spider veins

September 25, 2023

Dermatology Condition of the Month: Answering Questions About Spider Veins

Vein Removal dermatology, skin care, spider veins, treatments, varicose veins

many-legs Welcome back to the latest entry in our ongoing Skin Condition of the Month blog series for September. As our goal is always to help our patients with skin care from head to toe, this month we wanted to focus on spider veins and discuss the visible veins that can negatively affect a person’s appearance and self-esteem. Spider veins can be difficult to prevent, treat, and fully understand, which is why our board-certified dermatology providers thought it would be helpful to further explain this subject this month.

Question #1: What causes the appearance of spider veins?

Spider veins appear on the legs and face as a result of the blood vessels becoming dilated. While the exact cause of spider veins can be difficult to identify depending on the patient, there are several factors that can lead to their occurrence including genetic factors, being overweight, hormonal issues, and natural aging.

Question #2: What is the difference between spider veins and varicose veins?

Spider veins and varicose veins can be similar in some ways, but there are crucial differences between them. For instance, varicose veins are typically about 3 times as wide as spider veins. Varicose veins can cause symptoms like heaviness in the legs, itching, or burning, whereas spider veins do not. Varicose veins can be signs of more serious health concerns like blood clotting, while spider veins are almost always a purely cosmetic issue.

Question #3: How can spider veins be treated?

There are different spider vein treatment options available including cosmetic laser treatments, but we often use a technique known as sclerotherapy when treating them on the legs. We perform sclerotherapy treatments injecting a liquid chemical called a “sclerosing agent” into the vein itself. Once injected, the solution is able to seal the vein, safely stopping blood flow, which leads to the disappearance of the spider vein over time. In addition to being very safe and effective, sclerotherapy vein treatments require no anesthesia and very little downtime for recovery. We have also had terrific success using the Vbeam® Prima Cosmetic Laser for facial spider veins.

Our expert providers have many years of experience diagnosing and treating spider veins for patients who wish to rid themselves of this aesthetic annoyance. Sclerotherapy may require multiple treatments to achieve desired appearance, and like all cosmetic procedures, requires periodic maintenance. For more information on our available treatment options, contact Dermatology Associates of Atlanta to schedule an appointment today. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more skin care tips and practice updates.

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September 8, 2021

All About Spider Veins (Including How to Get Rid of Them)

Vein Removal dermatology, skincare, spider veins, varicose veins, vein removal

It’s been an especially hot summer, and on scorching days, most of us enjoy cooling off with the right clothing, like shorts and tank tops. If you’re one of the many who suffers from spider veins on your legs, though, that may not feel like an option. Or, if you have the common frustration of facial spider veins, you may be burdened by visible spider veins all year long.

Fortunately, the solution to your spider veins may be simpler than you expect. Our expert team at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta is breaking down the details of spider veins, including what causes them, how to remove them, and how to potentially prevent them in the future.

What Causes Spider Veins?

Spider veins have the same underlying cause as varicose veins. There are valves in your veins that help to push the blood toward your heart, but sometimes these valves weaken and allow some blood to flow back the wrong way. This blood pools in certain areas, dilating the veins and making them visible under your skin.

While spider veins are small veins below the surface of your skin, varicose veins are larger, and they become raised above the surface of your skin. They typically have a blue hue, and they look lumpy and often twisted.

Spider veins are most common in your legs because the valves in your legs are working against gravity to push blood up to your heart. Spider veins are also common in the face, though.

How to Get Rid of Spider Veins

There are a variety of treatment options for spider veins, so you should always begin by scheduling a vein treatment consultation. A specialist will be able to assess your veins and determine the best treatment options for you.

Spider veins in the legs can be treated with laser vein removal, Veinwave™ thermocoagulation, or a procedure called sclerotherapy. In sclerotherapy, we inject a specific solution into the targeted veins to close off these veins and allow them to naturally disappear. For facial spider veins, your options may include V-Beam Perfecta, laser vein removal, intense pulsed light or IPL treatments, or Veinwave™.

Treating varicose veins depends on the veins themselves. In some mild cases, sclerotherapy can be effective, though some varicose veins can only be properly and safely treated with a minimally invasive surgery. In this case, we would refer you to a specialist.

How to Prevent New Spider Veins

You have likely heard old wives’ tales about what causes spider veins, and while some have a grain of truth, many do not. There are several factors that make some people more prone to unwanted veins than others, including genetics, but there are several steps you can take to lower your risk:

Exercise regularly to tone your leg muscles and improve your circulation.
Wear sunscreen when your skin will be exposed to the sun because sun exposure can increase the risk of spider veins.
Avoid sitting or standing for long periods at a time. Specifically, aim to take a break every hour or so by moving around for a few minutes.
Reach or maintain a healthy weight, as obesity can make spider veins more likely.
Avoid wearing overly restrictive clothing like excessively tight pants.

It’s important to note that you may not be able to fully prevent unwanted veins because there are so many potential contributing factors. Still, the tips above will make these veins less likely to appear.

If you are ready to tackle your spider veins, schedule an appointment with our specialty center Atlanta Center for Veins. Until October 1^st, 2021, you can take advantage of our special offer on select vein treatments with Danna Dennis Calder, M.M.Sc., PA-C. See our specials and events page for more details. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more tips on spider veins and other aspects of skincare.

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July 1, 2021

Could My Facial Redness Be Rosacea?

Rosacea dermatology, facial redness, rosacea, skin care, spider veins

We’ve all had times when we felt our faces get warm and flushed, and when we look in the mirror, we see the blushing that is usually a sure sign of embarrassment. For some people, though, that doesn’t hold true. Their face becomes flushed and red even when they’re not feeling embarrassed, and it can be a frustrating and stressful problem.

If you find yourself with frequent facial redness, it could be caused by a chronic condition called rosacea. In fact, any of these signs could be telling you that rosacea is the culprit.

Sign #1: You have facial redness that is contained to certain areas.

Rosacea causes a rather specific pattern of facial redness, with symptoms appearing on the forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin. Although there are other conditions that can present in these areas, your dermatologist will be able to distinguish among them.

Sign #2: You have acne-like bumps within the areas of redness.

Although some people will only have redness or visible blood vessels during a rosacea flare-up, others will have acne-like bumps within those same areas.

Sign #3: Your facial redness seems to be getting worse.

Rosacea can take on many forms and differ from one person to the next, but for many patients, the symptoms are mild when they first appear and get progressively worse as the years go on. Luckily, there are rosacea treatments that help to minimize your symptoms and control the progression.

Sign #4: You have triggers that seem to cause the redness to temporarily worsen.

Rosacea is a chronic condition that tends to flare up periodically. Those flare-ups are brought on by triggers like environmental conditions, food, or drink. These triggers vary from person to person, but commonly include sun exposure, caffeine, spicy food, strenuous exercise, extreme heat or cold, alcohol, and stress.

Sign #5: You have facial spider veins.

Rosacea causes facial redness by enlarging the blood vessels below your skin. In addition to causing redness and inflammation rosacea can result in visible spider veins that look like tiny blood vessels.

What to Do if You Think You May Have Rosacea

If you suspect that you may have a chronic condition, it can be stressful to know that there is no “cure.” Fortunately, we have a variety of rosacea treatments including topical and oral prescription products as well as laser therapy to keep your symptoms at bay.

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May 26, 2021

What are the Best Treatments for Unwanted Veins?

Atlanta Center for Veins, Vein Removal dermatology, lasers, skin care, spider veins, varicose veins

As we age, spider and varicose veins may start to appear on areas like the face and legs and can become more pronounced and bothersome as the years go on. While these veins are typically not harmful or life-threatening, they can be a major cosmetic concern for many. That’s why Dermatology Associates of Atlanta offers the latest vein treatments and technologies to help minimize and reduce the appearance of these unwanted veins.

Sclerotherapy

The main purpose of sclerotherapy is to reduce the appearance of veins in the legs. A sclerosing agent is injected into superficial veins in order to shrink the blood vessels and ultimately minimize their appearance. This non-surgical, less invasive method is one of the safest ways to treat veins. Most patients notice results after three to four sclerotherapy vein injections. While recovering, it is important to avoid sun exposure for two to three weeks post-treatment or until all bruising is healed.

Laser Vein Treatment

Our laser technology, such as the newest VBeam® Perfecta, uses concentrated light energy to treat delicate facial, neck, hand and leg spider veins, increase collagen production and reduce redness caused by rosacea without harming the surrounding tissue. All of our laser treatments are performed in-office and carry little to no downtime. Since we offer multiple laser types that are all uniquely designed to treat various skin tones, we always recommend consulting with a licensed professional when deciding what treatment type is best for you.

FotoFacial®

Employing the use of intensed pulsed laser light (IPL), FotoFacial® penetrates deep into the skin’s layers to help minimize the appearance of superficial facial spider veins, brown spots and overall sun damage. This treatment also produces collagen all while leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. Each FotoFacial® session lasts about 20 minutes and requires four to six treatments for optimal results.

While pronounced veins are a mostly harmless concern, seeking treatment can be a smart choice if you start to experience discomfort or overall dissatisfaction with your appearance. To learn more about our vein reduction treatment options or to find out what option is best for you, schedule a consultation with Dermatology Associates of Atlanta today. Also, make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more skincare insights and monthly specials.

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November 2, 2020

Can Spider and Varicose Veins Be Prevented?

Atlanta Center for Veins, Dermatology News, Vein Removal dermatology, prevention, skincare, spider veins, varicose veins

Even if you don’t personally have spider or varicose veins, chances are you’ve heard about them or know someone dealing with these types of veins. While spider or varicose veins typically aren’t life-threatening or uncomfortable, they can be a cosmetic concern for many. Because of these factors, there are people who would like to avoid getting these veins all together. However, preventing these veins isn’t as simple or attainable as it may seem.

What Causes Spider and Varicose Veins?

There are a number of factors that can cause spider and varicose veins that vary from person to person. Some of these factors are genetic, but other causes are a result of lifestyle choices. Genetic factors include family history, age and gender. Lifestyle causes include pregnancy, weight gain, lack of movement, food choices, going sedentary and more. Additionally, if you have these genetic factors and also choose to partake in the lifestyle causes, there’s a higher risk of spider and varicose veins developing quicker and earlier.

Vein Prevention

Unfortunately, varicose and spider veins cannot be prevented, especially if they are genetic. However, there are a number of steps you can take to slow the progression of existing veins. Some preventative measures include not sitting or standing for long periods, avoiding crossing your legs, engaging in physical activity to improve circulation, maintaining a healthy body weight, wearing compression stockings daily and avoiding high heels and tight clothing. While doing these things won’t get rid of these veins, they are good steps to take if you want to stunt their development.

What Can You Do?

Ultimately, spider and varicose veins are a mostly harmless, but unwelcome cosmetic concern. However, if these veins start to cause you pain or if you find them unsightly, seeking treatment can be a smart choice. The experts at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta offer some of the most effective technology for remedying varicose veins including sclerotherapy for leg veins and Veinwave™, VBeam® Perfecta or FotoFacial RF® for facial veins.

If you’re interested in learning more about our treatment options or would like to book a consultation, contact Dermatology Associates of Atlanta today. Additionally, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more skincare information.

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June 11, 2012

Atlanta Spider and Varicose Vein Elimination with Kathryn Filipek MPAS, PA-C

Atlanta Center for Veins, Uncategorized, Vein Removal Atlanta Center for Veins, Atlanta laser vein treatments, Atlanta skin conditions, dermatology associates of atlanta, Dermatology Associates of Atlanta’s eight specialty centers, Dermatology Associates specialty centers, fotofacial atlanta, fotofacial ipl, FotoFacial treatment, hyperpigmentation, Kathryn Filipek MPAS PA-C, laser vein removal, Laser Vein Treatment, nurse Filipek, rosacea, rosacea symptoms, sclerosing agent, sclerotherapy, skin conditions, spider vein treatment, spider vein treatment Atlanta, spider veins, stimulate collagen production, varicose vein treatment, varicose vein treatment Atlanta, varicose veins, vein elimination, vein elimination in Atlanta, vein litigation, vein stripping, Veinwave vein elimination

Although typically not a medical concern, spider and varicose veins can be unsightly and sometimes even painful. Appearing on the legs and the face, there are countless possible causes of these visible veins, but only a handful of proven treatments. Dermatology Associates of Atlanta provider Kathryn Filipek MPAS, PA-C performs sclerotherapy, Veinwave™ vein elimination, laser vein treatment, Vbeam Perfecta ™, and FotoFacial® treatments to reduce the appearance of these veins.

It is important to understand that spider and varicose veins do not serve a purpose and do not function normally, so vein reduction treatment is safe. Spider veins are branch-like veins that often show up on the legs and face. Varicose veins are also commonly found on the legs, appearing as swollen or raised blood vessels beneath the skin’s surface. Prior to the aforementioned technologies at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta’s Atlanta Center for Veins, more invasive techniques were used to treat veins like vein stripping (vein litigation) or the surgical removal of unwanted veins. Now, it’s easier than ever for patients to get rid of their spider and varicose veins.

The type of vein treatment used to treat spider and varicose veins depends on the size of the unwanted veins present. During a consultation, we will determine which treatment will best meet your specific needs. Sclerotherapy is a procedure to reduce varicose veins in which a sclerosing agent is injected into the veins. The sclerosing agent works by shrinking and minimizing the appearance of the damaged vein. Depending on the size of the vein, varicose veins can usually be removed in three to four treatment sessions.

Patients with spider veins may benefit from Veinwave™ vein elimination. Veinwave™ eliminates spider veins on the face and legs through the use of ultrafine needles and heat without a risk of skin discoloration (hyperpigmentation). This minimally invasive treatment is applied subepidermally and only penetrates the top layer of skin. It does not penetrate the vein itself. Most patients reach their desired results in just one treatment, but an additional treatment session may be necessary for maximum results depending on the size of the veins.

Patients who wish to remove spider veins from their face can receive FotoFacial® IPL treatment to minimize the appearance of spider veins and even rosacea symptoms without impacting the surface of the delicate facial skin. FotoFacial® treatment not only targets and reduces the appearance of spider veins, but it also stimulates collagen production and minimizes wrinkles. Most patients receive four to six FotoFacial® treatments for optimal results. Our V-beam Perfecta™ laser that we often use to treat patients with rosacea symptoms in the Laser Institute of Georgia provides an alternative laser treatment for spider veins. Using micropulse technology, the V-beam laser successfully reduces the appearance of spider veins while also reducing redness and inflammation often associated with rosacea.

If you’re concerned with spider or varicose veins, schedule a consultation with Kathryn Filipek today so she can help you determine which treatment method will best meet your needs. Visit our website to learn more about other skin conditions and treatments, as well as cosmetic procedures performed in Dermatology Associates of Atlanta’s eight specialty centers. If you haven’t already, be sure to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for skin care news and updates.

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March 7, 2011

Play DAA’s Skin Games & Win Prizes!

Articles/Features, Just For Fun, Uncategorized atlanta, daa, dermatology associates of atlanta, dr griffin, Dr. Edmond Griffin, free facial, free facial atlanta, laser hair removal, male hair loss atlanta, male pattern baldness, permanent hair removal, Psoriasis Treatment Center, psoriasis treatments, skin cancer, skin care, skin medics medical spa, spider vein removal atlanta, spider veins, sun exposure, varicose vein elimination atlanta, varicose veins

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October 5, 2010

All about Unsightly Veins: Everything You Need to Know about Treating Facial and Leg Veins

Articles/Features, Atlanta Center for Veins, Uncategorized, Vein Removal Atlanta Center for Veins, dermatology associates of atlanta, get rid of spider veins, get rid of varicose veins, Laser Vein Treatment, no injection vein treatments georgia, sclerotherapy, spider veins, superficial telangiectasias, varicose veins, vein elimination atlanta, vein removal Atlanta, vein removal face, vein removal laser, vein treatment options atlanta ga, veinwave

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.

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spider veins

Dermatology Condition of the Month: Answering Questions About Spider Veins

Question #1: What causes the appearance of spider veins?

Question #2: What is the difference between spider veins and varicose veins?

Question #3: How can spider veins be treated?

All About Spider Veins (Including How to Get Rid of Them)

Could My Facial Redness Be Rosacea?

What are the Best Treatments for Unwanted Veins?

Can Spider and Varicose Veins Be Prevented?

What Causes Spider and Varicose Veins?

Vein Prevention

What Can You Do?

Atlanta Spider and Varicose Vein Elimination with Kathryn Filipek MPAS, PA-C

Play DAA’s Skin Games & Win Prizes!

All about Unsightly Veins: Everything You Need to Know about Treating Facial and Leg Veins

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