Spider veins develop when the blood is not flowing through the smaller vessels in the proper manner due to a condition called venous insufficiency. When this happens, the veins become enlarged and are usually visible through the skin. These veins can be red, blue or purple. They get their name because they can form a pattern that looks like the strands of a spider web that are woven together. They can also have sharp turns like a spider’s legs.
These veins fall into the same general category as varicose veins. There are some important differences in the two conditions, however. Varicose veins often produce uncomfortable symptoms and can lead to other health issues. Spider veins do not cause physical discomforts, except in rare situations. They also do not lead to other health problems the way varicose veins can. Spider veins develop in the capillaries, and varicose veins develop in larger vessels.
The impact spider veins can have on a person’s life is typically limited to aesthetics. Unlike varicose veins that appear on the legs only, spider veins can show up on the face and chest, as well as the legs. As a result, they can easily impact a person’s self-esteem.
If you have spider veins, you might want to look for ways to have them removed. This is especially true if your quality of life is suffering because of the cosmetic impact the condition causes. Even people whose confidence level remains high in spite of the condition will often choose to have them treated simply to look better. Since spider veins are more likely to form as a person grows older, they are often viewed as a sign of aging. Therefore, having them treated can lead to a more youthful appearance.
Fortunately for those who have spider veins, there are various treatment options available that can be done as outpatient procedures in the comfort of our office. In addition, they typically require little to no downtime for recovery. In fact, patients can usually return to their regular daily routines immediately upon completion of the therapy.
If you have spider veins that you want to have removed, make an appointment with us at Cardiology Consultants of Southwest Florida in Fort Myers. We’ll help you determine which treatment is likely to give you the best results. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation!
