Spider Vein FAQs

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What causes spider veins?

The underlying cause of most vein problems is a phenomenon known as “venous reflux.” Venous reflux refers to the condition in which blood in a vein or a group of veins flows backwards (away from the heart), causing blood to pool in the veins. This pooling is responsible for the visual bulging and discoloration that is characteristic of varicose veins, and can also cause venules to swell and become visible in the form of spider veins or reticular veins. [1]

How to remove spider veins?

The two most common approaches to remove spider veins are: (1) sclerotherapy vein injections, and (2) laser spider vein removal.

Sclerotherapy injections use a special chemical called a sclerosant that triggers a series of biological reactions from within the veins causing vein irritation, dehydration, and destruction. [2] Injections can be used to treat virtually all sizes of spider and reticular veins

Laser treatments externally apply strong bursts of light to destroy small superficial veins. [3] Laser spider vein removal is most effective when veins are small, sparse, and shallow. Typically laser energy will not be effective on veins that are larger than a 30-gauge needle and cannot treat at depths greater than a few millimeters without damaging surrounding tissue. [2]

How much does spider vein removal cost?

The cost of spider vein removal can vary by type of treatment, extent of disease, and number of sessions required. Contact us to learn more about our spider vein treatment plans at VIP.

Does insurance pay for spider vein removal?

Spider vein removal is usually done for cosmetic reasons. For this reason, typically insurance does not cover spider vein removal.

How many treatments does it take to remove spider veins?

Sclerotherapy injections usually only require one session for complete resolution, but two treatment sessions are required in some cases. Laser treatment can require more sessions. [3]

Legs with spider veins and reticular veins

Spider veins and reticular veins are extremely common, affecting up to 70% of adult legs.

Drawing of spider veins and reticular veins and their relation to venous reflux

Possible relationship between spider veins, reticular veins, and venous reflux.

Spider Vein Specialist at VIP providing sclerotherapy spider vein injections

Sclerotherapy spider vein injections are the treatment of choice at VIP Specialists.

Two legs with visible spider veins and telangiectasia
Vein doctor inspecting spider veins on patient's leg
Leg with visible spider veins along the back of the knee and the calf

Spider Vein Treatment in Visalia, CA

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How long does it take for spider veins to go away after treatment?

Spider vein injections begin to work immediately, so our patients tend to be very excited to see their spider veins fade away as soon as they receive an injection. Injections tend to work faster than laser treatment. Laser treatment can take multiple weeks for complete vessel clearance. [3]

How long does spider vein treatment last?

New spider veins can form again even if you’ve had your spider veins treated before. The development of new spider veins is variable and unpredictable, but you can undergo spider vein treatment as many times as you need.

How painful is spider vein treatment?

Patients that receive sclerotherapy spider vein treatment tend to report minimal to no pain, and only mild discomfort caused by brief needlesticks. With laser treatment, patients may experience brief burning or ‘zapping’ sensations caused by the active laser.

Which spider vein treatment is the least painful?

Sclerotherapy injections is the least painful spider vein treatment. In a study published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 56 patients with spider and reticular veins on both of their legs received laser treatment on one leg and sclerotherapy injections on the other leg. Subjects reported significantly less pain in the leg treated by sclerotherapy than in the leg that received laser treatment. [3]

Spider Vein Specialist at VIP preparing spider vein injectios

Asclera™ is a common sclerosant used in spider vein injections.

Spider Vein Specialist at VIP providing sclerotherapy spider vein injections to patient with spider veins

Clinical studies have shown that spider vein injections can treat larger and deeper veins, work faster, and are less painful than laser treatments.

Laser spider vein removal being used on legs of female patient

Laser spider vein removal uses strong bursts of light to destroy small superficial veins.

Spider Vein Treatment in Visalia, CA

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References
[1] Jacobs, B. N., Andraska, E. A., Obi, A. T., & Wakefield, T. W. (2017). Pathophysiology of varicose veins. Journal of Vascular Surgery: Venous and Lymphatic Disorders, 5(3), 460–467.
[2] Kugler, N. W., & Brown, K. R. (2017). An update on the currently available nonthermal ablative options in the management of superficial venous disease. Journal of Vascular Surgery: Venous and Lymphatic Disorders, 5(3), 422–429.
[3] Parlar, B., Blazek, C., Cazzaniga, S., Naldi, L., Kloetgen, H. W., Borradori, L., & Buettiker, U. (2015). Treatment of lower extremity telangiectasias in women by foam sclerotherapy vs. Nd:YAG laser: A prospective, comparative, randomized, open-label trial. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 29(3), 549–554.

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The Materials available on visaliavips.com are for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare professional in diagnosing and treating patients.