Spider Vein Removal

What are spider veins?

Many women, perhaps 50% of adult females, have spider veins on
their legs.  Clusters of red, blue or purple veins commonly appear on
thighs, calves and ankles.  Also known as sunburst varicosities, these 
thin veins lie close to the surface of the skin. These extremely fine veins
are not a critical part of the overall venous system. 

Spider veins are the product of many factors.  These include pregnancy,
hormonal changes and weight gain.  They can also appear in women
whose occupations require extended periods of sitting or standing. 
Heredity and the use of certain medications also play a role in the
occurrence of spider veins. 

How are spider veins removed?

A Beautiful You uses leg vein sclerotherapy to remove these unsightly
veins from appearance.  Sclerotherapy also may help relieve other conditions
associated with spider veins.  These include night cramps, aching, burning
and swelling.  By injecting the veins with a sclerosing system, the veins
collapse and then fade from view. The injections are performed with the use
of bright light and magnification to ensure maximum efficacy.  One injection
is made per every inch of spider vein.  During this treatment, you may feel a
brief burning sensation or slight pin pricks.  At least two sessions are
recommended to achieve best results.  Treatments help reduce the
appearance of current veins, but do not prevent veins from surfacing in the future.

Am I a candidate for spider vein removal?

If you are unhappy with the appearance of spider veins, you may be a
good candidate.  Most women who opt for leg vein sclerotherapy range from
age 30 to 60.  You should not consider sclerotherapy if you are pregnant of
breastfeeding.  Spider veins often appear during pregnancy, and disappear
following delivery.  Complications, though minimal, include allergic reactions
to the sclerosing solution, inflammation, and the formation of blood clots
in the veins. 

A pigmentation irregularity may produce brownish splotches on the treated
skin.  This may take months to fade. In other cases, a condition called
"telangiectatic matting," imay occur.  This condition consists of fine reddish
blood vessels appearing around the treated area.  Further injections may be
needed in the case of matting.  Ask your doctor at A Beautiful You if spider
vein removal is an appropriate treatment for you.