As you age, you may notice small, scattered veins popping up, especially on your legs and face. These ugly little veins are superficial telangiectasias, also known as spider veins. Generally associated with spider veins are varicose veins, which bulge from the skin causing a bumpy bluish appearance. Varicose and spider veins are both commonly found on the legs and face.  Even though these conditions are quite common, many people are unaware of the variety of vein treatments available today.

While these veins are generally dysfunctional, their cause is not completely clear. Studies show that female hormones, pregnancy, trauma, age, obesity, and extended standing may contribute to face and leg veins. Prevention techniques remain unclear since the cause is unclear, but luckily, there are several procedures that will reduce and remove these veins. Here at the Atlanta Center for Veins, we practice vein reduction and/or removal with technologies such as sclerotherapy, laser vein treatment, and Veinwave™.

When treating varicose veins with sclerotherapy, a “sclerosing agent” is injected into the veins. After the vein is injected, the “sclerosing agent” causes the vein to shrink immediately. Spider veins are commonly treated with lasers. When the veins absorb laser light, they shrink and disappear. Varicose veins can also be treated with laser therapy, but they are slightly more complicated. A tube that emits laser light is inserted into varicose veins causing them to collapse, which then redirects blood flow to other healthier veins. Laser vein treatments are performed in our office and in most cases with the patient awake. Veinwave™ is an FDA approved vein elimination treatment that uses heat and ultra fine needles to treat spider veins. Veinwave™ only penetrates the top layers of skin, and is minimally invasive.

The effects of spider and varicose veins can be frustrating and annoying, but the treatment results are extraordinary. Some insurance providers will cover the cost of vein removal, so if you struggle with embarrassing spider/varicose veins, check with your insurance company, and then call us. For more information on veins and other dermatology news, visit our website, contact our office, and continue to read our blog.