Spider Veins
Spider veins appear on the skin surface under the dermal layer of the skin, which makes them highly visible, usually on the legs and face. Blue, red or purple in color, they tend to mimic a web-like appearance and often appear in little clusters, measuring 1 mm or less in diameter. Reticular veins, by contrast, are also blue in color but are larger, ranging from 2-4 mm in diameter.
Most spider veins simply pose a cosmetic nuisance and do not cause any discomfort in the affected areas. However, some spider veins can be precursors to more serious underlying venous reflux disease in families with a history of bulging, rope-like varicose veins in the legs, often associated with legs that feel fatigued or achy, leg swelling and or restless legs.
Individuals with spider veins have a genetic predisposition to their development, and lifestyle can also contribute to their formation. Some of these risk factors include:
- Age
- Family history
- Weight
- Prolonged standing or sitting
- Pregnancy
- Injury
Spider veins are not usually an indication of venous disorder and therefore do not require ultrasound examination for diagnosis and treatment planning. Upon evaluation, our vein specialists can review the best course of therapy to reduce and eliminate the appearance of spider veins.
Spider Vein Treatment
Northwest Vein & Aesthetic Center offers the widest range of treatment options in the greater Tacoma, Olympia and Seattle area to treat spider veins from head to toe. Both sclerotherapy injections and laser or intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment deliver best results for pesky spider veins. Depending on the location of your spider veins and other factors, like skin color and the type of spider veins, one option may be better suited than the other. Our specialists have you covered either way!
Sclerotherapy
Seals veins using a series of micro-injections with a specialized solution to disrupt blood flow in veins.
Laser Light Treatment
Eliminates spider veins using laser/light heating to coagulate blood vessels.
