Spider Vein Injections Specialist

What are spider veins?

Spider veins, or telangiectasia, develop when small capillaries close to your skin’s surface enlarge and become visible, creating the appearance of red, purple, or blue spider webs. They can develop anywhere on your body, but most often affect the face and legs.

Spider veins seldom lead to symptoms or cause health problems. They may cause itching or bleed into the surrounding area, but these problems are rare.

Are you at risk for developing spider veins?

There’s no way to predict whether you’ll develop spider veins, but you may have a higher risk if you meet any of the following:

Age

Your risk for spider veins increases over the age of 50, which may be due to age-related weakening in your blood vessels.

Hormone changes

The changes in hormones at puberty, during pregnancy, and when women reach menopause may increase your risk of spider veins.

Sunlight exposure

Exposure to ultraviolet light without appropriate protection may result in spider veins on your face.

Family history

Weak blood vessels and a tendency toward developing spider veins seem to run in families.

Overweight

Carrying extra weight increases pressure on your blood vessels, which can make them enlarge or weaken.

Immobility

If you spend an extended time sitting or standing, you have a higher chance of spider veins on your legs, as immobility affects circulation.

How does sclerotherapy treat spider veins?

Dr. Shareghi performs sclerotherapy using a thin needle to safely inject a solution into the targeted veins. The solution makes the vein collapse and shrink. Over the next month or two, the waste is carried away by your body, so the veins gradually fade away.

Your sclerotherapy session may last 15-60 minutes, depending on the number of veins and the size of the area treated. Most people return to their typical daily routine when the procedure is over, but you’ll receive self-care instructions before you leave the office.

Does sclerotherapy produce permanent results?

The veins treated with sclerotherapy are gone forever. It’s possible, however, to develop new spider veins in the surrounding area. You can lower your risk of future spider veins on your legs by:

• Getting regular exercise
• Elevating your legs
• Changing your sitting or standing position
• Wearing compression stockings (if recommended by Dr. Shareghi)

If you’re ready to improve your appearance by eliminating spider veins, call the Cardiovascular Care Center or book an appointment online.