For the last installment on veins in this series let's discuss the pesky spider vein. These veins are very common and can be unsightly. I probably hear more complaints about spider veins than any other vein problems. They can occur in young women, old women, and every age in between. The cause of these veins which occur superficially in the skin is usually hereditary and they are aggravated by standing for long periods. They can occur alone or may be associated with a bigger underlying vein issue. The reason they enlarge and become visible is increased venous pressure.
Good news is, when these veins occur, they can be treated. At Total Body Surgical, we have a number of methods for treatment. First, if the problem is extensive, we go out of our way to ensure that the cause is not just a symptom of an underlying bigger vein problem. At the Total Body Surgical Vein Center we use ultrasound to make sure the larger veins are healthy. If the spider veins are limited, or if the larger venous system is healthy, we then focus on the cosmetic treatment of the spider veins themselves. Dr Swetnam usually uses sclerotherapy to eliminate them. This is a minor procedure that is performed in the office. It is fairly quick and with minimal discomfort. A solution is injected into the spider vein that causes inflammation of the lining of the vein, eventually causing your body to remove it so that it can no longer function, or be seen. This may take a few treatments and requires the wearing of compression stockings for about 2 weeks after injection and avoidance of strenuous exercise and hot tubs for that time as well. In some instances, some brownish discoloration can occur around the site that usually resolves. Some ulceration of the skin can also occur which heals well but can cause some minor scarring. If the larger veins are diseased and the spider veins are injected, they will recur. If we do a diagnostic ultrasound that shows the larger veins are not functioning, we treat those first with laser closure. This stops the pressure and then allows us to treat the smaller veins with sclerotherapy successfully.
I also use the Vein Light to isolate the "reticular" or connecting veins that feed the spider vein. This allows me to see what is feeding the group of spider veins and inject it as well.
For much smaller areas I sometimes will use the YAG laser to close them. This is relatively quick. I also use the laser when treating facial veins. These commonly occur around the base of the nose, on the cheeks and chin. They are very common in people with rosacea. .jpg?width=169&height=96&name=images_(2).jpg)
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Treatment of spider veins is an ongoing process and should be maintained. Most people with significant spider veins will eventually meet criteria for treatment of the larger veins that are the root of the problem. Patients with facial veins will also need maintenance.
Next week....fungus amungus.....the newest treatment for toe nail fungus!!!
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