Spider Vein Removal Fast Facts
- Treats broken capillaries on the face as well as spider veins and varicose veins on the legs with a variety of therapies such as laser and sclerotherapy.
- NO downtime.
Treatments > Spider Vein Removal
What are spider veins?
Spider veins are tiny but unsightly clusters of veins just under the surface of the skin. They often occur on the face, thighs, and lower legs. Although they are not inherently dangerous, they may cause aching, burning, or itching in addition to being cosmetically undesirable. It is estimated that half of the female population is plagued by spider veins on the legs which range in size from the thread-like veins to larger varicose veins. Men also suffer from spider veins and respond well to treatment.
How can spider veins be treated?
The tiny veins on the face, which most commonly occur on the nose, cheeks, and chin, are best treated with intense pulsed light (IPL) or a laser that targets the red color of the veins. Spider veins and varicose veins of the leg are best treated with sclerotherapy. This is a process where small amounts of a sclerosing solution are injected into the veins with a tiny needle. The solution causes the lining of the veins to stick together so that they collapse and fade from view.
Is the treatment painful?
IPL, laser, and sclerotherapy may cause mild discomfort. A topical numbing cream can be applied to the face before IPL or laser treatments.
Does one treatment eliminate all of the bothersome veins?
Typically, vein treatment takes several sessions to produce optimal results.
What do I need to do to prepare for a treatment?
If facial spider veins are to be treated with laser, you should avoid having a tan or using any artificial tanning creams as the extra pigment in your skin may increase the chance of superficial burning. For either laser or sclerotherapy, you may be asked to temporarily discontinue any medications that can increase your chance of bruising, such as aspirin.
What can I expect from laser treatment of spider veins?
Laser treatment of facial veins takes anywhere from 20-30 minutes. The treatments and may cause some swelling and bruising which can last from a few days to a week. Typically, you will notice an improvement in the appearance of the veins about 1 week later, but multiple treatments are usually required for the best results.
What can I expect from the sclerotherapy you'll use to remove my spider veins?
Dr. Worth will decide with you whether or not sclerotherapy is appropriate for you after your consultation. You should then come to your appointment with a pair of comfortable shorts to change into for your treatment. You will be comfortably positioned on the treatment table and the solution will be injected slowly and carefully using a tiny needle. The length of the treatment depends on the number and size of the areas to be treated. Immediately after the treatment, you will need to put on tight support hose to put pressure on the treated veins. You should wear the support hose continuously for three days and then daily for a total of two weeks. This will ensure that the veins will collapse. Although sclerotherapy can improve your appearance, it is unrealistic to expect that every vein will disappear completely. Typically 2-3 treatments are required for any one area. After each treatment you may have some swelling or bruising around the treated veins. Once this resolves, the veins will appear lighter. In addition, you should be aware that sclerotherapy treats only the veins that are visable but cannot prevent other veins from surfacing in the future. These may require touch-ups.
What are the risks of spider vein removal?
Any treatment of spider veins can cause swelling and bruising since the blood in the bothersome veins can seep into the surrounding tissues. Serious complications are rare but can include blood clots in leg veins, inflammation, allergic reactions to sclerosing solutions, and skin injury that could cause scarring. Common cosmetic complications include brown pigmentation in the treated area that resolves over several months and mats of fine veins that can develop in the treated area that may require additional treatment.
Is there anyone who should not have spider vein treatment?
Patients taking blood thinners or those with bleeding disorders, severe circulatory problems, or diabetes may be advised not to have sclerotherapy. These and other issues will be discussed during the consultation.
How much does spider vein treatment cost?
The cost for the treatment depends on the size and number of areas to be treated. Dr. Worth will work with you to come up with the best treatment options and advise you of the approximate cost.
