Are My Spider Veins a Health Concern?

Spider veins are smaller versions of varicose veins that become enlarged and visible just beneath the skin’s surface. They resemble a spider web and are typically blue, purple, or red in appearance, showing up on the legs or face.

While they’re primarily a cosmetic concern for many people, the presence of spider veins can sometimes signal underlying vascular health issues. It’s worthwhile to consult with a vein specialist about your vascular health and discuss the benefits of treating issues like spider veins. 

Here at Advanced Heart and Vascular Associates, our vascular intervention physician, Nader Chadda, MD, FACC, FSCAI, specializes in treating issues with blood vessels. VenaSeal™ is a new cutting-edge procedure that uses a specially formulated bioadhesive to effectively seal problem veins.   

Why do I have spider veins?

Your veins (with the exception of the pulmonary veins) collect oxygen-poor blood from tissues and carry it to your heart. To keep blood flowing in the right direction they have one-way valves. Spider veins develop when these vein valves become weak or damaged, reducing their ability to push blood in one direction.

As a result, blood flows backward, increasing the pressure against vein walls and causing veins to appear twisted and bulging. This happens on a larger scale in varicose veins and on a smaller one in spider veins. 

Age, genetics, and certain hormonal changes increase your risk of developing spider veins. Prolonged sitting or standing and obesity are other risk factors.   

When to be concerned

In most cases, spider veins are harmless. However, they can sometimes be an early indicator of venous insufficiency which causes your veins to struggle to send blood from the limbs back to the heart. 

If your spider veins are accompanied by symptoms such as aching, swelling, or a heavy feeling in the legs, especially after standing or sitting for long periods, it's important to consult with a health care professional. These symptoms could suggest a deeper venous issue that might require treatment to prevent further complications.

VenaSeal: a new, effective spider vein solution

VenaSeal is an ideal solution for patients seeking treatment for spider veins, either for cosmetic reasons or to address the discomfort linked to venous insufficiency. VenaSeal is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a medical adhesive to close off problem veins. It’s performed in-office, is highly effective, and requires no downtime.  

How VenaSeal works

During the VenaSeal procedure, a small amount of medical adhesive is injected into the problematic vein through a catheter. The vein is then pressed together to seal it shut. This causes the body to reroute blood flow through healthier veins, thereby improving vascular health. 

Your body absorbs the sealed vein over time. VenaSeal is typically done under local anesthesia, and most patients can return to their normal activities shortly after, with little to no discomfort.

Advantages of VenaSeal

The VenaSeal approach offers advantages over other methods, like thermal ablation. There’s no heat, and there are fewer needlesticks, making it a more comfortable procedure.

The ability to immediately return to your normal activities is another advantage our patients appreciate. Because VenaSeal is non-thermal, you can resume work and moderate exercise right after leaving our office. Thermal ablation, on the other hand, requires some scheduling adjustments to allow a few days for recovery. 

VenaSeal also carries a lower risk of complications such as nerve damage, making it a safer option for treating veins close to the skin's surface.

If you're considering your options for spider vein treatment, Dr. Chadda can provide personalized advice and help determine if VenaSeal is right for you. Call or message us to schedule a consultation. We have locations in Hudson and Brooksville, Florida.