Spider Veins

Spider Veins
Spider veins are very common particularly for women.  They are generally of cosmetic concern only but in some people they can be the cause of considerable aching and heavy tired legs.  The spider veins can appear anywhere on the body but are particularly common on the outside thighs, inside knees and around the ankles.

Spider veins will in many cases be the first sign of underlying problems with varicose veins which are not visible on the surface.  This is particularly true for spider veins around the feet and ankles.  It is often a good idea to have an ultrasound to see if there are deeper problems before embarking on treatment but you will be guided by your phlebologist (vein specialist) about this.

The gold standard treatment for spider veins is microsclerotherapy which is an injection technique using tiny needles.  A solution called a sclerosant is flushed through the abnormal spider veins which causes inflammation inside the vein.  The bodies response to this is to start a natural healing process which closes the abnormal veins.  The blood is then redirected through normal veins. 

External lasers can also be used for stubborn veins or small areas of spider veins.  This type of treatment is generally used as a back up for microsclerotherapy rather than being the treatment of choice.

Occasionally as a response to treatment, the body can open up new veins in the area of inflammation created by the treatment.  This is called telangiectatic matting and these areas are collections of tiny little veins that can look like a bruise.  This occurs in 2-10% of people having spider vein treatment and this can result in a worse cosmetic appearance than the original veins.  Fortunately most of the new veins spontaneously resolve over a few months.  If not they can be re-treated with injection or laser but in a small number of cases the matting can be permanent.