Spider veins are a common problem for many women. These red and purple veins often start to spread across the legs as you age. Similar to varicose veins, spider veins are dilated blood vessels but closer to the skin and smaller. You might find then behind the knee first, but they can appear anywhere across your legs or across your body.
Spider veins can be unsightly and even painful for some. Thankfully, Southeastern Dermatology offers solutions for spider veins, including spider vein removal. Spider vein treatment is a simple, in-office procedure that can deliver the results you need. We’ll have you feeling confident about your legs again within just a few visits.
Who Gets Spider Veins?
Caused by pressure in the legs, there are a lot of factors that go into determining who’s most at risk for spider veins. For example, teachers and nurses frequently develop spider veins from the time spent on their feet. There’s also likely a hereditary factor involved with spider veins. And spider veins are more common as you get older.
Some people notice spider veins in their 20s, others don’t get them until later. Additional risk factors for spider veins might include:
- Use of birth control pills
- Hormonal shifts
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Weight fluctuation
Though women seem to struggle with spider veins more often than men, that can effect both genders. In fact, 30 to 60 percent of all adults have spider and varicose veins.
Do Spider Veins Hurt?
Spider veins can be more than unsightly; they can also be downright painful. Some women with spider veins report feeling heaviness or tiredness in their legs. Swelling is common as well.
Despite the pain, most women’s biggest complaint about spider veins is how it makes them feel about their physical appearance. Women who used to feel confident sporting shorts and skirts with bare legs in the spring and summer after feel the need to cover up after discovering spider veins.
Thankfully, spider vein treatment is an easy option here at Dr. Doppelt’s office.
How Does Spider Vein Removal Work?
Southeastern Dermatology offers two solutions for spider vein removal: Sclerotherapy and laser vein treatment. Both treatment options provide results and can be performed in-office.
Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins
Sclerotherapy is an easy, proven spider vein treatment. During a sclerotherapy session, an FDA-approved solution called Asclera (polidocanol) is injected into the veins. Asclera works by causing painless damage to the inside lining of the blood vessels, which causes clotting. The small clot is eventually reabsorbed by the body and the spider vein goes away.
Each minimally-invasive sclerotherapy session lasts about 30 minutes. You’ll need to wear compression stockings for about a week after each session to maximize the results.
It is important to note that the number of sclerotherapy sessions you need will depend on the location and severity of your spider veins. In most cases, 2-3 sclerotherapy sessions are required.
You might not be a good candidate for sclerotherapy if you are pregnant, take birth control pills or have had a blood clot in the past.
Laser Vein Treatment
Laser vein treatment is also an option for those seeking to get rid of spider veins. It can also be used to treat other skin blemishes like angiomas and broken blood vessels and capillaries.
Like sclerotherapy, laser vein treatment is completely non-invasive. During the treatment, Dr. Doppelt and his staff use a specialized device that sends small bursts of light into the vein. The light breaks down the spider vein, making it slowly disappear and fade.
Unlike sclerotherapy, laser vein treatment involves no needles. Your legs might be sore briefly after laser vein treatment, but this can be treated with over the counter pain medication and ice.
How Much Does Spider Vein Treatment Cost?
Spider vein treatment cost can vary based on a number of factors. In some cases, patients find that sclerotherapy is a cheaper option than laser vein removal.
You should consider checking with your insurance company to see if spider vein removal is covered by your plan. If your spider veins are causing pain, it might be covered. If you are seeking treatment to improve the appearance of your legs, your spider vein removal is less likely to be covered by your insurance plan.
How to Get Rid of Spider Veins with Southeastern Dermatology
The first step in getting rid of your spider veins is scheduling a consultation with Dr. Doppelt. He can assess your individual situation and prescribe a treatment solution customized to your needs and treatment goals.
You can count on Dr. Doppelt to give you the treatment only a board-certified doctor can provide. Call our office at (865) 474-8800 or request an appointment online today to start spider vein treatment and get you back to feeling great about your legs.
