Spider Veins Archives - Delaware Vein Center

Feeling self-conscious about your spider veins? Then sclerotherapy treatment is the answer for you. This quick, non-surgical treatment can help reduce the appearance of spider veins and some varicose veins. Just think, sclerotherapy might give you back the confidence to wear shorts in the summer again!

As with any medical procedure, apprehension can be common. Particularly with vein treatments, because in order to fix veins, you must go beneath the surface of the skin. This can cause a great deal of dread for people who can barely get themselves through a flu shot.

If you’re one who fears medical treatments of any kind, you’re in the right place. We’ll give you an all-encompassing look at what it’s like to get sclerotherapy, what to expect before and after the treatment, and how long it’ll take to see results.

Is Sclerotherapy Really for Me?

Do you want to stop withering away in a pair of pants when it’s 90 degrees outside? If so, sclerotherapy is definitely worth your while. Just look at some before and after pictures of the procedure. As you can see, the results can be life-changing. Especially if spider veins are compromising your self-confidence.

All things considered, sclerotherapy is a quick and easy procedure. The process can be uncomfortable but not intolerable. At Delaware Advanced Vein Center, we use the smallest needle available to lessen pain and improve recovery. So rest assured that we’ll do everything we can to make sure your sclerotherapy experience is as efficient and smooth as possible.

Everything You Should Know About Sclerotherapy Side Effects

Though the effectiveness of sclerotherapy can be life changing, it’s not without side effects. When you undergo sclerotherapy, the following outcomes are possible:

Ulcers on the skin
Scarring and dark spots
Allergic reactions
Superficial phlebitis
Deep vein thrombosis

Let’s be clear—these side effects sound a lot more extreme than they really are. The likelihood of ulcers developing is 0.2 to 1.2%. And though scarring may occur after the treatment, it should not be permanent. Hemosiderin staining, caused by iron in red blood cells, can stain your skin after injection. But this generally lasts 1-2 years and is rarely permanent.

Dark spots aren’t an uncommon side effect of sclerotherapy. But they are known to disappear six months later. In the grand scheme of things, these temporary side effects are certainly worth the confidence you’ll gain from ridding your legs of spider veins.

Superficial phlebitis, aka vein inflammation, can be linked to sclerotherapy. But if the correct measures are taken (which include compression and anti-inflammatory medication) this should be no problem. Allergic reactions, ranging from mild to severe, are a possible but uncommon outcome of sclerotherapy. Test to see if you are allergic to the solution used in treatment. If that’s the case, there are plenty of wonderful alternatives your doctor can use instead.

The risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) may sound terrifying, but rest assured that it’s very, very rare. In fact, less than 1% of patients who undergo sclerotherapy experience it. And of those patients, the majority have existing thromboembolic complications. If you currently have DVT, a conversation with your vein specialist can help you determine if sclerotherapy is a safe option for you.

The Remarkable Speed of Sclerotherapy Treatment

Sclerotherapy is one of the most efficient vein procedures out there. It only lasts 10 to 30 minutes. Why so short? Because it’s a very simple procedure that allows you and your vein specialist to briskly banish those vile veins and get on with your day.

Sclerotherapy starts by injecting a solution called sclerosant into the vein to irritate its lining. This collapses the vein and causes the lining to stick together. Like magic, the vein is absorbed by your body and eventually disappears altogether.

Does the thought of collapsed lining and vein absorption make you cringe? It shouldn’t. The sclerotherapy process is a cinch and will be over before you know it. That being said, you’ll want to prepare for the treatment beforehand. So here are the best ways to make sure you’re ready.

How To Prep for Your Sclerotherapy Treatment

Obeying the following rules will ensure you don’t have any issues during your sclerotherapy treatment:

Refrain from Vitamin E or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like Advil or aspirin for at least 1 week before treatment. This may be bad news for those with a proclivity for headaches. But the migraines will be worth it for spider vein-free skin.
Wearing loose-fitting clothing is the best thing you can do for your veins at this time. So trade in those skin-tight jeans and yoga pants for your baggiest pair of sweats.
Now is not the time for moisturization. Your skin should be void of any lotion prior to treatment.
For optimal success, this procedure requires a sober, smoke-free patient. So avoid consuming alcohol or nicotine beforehand.

Best Practices for Successful Sclerotherapy Recovery

Following these instructions will ensure a smooth recovery:

Avoid sports or exercise for at least 10 days after your treatment. Because why not take the only opportunity your doctor will give you to be superbly lazy for a week and a half?
Wear compression stockings for 5 days or as advised by your doctor. Don’t worry, there’s plenty of stylish options to choose from.
Avoid warm baths, sunbathing, hot tubs, and saunas for at least 2-3 days after your treatment. This causes blood vessels to dilate.

What to Realistically Expect From Sclerotherapy

Don’t be under the impression that this surgery instantly erases any trace of spider veins. Your veins will be visible after treatment and may last anywhere from 3 weeks to 6 months. The duration of this is dependent on how large the veins were, to begin with.

Ideally, those pesky spider veins would cease to exist after your first round of sclerotherapy. But the likelihood of eliminating all of them within one session is small. So you’ll probably want to schedule a follow-up treatment in 4-6 weeks. Most people need 2-3 sessions or more to achieve their desired results. But since sclerotherapy is so easy and quick, this should be no biggie.

Sclerotherapy Is Easier Than You Think

If your boss won’t sign off on two weeks of post-treatment recovery, you’re in luck. As soon as the sclerotherapy is done, you can head straight back to work. You may experience some minor pain at the injection site but all in all, this treatment won’t stop you from moving onward and upwards.

What’s the magic formula for avoiding potential side effects from sclerotherapy? Following all of your vein doctor’s post-treatment advice to a T. This can lower your risk of experiencing cramps, scarring, or browning of the skin and ensure the most successful results. And if you’re still not convinced, give this video a watch and see just how irresistible your veins can look after sclerotherapy.

Filed under: Spider Veins, Vein TreatmentTagged with: is sclerotherapy safe, sclerotherapy aftercare, sclerotherapy side effects, spider vein sclerotherapy, what to avoid after sclerotherapy

We’ll be honest—getting spider veins in your 20s or 30s is pretty early. Because they’re much more prevalent later in life, having premature spider veins can give you reasonable cause for alarm.

Although they look less than desirable, having spider veins is not the end of the world. There are logical explanations as to why they can happen in your 20s and 30s. And they can be remedied by a variety of simple lifestyle changes. So let’s start this journey to understanding and curing spider veins by explaining what they are.

Why Do Spider Veins Develop?

You’re probably familiar with one of the most common vein conditions: varicose veins. Spider veins are different. They are smaller and closer to the skin’s surface. They can be bright red or blue, with jagged, short lines, resembling the look of spider webs. Spider veins usually appear on your legs but can also show up on your chest, arms, or face.

Spider veins are typically the result of broken capillaries. Capillaries are small blood vessels near the skin’s surface that can become enlarged or dilated. When this happens, web-like patterns appear on the skin.

Spider veins may be caused by weakened or damaged valves. The very valves responsible for making sure the blood in your veins flows towards your heart. When these valves are damaged, blood can flow the wrong way. This causes pooling and subsequent valve enlargement.

Weakened valves are not the only factor in the development of premature spider veins. The exact cause is actually unknown. It’s assumed to be linked to a variety of environmental and genetic factors. Let’s explain what risk factors could be contributing to spider veins in your 20s or 30s.

What Causes Premature Spider Veins to Form?

Having a family history of blood clots or varicose veins can put you at a higher risk for developing spider veins. But genetics isn’t the only cause. Many other elements can contribute to premature spider veins. So if you’re concerned about developing them, or have already spotted them on your skin, here are some additional risk factors to look out for:

Sun Exposure

UVA and UVB radiation from the sun can inflame blood vessels. This draws them closer to the skin, especially for those who are fair. Radiation can also weaken elasticity, causing the skin to become thinner and veins more visible.

Excess sunlight can cause your capillaries to dilate and widen. This, as we’ve learned, leads to the development of spider veins. UVA and UVB radiation can also be a cause as they can damage blood vessels, thus enlarging them and putting you at further risk for spider veins.

Hormonal Changes

Hormone changes, especially for women on birth control or who are pregnant, can weaken your vein walls. That’s because estrogen levels increase along with your blood levels. This puts excess pressure on your veins, which may cause a potential burst.

Progesterone can also lead to vein enlargement and thus spider veins. This hormone increases during pregnancy, making veins more susceptible to damage.

Blood Pressure

Having high blood pressure in your 20s and 30s can put you at risk of developing premature spider veins. Because this condition causes blood flow restriction, veins are more likely to bulge and turn into spider veins on your skin. High blood pressure can also damage your blood vessels and vein walls, which is known to cause vein enlargement.

Your blood pressure doesn’t have to be high for you to have spider veins. In fact, people with otherwise healthy blood pressure can temporarily alter their levels. This can occur when you experience sneezing or vomiting so intensely that it breaks your capillaries. Though unlikely this can be a reason why people in their 20s and 30s, who are less likely to have high blood pressure, could develop spider veins.

Fair Skin

People of any skin tone can develop spider veins. But they are more apparent in those with fair skin. Because of the contrasting colors, the vibrant red and blue tones of spider veins are extra visible on lighter complexions. This can cause your skin to look flushed and red, resembling the appearance of a rash.

Alcohol

You may have noticed that when you drink a lot of alcohol, your skin looks redder. This is also what makes spider veins more visible and more likely to form. Alcohol causes blood vessel dilation, elevated blood pressure, constricted blood flow and circulation, and increased pressure in your veins. All of these factors contribute to the formation of spider veins.

High Heels

If you’re a fan of high heels, we have some unfortunate news. Stilettos, wedges, and platforms—basically any shoe that compromises pediatric function—can limit your calves’ ability to pump blood back up through your veins. And because of the discomfort you experience while wearing them, high heels can discourage you from walking. Whether caused by uncomfortable shoes or sedentary lifestyles, inactivity can put you at higher risk for developing spider veins.

Simple Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Spider Veins

There are many lifestyle changes young people can make to either prohibit or treat the appearance of spider veins. Consider these tips and remedies for preventing spider veins in your 20s and 30s:

Protect your skin from the sun by wearing sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses
Avoid extreme heat from hot showers, saunas, or beaches
Get regular physical activity to get your blood circulating and maintain a healthy weight
Refrain from excessive drinking

Worried About Spider Veins? Add This to Your To-do List

If you have spider veins there are a few treatments to consider. These depend on the severity of your spider veins and how much they bother you. And before you get them treated, it’s important to have your veins checked out by a certified vein specialist. Here are some options to consider:

Sclerotherapy: This is the most common and effective medical procedure for treating spider veins. A chemical is injected into your veins that blocks blood flow. It may take more than one round of treatment to address a vein.

Laser Treatment: This treatment applies strong surges of light to the affected area, causing the spider vein to fade away. The advantage of this procedure is that there are no incisions or needles involved. However, it may not be as effective as sclerotherapy. Redness, swelling, and skin discoloration are common side effects.

Don’t Let Spider Veins Hold You Back

Let’s clear up any fears of potential health issues by establishing that spider veins are purely cosmetic. Still, many people find their lives negatively affected by their appearance. This can be especially true when you develop spider veins in your 20s and 30s.

If your spider veins are affecting your quality of life, it’s worth pursuing treatment. Or making lifestyle changes that could decrease your chances of forming spider veins. Doing either can make you feel more confident and even improve your overall health.

Filed under: Spider VeinsTagged with: how to prevent spider veins, spider vein treatments, spider veins, spider veins on legs, spider veins treatment laser

Just when you thought the spider veins on your legs were a problem, you notice them on your face. Yikes! But not to worry, this is completely normal. The skin on the face is thin, sensitive, and constantly exposed to the elements. It’s the perfect storm to develop spider veins.

The good news is, facial spider veins are preventable…or if it’s too late, treatable! In this article, we’ll talk you through why the happen and how you can remove them for good.

What Causes Spider Veins on the Face?

Spider veins form when the capillaries in the skin on your face become dilated. This happens from poor blood circulation and aging, damaged skin. Broken blood vessels on the face can develop at any age, but some people may have a higher chance of developing them than others.

Some causes of broken blood vessels on the face include:

Genetics: People with family members who experience spider veins are more likely to have them.
Excessive sun exposure: Sun damage can enlarge the blood vessels and draw them closer to the skin.
Changes in weather: Drastic changes in the weather can affect blood circulation, causing the skin in the face to flush. The blood vessels may burst and cause a spider vein.
Changes in pressure: A sudden, extreme change in pressure can cause spider veins to appear. A hard sneeze or vomiting can cause this change in pressure.
Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy may also cause spider veins on the face. But they usually disappear after birth.
Environmental irritants: Exposure to certain chemicals or environmental pollutants may damage the skin and make blood vessels more visible.
Rosacea: Rosacea is a common condition that causes fair skin to become flushed and red due to enlarged veins.
Alcohol consumption: Alcohol can dilate the blood vessels temporarily. Frequent alcohol consumption can lead to longer-lasting broken blood vessels and redness on the face.
Injuries: Head injuries that cause bruising may cause broken blood vessels. In this case, the blood vessels usually heal when the bruise does.

Treatment for Spider Veins on the Face

Sclerotherapy: Sclerotherapy uses injections of sclerosing agents to help spider veins disappear in a short period of time.
Laser Therapy: Laser therapy uses intense laser lights to destroy spider veins. However, laser therapy can also damage the skin, which could make it sensitive during recovery.
Intense Pulled Light (IPL) Therapy: IPL therapy uses special lights that penetrate into the deeper layers of skin without damaging the top layer. This treatment may mean less recovery time and less damage to the skin.

Home Remedies for Spider Veins on the Face

Cold compress: A simple cold compress, such as an ice pack or bag of frozen peas, can be applied to the face after sun or heat exposure. The cold may help reduce the appearance of burst blood vessels in the face.
Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar acts as an astringent on the skin, pulling it tight to reduce redness. This may help with the appearance of spider veins in some people.
Aloe vera: The gel from an aloe vera plant may be helpful in treating skin redness. Research has found that aloe vera could reduce redness but it tends to dry out the skin cells.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C supplements may help reduce the appearance of broken blood vessels on the face. It plays a key role in keeping the blood vessels healthy.

How to Prevent Spider Veins on the Face

Avoid extreme heat: Very high temperatures from spas, saunas, or hot water may dilate the blood vessels and increase the chances of spider veins appearing.
Limit sun exposure: Wearing sunscreen, a hat, and long layers of clothing can help reduce the chances of spider veins from sun damage.
Wear protection: Protective gear may help avoid spider veins caused by an injury. Examples include facemasks and helmets for baseball, cycling, or riding a motorcycle.
Avoid vasodilators: Vasodilators cause vessels to fill with blood and may make spider veins more noticeable. Common vasodilators include caffeine, spicy foods, and alcohol.

Spider veins cause no pain or additional symptoms. But it’s normal to be bothered by their appearance. If this sounds like you, try to determine the direct cause and take steps to treat it and avoid it from happening again. In some cases, broken blood vessels on the face may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Anyone uncertain about the cause of their spider veins should visit a vein specialist for a proper examination and diagnosis.

Filed under: Spider Veins, Vein TreatmentTagged with: home remedies, sclerotherapy, spider veins, spider veins on face, sun damage, veins on the face

Getting rid of spider veins or varicose veins can seem like a daunting task. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, compression stockings, or non-invasive procedures.

Before you even consider making a doctor’s appointment, you may have a lot of questions like:

What treatments are available?
Does insurance cover it?
And of course, how much is it going to cost?

Let’s dive into pricing and insurance for spider veins and varicose vein treatment.

Common Vein Removal Treatments and Their Cost

How much it will cost to finally say goodbye to painful, unwanted veins for good?

Now, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer because different procedures have different costs. Let’s break down the price tags associated with each.

Sclerotherapy

What is it? A common treatment for spider veins and small varicose veins. The vein is injected with a solution that breaks down the vein walls.
Does insurance cover it? No. It’s considered cosmetic.
How much does it cost? The average cost of a sclerotherapy treatment is about $350. The provider’s fee and geographic location will affect the cost.

Ablations

What is it? Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) is a procedure used to treat varicose veins and patients with venous insufficiency. A catheter is inserted into the vein and delivers a high-frequency current to collapse it.
Does insurance cover it? Vein ablations for varicose veins are covered by most insurance plans. You will need to check your plan’s coverage as you may be responsible for a portion depending on your plan.
How much does it cost? The average cost of a vein ablation is about $1500-$2000 per vein out of pocket.

What Can Affect the Cost of Vein Procedures?

Medical versus Cosmetic: If you have a medical diagnosis of vein disease, your insurance may cover treatment. You still may be responsible for your copay or deductible depending on your plan. If it’s purely cosmetic, insurance will not cover it.
The Number of Treatments: The reality is, you may need more than one treatment to get the best results. It can require up to four depending on the severity of your veins.

Insurance That May Cover Vein Removal Treatment

Medicare, most HMOs, and other major insurance plans will cover vein treatment if medically necessary. You may need to get prior authorization before the procedure. In most cases, your doctor’s office will get the necessary authorizations for you. Find out what insurance plans we take.

How to Identify Your Insurance Coverage

The best way to find out if vein treatment is covered by your insurance plan is to call. Give them detailed information about what treatment you need. You may need the provider’s information and procedure code, which you can get from the doctor’s office that is going to do the procedure.

What to Do if the Procedure Isn’t Covered

If your insurance does not cover the vein procedure, you may be able to pay out of pocket. You can also set up a payment plan with your doctor’s office or apply for Health Care financing through Care Credit.

Why Vein Procedures Are Worth It

Remember, paying for spider or varicose vein treatment is an investment in yourself. It continues to prove worthwhile to a growing number of our patients.

There will be no more leg pain or discomfort. You can get back to activities you love and show off your vein-free legs!

Filed under: Spider Veins, Varicose Veins, Vein TreatmentTagged with: sclerotherapy, varicose veins, vein doctor, vein treatment

If you’ve noticed pesky veins showing up on your legs, you’re not alone. As we age, spider veins and varicose veins appear for two reasons:

1. Damaged skin

2. Aging vein valves

The sun ages and thins out the skin, causing it to break down and become more transparent. As this happens, we tend to see more of our veins and might want them removed.

But first, it’s important to know the difference between these types of veins so you can get the best treatment.

The Difference Between Varicose Veins & Spider Veins

Spider Veins

Spider veins have a web-like appearance and appear towards the surface of your skin. These surface veins supply blood to the skin and other superficial areas. They are small, twisted blood vessels and can be the color red, purple, or blue.

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are large and deeper because they supply blood to muscle tissue. When they become visible, they’re more obvious and tend to pop out.

Causes of Spider Veins vs Varicose Veins?

Spider and varicose veins may look different, but they show up for the same reasons.

Our veins work to pump blood from the legs back to the heart. As we age the valves weaken, causing the blood to flow backward. This makes the blood collect in your veins and make your veins enlarged. All this, because the blood is not being pushed back to your heart.

Other factors that contribute to spider veins and varicose veins issues include:

Genetics
Hormones
Leg trauma
Not being active
Smoking
Weight Gain

Treating Varicose Veins vs Spider Veins

When it comes to removing your veins, there are several treatment options available. Be sure to seek vein treatment from a vein specialist. This ensures you get the correct procedure and rule out vein diseases like venous insufficiency.

How to Treat Spider Veins

Spider veins are treated with a procedure known as Sclerotherapy. It’s a common treatment performed in your doctor’s office. It takes about 15 – 30 minutes and you can return to normal activities the very next day.

A solution is injected into the veins that irritate the vein walls and causes them to stick together, clot and collapse. Your body will break them down and reabsorb them. Depending on how many veins you need treated, multiple treatments may be required to get desired results.

Regardless, the appearance of spider veins will fade over time.

How to Treat Varicose Veins

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a successful treatment for varicose veins. The procedure involves a catheter that is inserted into the varicose vein. Using a high-frequency alternating current, the vein spasms, and collapses. The body will absorb the dead tissue and start using a healthy vein to pump blood from the legs to the heart.

RFA is a non-invasive outpatient procedure done in the doctor’s office and performed under moderate sedation. You can resume normal activities the day after treatment.

When to See a Doctor

Whether it’s the appearance of spider veins or varicose veins that concern you, there are options. And the sooner you get them treated, the sooner you can enjoy your life.

If you have symptoms like swelling, cramping, heaviness, or pain in your legs, consult with a doctor. These could be symptoms of Venous Insufficiency, a progressive vein disease that, if left untreated, could result in other health issues.

Filed under: Spider Veins, Varicose VeinsTagged with: sclerotherapy, spider veins, varicose veins, vein treatment

If you’ve found this little corner of the internet, then you’re searching for reasons why you might have spider veins in your 20s or 30s.

It’s true that getting spider veins at this age is pretty early (and alarming!). But don’t fret–there’s an explanation for this that may be remedied by simple lifestyle changes.

Let’s get into how you can diminish those broken blood vessels and prevent more from forming.

WHAT ARE SPIDER VEINS?

Spider veins are smaller and closer to the skin’s surface than varicose veins. They can be bright red or blue, with jagged, short lines, resembling spider webs (hence the name).

Spider veins are typically the result of backup blood or broken capillaries.

WHAT CAUSES PREMATURE SPIDER VEINS TO FORM?

Let’s review why spider veins might show up in your 20s or 30s:

SUN EXPOSURE: UVA and UVB radiation from the sun can inflame blood vessels and draw them closer to the skin, especially those with fair skin.
HORMONE CHANGES: Female hormone changes from pregnancy or birth control can weaken vein walls. As estrogen levels rise, blood levels increase, putting pressure on your veins and causing them to break.
BLOOD PRESSURE: An intense sneeze or vomiting can cause a change in blood pressure, which can break the capillaries.
INACTIVITY: Occupations that require long periods of sitting or standing can put you at higher risk for developing spider veins.
GENETICS: A family history of blood clots or varicose veins can put you at higher risk.
FAIR SKIN: Very fair skin can make your veins more visible, causing your skin to look flushed and red.
ALCOHOL: Drinking alcohol can cause the veins to fill with more blood, making spider veins visible.
HIGH HEELS: Wearing high heels can minimize the range of motion in your foot and ankle. As a result, your calf muscle can’t properly pump the blood back up through your veins.

PREVENTING SPIDER VEINS

Thankfully, there are many lifestyle changes young people can make to either prevent or treat the appearance of spider veins.

Consider these tips and remedies for preventing spider veins in your 20s and 30s:

Protect your skin from the sun by wearing sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses
Avoid extreme heat from hot showers, saunas, or beaches
Get regular physical activity to get your blood circulating
Maintain a healthy weight

WORRIED ABOUT SPIDER VEINS? ADD THIS TO YOUR TO-DO LIST

There are a few treatments to consider, depending on the severity of your spider veins and how much they bother you. It’s a good idea to get your veins checked out by a certified vein specialist to determine what’s best for you.

Here are some options to consider:

SCLEROTHERAPY: This is the most common and effective medical procedure for treating spider veins. A chemical is injected into your veins that blocks blood flow. It may take more than one round of treatment to address a vein.
LASER TREATMENT: The second most common spider vein reduction treatment involves applying strong surges of light to the affected area, causing the spider vein to fade away. The advantage to this procedure is that there are no incisions or needles involved. However, it may not be as effective as sclerotherapy. Redness, swelling, and skin discoloration are common side effects.

Spider veins are purely a cosmetic concern, but many people still find their lives affected by them, especially when in their 20s and 30s. If they affect your quality of life, it’s worth looking into treating them, especially since they will progress if you don’t make some lifestyle changes to address your symptoms.

Filed under: Spider VeinsTagged with: lifestyle, prevention, sclerotherapy