What Are Spider Veins?

Spider veins are veins in which the valves have stopped functioning properly. When the valves of a vein are working correctly, they keep blood flowing in one direction. When they become damaged, they allow blood to flow backwards and pool, causing the walls of the vein to distend and enlarge. This is called venous reflux. When smaller, more superficial veins are involved, a web of red or blue thin branches appear on the surface of the skin, usually on the legs or face. These are referred to as spider veins.

What Is The Difference Between Spider Veins And Varicose Veins?

Spider veins, although they result from the same type of vascular malfunction as varicose veins, are much less serious. Spider veins are a superficial manifestation of the problem. When veins become varicose, their walls have thinned considerably and blood has pooled in them so that they appear as palpable dark cords on the surface of the skin.

What Are The Risk Factors For Spider Veins?

The causes of spider are not completely known, but many identifiable factors put an individual at risk. Risk factors for spider veins include:

• Increasing age over 50

• Smoking

• Family history of the disease

• Prolonged sitting or standing

• Hormonal changes

• Pregnancy

• Obesity

• Lack of exercise

• Sun exposure

Since hormonal changes increase the risk of developing spider veins there is a higher risk of developing the problem during puberty, menopause, pregnancy and while taking birth control medication. Since extra weight puts stress on veins, pregnancy involves a double risk. Because women go through greater hormonal fluctuations and may go through pregnancy, more women than men develop spider veins.

Treatment for spider veins can be done through minimally invasive laser procedures. Laser treatment for spider veins offers patients:

• Fewer side effects

• Less trauma

• Shorter treatment time

• Shorter recovery time

• Minimal downtime

There are several different types of laser treatment available, including endovenous laser treatment, or EVLT, which treats large veins by passing a laser fiber through a catheter directly into the vein. Veins just under the surface of the skin can be treated with a simpler laser procedure over the course of several treatment sessions. After performing a physical examination and going over a patient’s medical history and general health, the doctor will decide which procedure is best for each individual patient.

Treatment for spider veins can be done through minimally invasive laser procedures. Laser treatment for spider veins offers patients:

• Fewer side effects

• Less trauma

• Shorter treatment time

• Shorter recovery time

• Minimal downtime