appearance of spider veins on your chest and legs or other areas. Center for Vein Wellness offers expert spider and varicose vein treatment options to help you achieve glowing skin and better overall vein health.

You may enhance your quality of life and keep beautiful and comfortable by taking preventive measures now. Professional help is available to guide you if you need spider vein treatment in Beverly Hills or simply want advice on preventing vein issues.

Spider veins are tiny, web-like veins that are often spotted just beneath your skin’s surface. Since it forms patterns that resemble a spider’s web or tree branches, it gets this name.  You can spot spider veins on the chest, face, and legs, and they tend to appear in different colors, such as red, blue, or purple and show up on the legs and face.

While they are usually harmless, spider veins make people feel self-conscious about their appearance. Rather than discomfort, this is seen as a cosmetic problem. If you are either noticed or diagnosed with spider veins and wondering what they are or what can be done about them, you are not alone. Roughly, there are more than 25 million Americans dealing with this. 

Rest assured, this can be treated easily. This blog gives you a peek about the advanced spider vein treatments at the center for vein wellness in Beverly Hills.

How do you differentiate spider veins from varicose veins?

Spider veins and varicose veins might look similar. But they have some key differences. Spider veins are small and appear thin and form a web-like pattern on your skin. They are viewed as a cosmetic issue and don’t usually cause much discomfort. 

Varicose veins are swollen and twisted. They can bulge out from the skin and appear in shades of blue or dark purple. These veins can be more than just a visual concern, which is why they must be treated immediately. Because these veins pronounce symptoms such as aching, throbbing or a heavy feeling in the legs.

Especially when the valves in the veins fail to work properly. And this makes the blood pool and the veins enlarge. 

While spider veins are usually closer to the skin’s surface, they are less about faulty valves and more about tiny blood vessels becoming dilated.

How are spider veins diagnosed?

Spider veins are quickly diagnosed either by performing a physical examination or the doctor may check your legs while you stand and ask about any concerns, like pain or any discomfort you feel in the legs.

Though a visual examination can confirm the case, to medically diagnose it, certain tests, such as a venous Doppler ultrasound of the leg and a venogram, among others, are done.

What are the advanced spider vein treatments?

At the Center for Vein Wellness, located in Beverly Hills & Thousand Oaks, you get advanced spider vein treatments such as:

Sclerotherapy

One of the most common ways of treating spider veins is sclerotherapy. It helps fix the appearance of varicose and spider veins or treat the issues such as aching, swelling and burning caused by this vein problem. This treatment works best for smaller veins and in one session you can get rid of 50 to 80% of injected veins. 

How does this treatment work?

Whether you are opting for a sclerotherapy treatment to treat spider veins or cosmetic reasons, know that this is an efficacious one.

Preparation:

Initially, your dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon will examine the affected area and look for any serious venous problems. To confirm the same, scans and photographs are taken for before and after results. Your medical history, including the previous treatments and supplements, is given a quick go-through.

Procedure:

This is a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure. So, it doesn’t require anesthesia and is performed on the doctor’s outpatient side.

  • In sclerotherapy, first the treatment area is cleaned. 
  • Next, your skin is stretched out around the injection site and a chemical solution is directly injected into the affected vein. 
  • This solution makes the vein walls swell, then makes them stick together and seal shut. 
  • In this degree, the blood flow is halted and as a result, the vein fades within a few weeks.

So, based on the size of the spider vein, this solution is injected. Multiple veins can be injected during one treatment session or sometimes the doctor might recommend performing this procedure a few weeks apart.

Is sclerotherapy painful?

You will experience only minor stinging or cramps when the needle is inserted into the vein. For larger veins, you may feel cramping for a minute or two during the injection. If you are facing any discomfort, voice it out to your doctor. 

After the injections are done, the doctor will apply pressure and massage the treated area. This is done to keep blood out of the injected vein and disperse the injected solution. 

What happens post-surgery?

After your treatment, your provider may ask you to lie down for 15 minutes to monitor if there’s any negative reaction. If everything is normal, you can drive back home and resume your day-to-day activities. But stay away from doing strenuous work.

Things to follow after the procedure:

  • It’s recommended to follow these guidelines for 48 hours post-procedure.
  • Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen or any kind of anti-inflammatory medication. Unless your doctor prescribes it.
  • Clean the injection sites using mild soap and lukewarm water.
  • You can take baths but ensure the water is cooler than the room temperature. Avoid hot baths or saunas. 
  • Stay from the sunlight and don’t apply any hot compresses or any form of heat to the treated areas.

Laser vein treatment

While sclerotherapy is the most effective treatment for spider veins, laser therapy is the second most popular option. 

This is a quick, noninvasive procedure that uses a focused beam of light to heat and destroy the affected veins. 

Types of laser treatment

A few types of laser treatment for spider veins are:

Surface laser therapy 

Though this type is opted to treat larger varicose veins, it is also chosen to treat spider veins.
Here, a focused beam is sent onto the skin where the affected veins can be seen. This targeting heating makes the affected vein collapse. Your skin is heated and cooled down alternatively to prevent burning.

Endovenous laser therapy

This involves inserting a laser probe straight into the affected blood vessel. The intense heat directed on the vein makes it weaken and collapse. Though this treatment is minimally invasive, it requires local anesthesia.

Intense pulsed light therapy

This is similar to laser therapy but the targeted light is directed to the vessels outside the skin. 

Preparation to treat spider veins using laser

Your cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist will suggest the best laser treatment by accessing the affected area. In some cases, laser therapy and sclerotherapy treatments are combined to treat certain cases. 

Procedure

Let’s take endovenous thermal ablation in detail.

For endovenous thermal ablation, you will be given anesthesia to keep you from feeling pain. You will receive local anesthesia to numb the area around your vein and sedative medications to relax when they start the procedure.

During the procedure,

  • The doctor finds your spider vein with an ultrasound and makes a small incision in your leg. 
  • Now a catheter is inserted into the incision and guided into your vein. Next, radiofrequency waves are sent, which heat the area.
  • To keep you comfortable, numbing fluid is injected around the vein using a few small needle pricks. Finally, a simple bandage is placed over the incision. So no stitches are usually needed.

What happens post-surgery?

This treatment takes only three to five minutes and is often an outpatient procedure. So, you can go home after getting treated. Since anesthesia is used, you won’t feel any pain. Maybe post-procedure, you might experience some kind of soreness, tingling feel or minor bruising near the vein that was treated. 

Things to follow after the procedure:

  • Avoid swimming or bathing in hot tubs
  • Wear compression stockings as recommended by the doctor
  • Keep the treated part clean and dry
  • Avoid prolonged sitting or standing 
  • Elevate your legs

The Center for Vein Wellness is one of the top spider vein clinics in Beverly Hills. If you want to get your spider veins treated professionally and recover quickly, get in touch. 

Other spider vein treatment options are:

  1. High ligation and vein stripping

This is a minor surgical procedure aimed at removing a damaged vein and preventing further complications of vein damage. If multiple valves in a vein or the vein itself show some serious damage, the vein is removed or stripped. To do this, a small incision is made below the vein. Then, a flexible instrument is slowly mapped to the vein to the first incision and the vein is grasped and removed.

In addition, one or more incisions are made over the damaged veins and the vein is tied off during the surgical procedure. When the damaged valve is tied but beneath that faulty valve, the other valves are healthy, the vein is left to continue circulating blood via other veins as they still have valves that work well.

Since this is a more invasive treatment, recovery can take a bit of extra time. You need to wear compression stockings and avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks or based on your doctor’s recommendation. 

This treatment isn’t recommended for pregnant women or individuals who lack normal blood circulation in the arteries of the legs. Older adults who are already dealing with other medical conditions.

  1. Ambulatory phlebectomy

This minimally invasive procedure is designed to remove the smaller surface veins, such as spider veins. 

In this procedure, tiny punctures or small incisions are made along the path of the vein. These incisions are small so they don’t require any stitches.

Using a special hook-like took, the affected vein is pulled out in small segments through the small incisions made.

When compared to vein stripping, this procedure is relatively quick and less invasive. Since this is an outpatient procedure, you can go home the same day.

Final Words

If spider veins are causing discomfort or you are concerned about their appearance on you, either way, you can get it fixed with the advanced spider vein treatment, including spider vein natural treatment at Center For Vein Wellness.

With minimally invasive options by healthcare professionals, you can expect effective results and a faster recovery.

Visit our website to book an appointment with Center for Vein Wellness located in Beverly Hills, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, and Oxnard. 

The most common cause of spider veins is genetics, though some lifestyle choices such as hormonal birth control, obesity, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk for developing spider veins by restricting circulation. These veins can appear on any part of your body, including legs, feet, chest, and face.

Spider veins refer to tiny, twisted blood vessels that appear as red, blue, or purple spider web pattern through the skin as shown below.

Spider Veins Treatment

Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins

Spider veins can disappear by managing the cause. For instance, those resulting from hormone imbalance and pregnancy can disappear a few weeks after delivery. For immediate results, you can seek treatments such as sclerotherapy.

Laser Therapy for Spider Veins

If sclerotherapy is not right for your case, your doctor may recommend laser therapy. It works more slowly than sclerotherapy, even 1-2 years for the vein to disappear. In addition, you need two or more sessions to get a positive outcome.

At-home Spider Vein Treatments

Witch hazel is claimed to have astringent properties that help to treat spider veins. Studies on animals show that hazel also makes blood vessels stronger. For the treatment, simply prepare a witch hazel solution, dip a small cotton ball and use it to apply on the affected area. Do this multiple times until you see results.

See Our Before & After Images of Vein Treatment »

Spider veins are treatable. So consult your vein specialist to find out the options available for your case.

Thread veins are the tiny blood vessels that have become dilated and are noticeable on the surface of the skin. Also referred to as “broken veins” or “spider veins”, thread veins affect nearly every part of the body, but mostly the legs because of the reduced ability of the veins to push blood to the heart with age.

There are many likely causes of thread veins, including genetics, hormonal changes, sunbathing, obesity, and steroid medicines, among others. Being on your feet for extended periods can make the veins more pronounced, but they do not affect your health.

Get Rid of Thread Veins on Legs

If you wish to get rid of thread veins on your legs, your doctor may recommend a few treatments, including:

  • Laser therapy – The specialist applies pulses of laser light to destroy the tiny blood cells. For thin red veins close to the surface, the specialist may use a pulsed dye laser. But for the deeper blue veins, a YAG laser with a longer wavelength may be necessary to reach them.
  • Sclerotherapy – This treatment is recommended for veins bigger than 4mm. The specialist inserts a tiny needle and injects a solution to destroy the vein walls. This causes the vein to shrink and disappear gradually, over a period of 8 weeks.
  • Electrolysis – This treatment is rarely used

Most clinics use a combination of sclerotherapy and laser therapy. The former helps to remove the larger veins, while laser therapy helps to clear up the area. The treatments are spaced about 8 weeks apart. With 3 treatments, it may take 6 months for you to achieve the final result.

Spider veins affect nearly 60 percent of adults as they age. They appear as tiny red, blue, or purple blood vessels on the skin surface of your feet.

The causes of spider veins are not very clear, though they are often associated with genetics, oral contraceptives, and hormonal imbalance.

For instance, sitting or standing for prolonged periods can affect circulation. Weight gain can also strain the veins in your feet and legs, since they have to work harder to push blood to the heart. The increased strain can interfere with the ability of deeper veins to transmit blood, pushing it to the surface veins. Exposure to sunlight can also cause the veins on your feet to weaken and become noticeable, especially if you have fair skin.

Prevent Spider Veins

Keep Spider Veins from Appearing

With the exception of spider veins associated with genetics, other causes can be managed to keep spider veins from appearing. You can prevent spider veins by:

  • Using sunscreen – Always apply a high SPF sunscreen when stepping out for more than a few minutes to protect the fragile skin from harmful UV radiation. It will also help to prevent the appearance of spider veins on your feet, ankles, calves, and legs as you age.
  • Watching your weight – A healthy body weight will relieve your feet and legs from carrying excess load, reducing the stress on your blood vessels in those areas. Ask your doctor to help you reach an appropriate weight for your body type.
  • Exercising – Besides maintaining a healthy diet and managing the portions, you should also exercise every day to develop strong muscles in your foot, lower leg, and thighs to aid in blood flow through the veins.

In addition to these tactics, you should consider wearing compression hose to stimulate blood flow and maintain proper body position when sitting or lying down. This includes avoiding crossing your legs, and elevating your feet 6-8 inches above the heart level when resting.

Spider veins are caused by a number of things including pregnancy. During this time, your hormones are extremely high. You also have a higher volume of blood than usual, which increases pressure on your blood vessels and causes them to swell. If you’re genetically predisposed to get spider veins, you can also notice signs of varicose veins as well.

Spider Veins During Pregnancy

Dealing with Spider Veins During Pregnancy

Spider veins are not harmful to you or your baby. But they can be uncomfortable and unsightly, hence the need for treatment.

Following an examination to diagnose the spider veins, your doctor may recommend that you wear a compression hose to promote circulation in your legs.

Some expectant mothers successfully get rid of spider veins by getting plenty of antioxidants, especially vitamin C and resisting the need to cross their legs. Vitamin C helps in the manufacture of elastin and collagen, which are two vital connective tissues that aid in the maintenance and repair of veins.

Foods rich in fiber also help to prevent straining during bowel movement, which can constrict the deeper veins and cause blood to be rerouted to the superficial veins.

You can also prevent them by regular exercising, alternating between sitting and standing positions, and elevating the legs while sitting or lying down. All these measures help to promote blood circulation and prevent circulation.

Keep in mind that spider veins may disappear after the pregnancy. So you may choose to camouflage the most visible areas with flesh-toned concealer designed for that specific purpose. If the spider veins persist, you should visit a vein specialist.

Cosmetic procedures such as sclerotherapy and laser treatments can help to treat spider veins, but should be avoided until after delivery.

Those small superficial veins that appear as red, blue, or purple discolorations on your legs, chest, or face do not simply disappear without treatment. That said, not all spider veins are permanent. Some of them, such as those caused by medications or pregnancy may vanish on their own after several weeks.

While spider veins are harmless, they can cause you to feel embarrassed and self-conscious, affecting your social life. Fortunately, an experienced vein specialist can recommend several good options for resolving spider veins, perhaps using laser or VeinGogh.

Do Spider Veins Go Away?

Are there spider veins or other type of problematic veins?

Spider veins mostly appear on the thighs, calves, and ankles. They are hereditary, but can also be related to weight gain, pregnancy, and birth control pills.

That said, there are many problematic veins that look similar to spider veins, such as:

  • Telangiectasias – These dilated capillaries on the surface of the skin mostly appear on the face. Spider veins, on the other hand, mostly affect the feet and legs.
  • Angiomas and hemangiomas – These comprise venules (tiny veins) or arterioles (tiny arteries)

Treating Spider Veins

When seeking treatment for spider veins, you may notice the doctor using the terms telangiectasias and spider veins interchangeably. The specialist will diagnose the veins by examining them.

Spider veins generally don’t require treatment. You may consider the use of support stockings to reduce the size of any visible spider veins and prevent new ones from appearing. For cosmetic reasons, your vein specialist may recommend sclerotherapy or laser treatment.

Learn More About Spider Vein Treatment »

Blood returning to the heart from the feet and legs has to flow upwards against gravity. The calf and thigh muscles help to pump blood up and valves in the veins prevent the backward flow towards the feet.

Venous insufficiency, the root of most vein issues, occurs when your veins dilate (widen and stretch) and the valves are unable to close properly. This reduces the ability of the affected veins to return blood to the heart, causing them to bulge.

Spider Veins vs Varicose Veins

Spider Veins

When the small blood vessels near the surface of your skin dilate, they become visible as tiny red or blue veins on the surface of the skin called spider veins. Some clusters of spider veins can appear like a bruise.

Spider veins are not harmful, and typically form due to hormonal changes, pregnancy, heredity, or injury. However, their appearance can make you self-conscious.

Varicose Veins

When a vein dilates, and the valves cannot effectively close to prevent the backflow of blood, varicose veins start appearing on the skin surface. Pressure from blood backing up in your veins can cause the veins to bulge and appear twisted or ropy. Your leg may also swell and ache, and feel full, heavy, and fatigued.

Any problems that affect the saphenous veins can interfere with the side veins that drain into them, causing the smaller veins to dilate and become varicose. Varicose veins are larger than spider veins, and are usually associated with changes in skin color, bleeding, and ulcers. In some cases, blood in the varicose vein can clot, causing the wall to become inflamed and result in swelling, redness, or sudden pain in the affected area.

What to Do

If varicose veins or spider veins are causing you to feel self-conscious, you should see your doctor for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

$50 OFF – Regular Spider Vein Sclerotherapy Session

$50 de descuento – Sesión regular de escleroterapia para las venas araña

Find out more 

Varicose Vein Before After

Visit Center for Vein Wellness for the latest treatments for spider and varicose vein removal. Our cosmetic vein center offers the latest minimally invasive procedures to get rid of those unsightly veins.

Take advantage of state of the art treatments such as Veingogh, for removal of Varicose Veins and Spider Veins.

We treat: Leg Veins, Facial Veins, Breast Veins, and Hand Veins. Call us for a consultation 1.844.77.VEINS (83467).

Cosmetic Vein Center