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Spider Vein & Leg Vein Treatment in 535 Miller Ave
Mill Valley, CA 94941
Spider veins are thin, wavy, reddish-purple veins that have become permanently dilated, often clustering on the thighs or below the knees. They affect as many as 80% of women and a large percentage of men. At Aesthetic Dermatology And Skin Cancer, Inc., we minimize spider veins and small varicose veins with sclerotherapy, the gold standard treatment, and the Excel V laser for fine veins that don’t respond, helping your legs look smoother and clearer.
What Causes Spider Veins?
Spider veins, also called telangiectasias, are largely caused by genetics and time. Pregnancy, childbirth, birth control pills, estrogen replacement therapy, and previous injury can also contribute. Small purple, blue, or red veins can appear anywhere from the top of the thigh to the ankle, forming sunburst or spider web patterns or appearing as short, isolated vessels.
Sclerotherapy: The Gold Standard
Sclerotherapy uses a very fine needle to inject a solution or foam directly into the vein. The solution irritates the lining of the vessel, causing it to swell shut so blood can no longer flow through it, and the vein gradually fades. Both spider veins and superficial varicose veins can be treated with sclerotherapy.
Before Treatment
We begin with a complete medical history and thorough examination to understand how long the problem has existed, the severity of any symptoms, whether physical activity affects the condition, and any prior vein treatment or surgery. Dr. Lowenstein evaluates whether the deep venous system is involved, in which case another treatment may be recommended before sclerotherapy. You may be asked to stop aspirin-containing medications beforehand to minimize bleeding, and veins are usually marked while you are standing.
During Treatment
Larger veins are usually treated first. After cleansing the skin with alcohol, Dr. Lowenstein injects a small amount of foam sclerosing solution into the vein with a tiny needle. The foam displaces the blood, causing the vein to blanch, and then causes the vessel to swell shut. Pressure is applied when the needle is withdrawn, and the area may be massaged to disperse the solution and reduce bruising. Each vein may require several injections, and most disappear within two weeks to two months.
After Treatment
Patients report little discomfort. Some feel a slight burning sensation right after the injection that disappears within seconds. Elastic stockings are applied and should be worn for one week. You can resume normal activity immediately, though exercise should be avoided for four days. Walking right after treatment is encouraged to keep blood flowing through other veins.
Excel V Laser for Small Spider Veins
Sclerotherapy isn’t always successful for very small veins. The Excel V laser is designed to treat facial veins and other vascular lesions and can treat spider veins that don’t respond to sclerotherapy. Its yellow-green light is absorbed by hemoglobin in the blood, and the heat seals the vein shut so it is reabsorbed by the body. A chilled tip cools the skin for comfort. Most patients need one to three ten-minute sessions per area, spaced four weeks apart. Treatment feels like small snaps of a rubber band, and after-effects are usually minor, including redness, light crusting, tenderness, and rarely blistering.
Possible Side Effects of Sclerotherapy
Most patients experience few, if any, side effects. Minor effects can include slight blistering, temporary bruising, and skin discoloration, which can last longer in people with darker complexions. Small clots sometimes form at injection sites and may be removed to speed healing. A small percentage of patients develop a network of tiny pink vessels called matte telangiectasia, which usually resolves on its own but sometimes needs further treatment. Severe allergic reactions are rare and treated immediately, and ulceration and scarring have been reported rarely. Treated veins can recur, and new spider and varicose veins may develop over time.
Is Sclerotherapy Covered by Insurance?
Insurance companies do not pay for sclerotherapy because it is considered a cosmetic procedure. Explore our other cosmetic procedures and laser treatments.
Leg Vein Treatment FAQs
What causes spider veins on the legs?
Spider veins are mostly caused by genetics and aging, with pregnancy, hormones, birth control pills, estrogen therapy, and prior injury also contributing.
What is the best treatment for spider veins?
Sclerotherapy is the gold standard treatment. Very small veins that don’t respond to sclerotherapy can be treated with the Excel V laser.
Does sclerotherapy hurt?
Most patients report little discomfort. A brief burning sensation may occur after the injection but disappears within seconds.
How long does it take for treated veins to disappear?
Most treated veins fade within two weeks to two months, and some may need several injections.
What should I do after sclerotherapy?
Wear elastic stockings for one week, walk right after treatment, and avoid exercise for four days. You can resume normal activity immediately.
Can spider veins come back after treatment?
Treated veins can occasionally recur, and new spider and varicose veins may develop over time, so maintenance treatments may be needed.
Does insurance cover spider vein treatment?
No. Sclerotherapy for spider veins is considered cosmetic and is not covered by insurance.
Get Smoother, Clearer Legs
Schedule your leg vein consultation at Aesthetic Dermatology And Skin Cancer, Inc.. Call (415) 383-5475 or request an appointment online today.