Spider Veins Before and After Patient Transformation

What are spider veins?

They are the fine, thread-like reddish veins at the surface of the skin, and are often considered a cosmetic issue, but they can be associated with underlying feeder veins, not visible to the naked eye.  Feeder veins are the ‘blue veins’ also known as ‘reticular veins,’ that give rise to spider veins. They may also be a sign of underlying venous insufficiency. For example, they are usually located in the inner ankles and inner thighs can indicate an underlying problem with the saphenous vein. As a result, an ultrasound examination may be recommended to identify and effectively treat the underlying source.

What are the symptoms?

Vein conditions affect people differently. For some, they can be a painless cosmetic concern, and for others they may cause symptoms. The most common symptoms are burning, throbbing, and localized pain. They can also feel hot and itchy and bleed.

What are the causes?

They are caused by the same condition that causes varicose veins. Leaky vein valves allow blood to pool within the veins causing them to stretch and become enlarged. Spider veins on other areas of the body, such as the face, and chest can be caused by sun damage, hormone changes or liver disease. Hormones, such as with pregnancy, birth control or hormone replacement therapy can weaken the vein wall.

Spider veins and reticular veins of the legs are most commonly treated with sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy involves an injection of a medication into the vein.  This will cause the vein to collapse and gradually fade away. Sclerotherapy has been used to treat spider veins for decades, but modern solutions such as Asclera, allow for spider veins to be treated with minimal discomfort and immediate return to activities.

Below are La Jolla Vein Care patient transformations before and after vein treatment for spider veins.