Many people come to our office asking, “What are spider veins?” Those who have spider veins on their face or legs need not be reminded about how this condition can cause embarrassment and a loss of confidence when in public. The red, blue or purplish lines clearly show through the skin, and other people’s eyes tend to focus on them. Fortunately, various treatment options are available to reduce the appearance of these discolorations. The causes of spider veins are many and include heredity, problems with obesity and complications after an injury.
Causes of Spider Veins and Varicose Veins
Hormonal influences are a leading cause of spider vein development. Women undergo a variety of hormonal imbalances during and after pregnancy, and the increased visual symptoms of bluish veins near the surface of the skin often become a reality. Both women and men who have a family history of middle-age varicose vein development are much more likely to experience this problem as well.
The use of birth control pills has also been linked to spider vein development. Obese individuals with large fat deposits can develop these veins as well. The circulatory system in obese individuals has to compensate for the increased mass, and veins and large capillaries often split up to help supply blood to areas now blocked by fatty tissue.
People who work jobs requiring lengthy standing can also develop spider veins. Increased pressure on muscles is a leading cause. Those with a history of blood clot formation are also at an increased risk.
Treatment Options
The veins will often produce fine cluster capillaries, and these are certainly visible on the face, legs and elsewhere. Larger varicose veins can be a problem because of the possibility of a clot forming in areas where the blood flow is slowed. Some of the most popular treatment options include laser treatment and sclerotherapy.
Lasers can be used to cauterize the vein in an area somewhat removed from the splitting of the vessels. The vessel may even be rerouted. The small spider veins will eventually become scar tissue and will be flushed from the body through natural processes.
Sclerotherapy involves the injection of a special solution into the problematic vein. The solution causes the vein to slowly collapse because of the irritation the fluid promotes within the vein walls. The veins slowly fade from view as the damaged tissue is dissolved.
Get Rid of Your Spider Veins
Schedule a consultation at Cardiology Consultants of Southwest Florida to find out if you are an ideal candidate for spider vein removal at our office in Fort Myers. Spider veins need not be a problem any longer. You can do something about it with the help of our team of venous experts. Contact us today to book an appointment!
