Spider veins are twisted, visible veins that most commonly appear on the legs. They look like tree branches, lending to an unfavorable appearance. Many people with spider veins want to know why they have them and whether they can have them removed. The good news is, treatment not only only improves the appearance of your legs, but it also improves your vascular health.
Cardiovascular physician Nader Chadda, MD, and the team at Advanced Heart and Vascular Associates, with offices in Hudson, Brooksville, and Land O’ Lakes, Florida, offer the latest treatments for spider veins. Keep reading to find out how treatment can help you achieve smooth, healthy looking legs that you can feel good about.
Spider veins develop when the one-way valves meant to keep blood flowing toward the heart fail to work efficiently. This causes blood to pool in tiny veins that are close to the surface of the skin. Spider veins are smaller versions of varicose veins, which have a rope-like appearance.
Spider veins can affect anyone. However, some people are more likely to develop them than others. Conditions and lifestyle factors that increase the force against blood vessel walls raises the risk for developing spider veins, including:
Genetic and gender-related factors can raise the chances of developing spider veins. You’re more likely to develop them if you have a family history of them. Additionally, women are more likely to develop spider veins than men, and the risk of spider veins increases with age. Regardless of why you have spider veins, you can trust the Advanced Heart and Vascular Associates team to help you eliminate them so that you can feel good in your skin.
Spider veins aren’t life-threatening, but they are a sign that the affected veins don’t work as well as they should. Although they aren’t attractive, most cases of spider veins don’t cause symptoms. However, depending on your lifestyle and other factors, spider veins and varicose veins may cause symptoms such as:
If you have symptoms associated with your spider veins, it’s important to let Dr. Chadda know.
Varicose and spider veins treatment depends on the size and location of the problem veins. Because spider veins are small, sclerotherapy is the gold standard for eliminating them. When you visit Advanced Heart & Vascular Associates for spider vein treatment with sclerotherapy, Dr. Chadda uses a very small needle to inject a medicated solution called a sclerosant into the problem veins.
This blocks off the spider vein and causes it to collapse. Your body gradually reabsorbs the vein through a natural process and reroutes blood to healthy veins. The treated veins gradually disappear, and you enjoy an improved appearance in the affected area.
It’s not too late to feel good about your legs this summer. Spider veins are simple to diagnose, and treatment options are fast and effective. Treated spider veins typically disappear over the course of 2-4 weeks.
To start your spider vein elimination journey, take the first step by calling or sending a message to one of our offices to schedule an appointment. We offer in-person and telehealth appointments to meet all of your cardiovascular needs.
