How to Eliminate Unsightly Spider Veins - Frequently Asked Questions

Spider veins are red, purple, and/or blue lines that can show up on your thighs, ankles, and calves when you’ve gained a lot of weight or when you have an abnormal blood flow. They can be embarrassing and add to the low self-esteem some women have about themselves. It may be tempting to seek the help of a physician to eliminate these unsightly marks, but is this kind of therapy for you? Here are some frequently asked questions to help you decide.

What happens during my first consultation?

You and your dermatologist will discuss many things on your first appointment, including the problems you may have from spider veins, what you’d like to look like after the procedure, the options you have in treatment, and the risks involved in such a procedure. You will undergo an examination of your body as well as your medical history. Be sure to ask lots of questions and tell your doctor about any pain you may be having from swelling or night cramps. It’s important to thoroughly discuss the matter with your doctor so you can make an educated decision.

What treatment options do I have?

There are two methods of treating this condition--sclerotherapy and laser treatment, both of which are outpatient procedures. With sclerotherapy, a solution called sclerosant is injected into the spider veins, causing them to collapse and shrink from sight. It usually takes about 30 minutes or more, depending on how much work has to be done. Repeated procedures may be necessary. There is a small amount of discomfort, but it is manageable. There may be some cramping or itching at the injection site, so your doctor may have you wear a bandage to compress the treated area for several days, and you may have to wear support hose for several weeks to reduce the chance of blood clots and to keep the treated vein collapsed.

Lasers are the preferred method when the spider veins are too small for a needle to penetrate them or for people who have these marks on their faces. This is also a less damaging way to get rid of spider veins, but the drawback is that lasers cannot go deep enough to eliminate the marks that are deeper under the skin. Like sclerotherapy, there is a chance for pain but it can be managed by your physician.

What are the risks associated with spider vein treatment?

The most common side effects are itching and swelling of the treated area. Some people get blotchy or discolored skin, or some bruising, but these are temporary problems. Sclerotherapy can lead to vein inflammation or blood clots in some, while others may have an allergic reaction to the sclerosant solution.

To avoid complications, it’s best to discuss your concerns with your doctor long before you decide whether to have the procedure.  Also, make sure to follow all of the recommendations your doctor give you before and after the treatment.