Spider veins are like varicose veins but much smaller. They begin as tiny capillaries and appear as blue or red 'squiggles'. They are small red, blue or purple veins that commonly appear on the surface of the thighs, calves and ankles. It's estimated that at least one third of the adult female population is troubled with this common problem. People often seek treatment for spider veins because of cosmetic concern. However, in some patients their spider veins may cause symptoms, such as aching, heaviness, itching and night cramps.
Spider veins may be isolated or associated with 'feeder' veins. They can also be associated with larger underlying varicose veins. Certain factors contribute to the development of spider veins, including heredity, pregnancy, hormonal factors, weight gain, occupations or activities that require prolonged sitting or standing, and trauma.
These unsightly spider veins are treated easily in our office with intense pulsed light therapy or sclerotherapy. During light therapy, the intense light is applied to the skin over your spider veins. The light energy causes your spider veins to coagulate and shrink. Light therapy is effective on small and medium size spider veins. Larger veins are more tenacious and are best treated with sclerotherapy. Light therapy and sclerotherapy are in-office procedures. Either treatment does not require sedatives, pain medications, or injections of local anesthetic. Although, some patients elect to have a "twilight sleep". Immediately following treatment, spider veins will be slightly darker. Over two weeks to six weeks, your spider veins will fade. Each patient is unique and thus will require a thorough examination prior to treatment.
Light therapy and/or sclerotherapy of spider veins is very effective and produces super results!
Take the next step: request a FREE Spider Vein Consultation now and call us at 216.227.FACE. You can visit the Western Reserve Center for Orofacial and Cosmetic Surgery at our convenient locations in Canton and Cleveland, Ohio.
