Spider veins are thin, thread-like blood vessels noticeable on the skin surfaces of the face, legs, ankles, and feet due to the poor function of the valves in the blood vessels, allowing the pooling of blood. However, most people are unaware if you should have these unsightly spider veins removed.
Let’s talk about when you should consider removing the spider veins and where you can go in the Tampa, FL, area for effective treatment.
Are Spider Veins Dangerous to My Health?
Spider veins are a minor problem compared to varicose veins and other types of chronic venous insufficiency, or CVI. While all vein problems exhibit some degree of valve inadequacy, i.e., the valves do not open and close properly–spider veins are so tiny that their overall impact is minor.
Patients with spider veins may complain of some aching in the place where the spider veins are located. However, no matter the location, the biggest problem is cosmetics.
In other words, spider veins are unattractive and noticeable. People feel self-conscious about them, particularly if they have many spider veins in the exposed areas of the skin, such as the face, thighs, calves, and ankles. Plus, the larger the area affected, the more intense physical symptoms of itching and swelling may be.
When Should I undergo Spider Vein Removal?
While spider veins do not develop into more problematic varicose veins, many spider vein patients also have larger varicosities. Varicose veins can get larger, more painful, and lead to complications, such as bleeding, ulcers, and blood clots.
So, if you have spider veins, you should have a vein assessment with your vascular surgeon. He will discuss your medical history and medications, inspect your veins, and even do a painless ultrasound examination in the office to check the vein structure and blood flow. Together, you can decide on a treatment plan to treat your spider veins and manage further development.
How Do Sclerotherapy Treatments for Spider Veins Work?
Besides the simple at-home preventatives, such as leg elevation, light aerobic exercise, and compression stockings, in-office sclerotherapy treatments can virtually erase the ugly appearance of spider veins. They involve little to no discomfort and no downtime afterward. Your vein doctor will determine how many treatments you need to maximize therapeutic and cosmetic outcomes.
What is sclerotherapy? It involves injections of a chemical that irritates the interior of the spider vein and closes it. The blood flow diverts to nearby vessels. Over subsequent days to weeks, the appearance of the skin improves. In other words, the purple discoloration disappears, and any associated skin roughness or lumps also fade from view.
The Premier Vein Doctor in Pearl Harbor, FL
Dr. Edward Mackay focuses on chronic venous insufficiency–spider veins, varicose veins, May-Thurner Syndrome, and more in Tampa, FL. He is a highly respected surgeon who has pioneered many effective vein treatments which relieve symptoms and give patients their lives back.
Learn more about spider vein removal by calling us at (727) 349-5652 for a consultation at one of our three offices in Palm Harbor, Largo, or St. Petersburg, FL. Or request your visit online. We look forward to helping you with your vascular health.
