Spider Vein Removal In Austin
Spider vein removal is the most commonly performed procedure at Austin Vein Specialists. Spider veins, also known as telangiectasias, are small, thin blood vessel clusters that are easily visible within the skin. They are often red, pink, or purple and are usually dispersed as clusters in certain locations of the body. They appear most commonly on the legs but may be seen anywhere on the body, including the nose and face. They typically have the appearance of a series of lines, tree branches, or a spider-web-like shape (hence the name). They tend to be much smaller than varicose veins, somewhere in the range of the size of a small thread, or at most a toothpick. It is very common for people to seek out cosmetic therapies to rid their skin of these unsightly veins. While most cases of spider vein removal are purely performed for cosmetic concerns, some patients may also experience uncomfortable symptoms such as aching, burning, swelling, itching and cramping at the sites of this condition. Spider vein removal is one of our main areas of expertise at Austin Vein Specialists.
Many of our patients in Austin are bothered by the appearance of spider veins on prominent areas of their bodies such as the legs, nose, or face, and seek treatment to restore a smooth, clear appearance. Many of these treatments are highly effective and minimally invasive, offering aesthetically pleasing results without painful or lengthy downtime.
Causes of Spider Veins
Spider veins develop as a result of a backup of blood in certain veins, which occurs when the valves in the veins cannot effectively keep blood from flowing backward as it moves up the legs. As blood collects in the veins they begin to expand and dilate, becoming visible under the surface of the skin or within the skin itself.
Spider veins are common in the legs because of the fact that blood flow must work against gravity to travel back up to the heart, with the legs having to carry the largest burden of gravity blood flow. This condition affects nearly half of all adults over the age of 50 in the US and may occur as a result of hormonal changes, pregnancy, obesity, trauma, sun exposure, and genetic predisposition. You are much more likely to develop spider veins if you have immediate relatives with the same condition.
Our Austin vein specialists can diagnose spider veins through a physical examination and will determine an appropriate treatment method based on a thorough evaluation of your condition and medical history. An ultrasound may be performed to evaluate the severity of the condition and identify the underlying cause to ensure the most effective treatment approach.
Spider Vein Removal
There are several minimally-invasive aesthetic treatment options available to eliminate the appearance of spider veins and allow patients to once again proudly show off their legs. Sclerotherapy and skin thermal treatments such as laser or thermolysis are the most common FDA-approved spider vein removal therapies. Newer treatment options offer patients fewer side effects, less pain, and shorter recovery times than traditional vein removal procedures.
One of the most common and standard treatments for spider vein removal is sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy involves injecting a sclerosing solution directly into the affected veins, causing them to gradually disappear. This procedure is typically performed in the doctor’s office and takes less than 30 minutes. Depending on the extent of their vein disease, patients may require two to four treatment sessions in order to achieve their desired results.
Additional treatment options for spider vein removal may include surface laser therapy or the VeinGogh / Veinwave surface thermolysis system, in which thermal energy delivered to the skin is used to eliminate the veins. Our vein specialists have performed thousands of cosmetic vein treatments, so you feel confident that when you come to one of our Vein Centers that you will be receiving the appropriate recommendations and best possible care.
Mild cases of spider veins may also be treated with compression stockings to put pressure on the veins and promote normal blood flow. Compression stocking therapy can potentially reduce the number of new spider veins that form on the legs, but it does nothing to eliminate the veins that have already formed on the legs. To eliminate the veins, focused treatment of the area(s) by a physician is required. Your doctor will discuss with you what he feels are the best options for treating your condition based on your desires and expectations. Our vein specialists have over fifteen years of experience treating spider vein conditions and offer the most modern therapies available.
» Click here to view spider vein before and after photos.
Prevention of Spider Veins
While there is no sure way to prevent spider veins from developing, there are certain lifestyle modifications that can help reduce the risk of developing this unsightly condition. These include losing weight, exercising regularly, wearing support hose, and wearing comfortable, supportive shoes. It is important to move the legs frequently, especially if your job requires long periods of sitting or standing in one place. Your doctor will provide you with specific guidelines to effectively reduce the risk of spider veins so that you can maintain beautiful and youthful-appearing legs for many years.
To learn more about spider veins and the newest state-of-the-art treatment options available at Austin Varicose & Spider Vein Specialists, please call or email our vein centers today to schedule an appointment. Our spider vein specialists proudly serve patients living in Cedar Park, Lakeway, Pflugerville, and Round Rock, and surrounding communities of Austin.
