You can usually see varicose veins on the legs but not always. Spider veins and varicose veins are related conditions but they differ in appearance, severity and treatment. If varicose veins run in your family, you might have them too.
Understanding Spider Veins and varicose veins:
- Spider veins are small, thin blood vessels that appear close to the surface of the skin. They often look like red, blue or purple web-like structures, most often found on the legs and face. Sometimes spider veins seem more obvious after you’ve had varicose vein treatment as the treated varicose veins begin to fade.
- Varicose veins are larger, swollen and ropey-looking veins often raised above the skin’s surface. Most often seen in the legs but can also be found in the pelvis (pelvic varicose veins). They can cause discomfort and pain. They may become more obvious in pregnancy caused by pressure in the pelvic region.
The presence of spider veins can indicate underlying venous insufficiency, which is a condition where the veins have trouble sending blood from the legs back to the heart. This can also lead to varicose veins. If you come to see us for spider vein treatment and we think you have varicose veins, we will recommend an ultrasound scan to rule this out.
So, when do you need to see a vascular specialist?
If you do have varicose veins we may refer you to Richard Evans Vascular or Simply Veins. Seeing a varicose vein specialist means a tailored treatment can be developed.
Richard Evans Vascular and Simply Veins’ most common treatment for varicose veins is with Venaseal adhesive closure. Tiny amounts of glue are dispensed via a thin tube into the varicose vein. Over time the vein and the medical adhesive are absorbed by the body. Sclerotherapy, if needed, is usually performed at the same time as Venaseal sealing. Sclerotherapy is injections of sclerosant, an irritant that helps to block off these smaller, spider veins.
When is laser used to treat spider veins?
At Laser Aesthetics we treat the smaller spider veins on the face and legs. The laser uses focused light to target the blood inside the veins causing them to block off and eventually fade. The laser is so concentrated the you can see the veins being treated as the technician moves amongst them. Depending on how many spider veins you have, will determine how many treatments you will need. But typically you will need between two and six treatments, usually about two months apart.
If you’re not ready to have any treatment, a good way to help manage both spider veins and varicose veins is by wearing compression stockings. These help manage symptoms, especially if your legs are aching or swelling at the end of your working day. Medical grade compression stockings help keep the blood flowing.
As with most medical conditions addressing spider veins or varicose veins early may help prevent them getting worse and will ensure a better outcome if you do decide on treatment. Lifestyle changes, such as doing exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, stopping smoking or vaping, if you do, and avoiding long periods standing or sitting, can also help.