Spider Veins

Spider veins aren’t very big, but they can form large networks that spread across areas like the face and legs. If you dislike the appearance of your spider veins, visit Lorven Heart and Vascular Institute, LLC, in Ocala, Florida. Its highly skilled vein experts perform minimally invasive in-office treatments like sclerotherapy to eliminate spider veins. Call Lorven Heart and Vascular Institute, LLC, today or book a spider vein consultation via the online form.

What are spider veins?

Tiny spider veins form networks of red, purple, or blue blood vessels that often resemble a spider web. They mainly develop on the legs and face but could appear anywhere.

Spider veins are like tiny varicose veins. However, they affect much smaller blood vessels. Varicose veins can become twisted, protrude from the skin, and cause pain, soreness, itching, and swelling. Spider veins are flat and significantly smaller but sometimes develop into large, unattractive webs.

Spider veins are a cosmetic nuisance rather than a major health risk. But they can sometimes trigger sensations like aching or burning, particularly if you stand for long periods.

What causes spider veins?

Spider veins could form under anyone’s skin, but some people’s risk is higher. You’re more likely to get spider veins if you identify with any of the following:

• You have close relatives with spider veins
• Your work involves extended standing or sitting
• Your body weight is unhealthily high
• You smoke
• You don’t get much exercise
• You’ve previously had blood clots

Women develop spider veins more often than men, primarily because of hormonal changes occurring during pregnancy or menopause. Your risk could also be higher if you use birth control pills or take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause symptoms.

Spider veins could indicate the early stages of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), which causes varicose veins. CVI arises when the valves along your veins stop closing correctly. These tiny barriers open when blood pumps back to your heart and close afterward to prevent blood from returning the wrong way.

Faulty valves allow blood to trickle back, creating unsightly veins.

How are spider veins treated?

The primary spider vein treatment Lorven Heart and Vascular Institute, LLC, uses is sclerotherapy. The injection contains a liquid or foam sclerosant that irritates targeted veins without damaging healthy tissues.

After treatment, the spider veins collapse and break down. In time, they disappear entirely and can’t grow back. You have many more veins that can handle blood circulation, so you won’t miss the ones you lose.

After spider vein treatment, you should wear compression stockings to support the treated veins while they heal and prevent more from developing.

Call Lorven Heart and Vascular Institute, LLC, to request a spider vein evaluation or schedule a consultation online today.