What causes spider veins?
Spider veins are broken capillaries that exist just below the surface of the skin. They’re usually less than 2 millimeters in diameter. Sometimes they cause itching or burning, but most often they’re a cosmetic issue. Spider veins can indicate that you have a more serious, underlying vein-related problem, however, and that you’re at risk for developing varicose veins. In 60-80% of cases, spider veins and varicose veins coincide.
How are spider veins treated?
Sclerotherapy, which involves injecting a sclerosing solution into the vein, is usually the treatment of choice. The solution causes the vein walls to seal together and the vein to become inactive.
Sclerotherapy is well-tolerated by most patients and takes about 30 minutes per session. It’s done in office, but you can go home right afterward. Following sclerotherapy, you wear compression socks for one to two weeks to keep pressure on the veins.
How many treatments will I need?
Some people get rid of their spider veins with one treatment, but it usually takes up to three to eradicate all of your visible spider veins. Dr. Nellestein performs a follow-up consultation between four and six weeks after your first session to determine if you need additional sclerotherapy treatments to achieve optimal results.
What results can I expect with spider vein treatment?
Your spider veins don’t disappear immediately with sclerotherapy treatment. You may have some mild discomfort right after the injections, including some redness and itching. Much of the visible veins disappear within a few weeks, but optimal results are evident within three to six months.
Spider veins treated with sclerotherapy do permanently disappear, but you may have new spider veins that appear with time. You are most likely going to develop additional spider veins if you have underlying diseased veins. Dr. Nellestein evaluates your veins thoroughly to find out if this is the case and offers appropriate treatment.
Does insurance cover the cost of spider vein treatment?
Insurance does not usually cover treatment for spider veins as they’re usually considered an aesthetic problem. If during an ultrasound, Dr. Nellestein determines that the spider veins are an indication of an underlying vein issue, however, the insurance company may deem spider vein treatment as a medical necessity and will sometimes cover the cost.
If you have unsightly spider veins on your legs or face, call the office of Nellestein Vein Institute or book an appointment online to find out how you can make them disappear.
