Spider Veins Specialist

What are spider veins?

Spider veins are small, dilated veins that appear on your skin as thin lines that look like blue, purple, or red spiderwebs. They’re more delicate and smaller than varicose veins. While they can cause other symptoms like leg fatigue and cramping, these symptoms aren’t as severe as they are with varicose veins. 

In most cases, patients don’t like the way spider veins look, so they want treatment to restore the appearance of their skin.  

What causes spider veins?

Spider veins appear when the valves in your veins that help move blood back to your heart are weak and instead allow blood to flow backward and pool in weakened sections of your vein. 

Several factors contribute to your risk of spider veins. For example, if you have a family history of spider veins, you’re more likely to develop them yourself. Other issues that contribute to spider vein development include:

• Age
• Hormonal changes
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Sun exposure

It’s important to seek treatment for spider veins; ignoring them can allow your condition to become more severe. This can cause increasingly disruptive symptoms and make treatment more complicated. 

How are spider veins treated?

At Beverly Hills Vein Institute, Dr. Brooks provides thorough exams and consultations to identify the best way to treat your spider veins. Depending on your condition, he might recommend sclerotherapy or endovenous laser therapy.

Dr. Brooks offers traditional sclerotherapy and microfoam Varithena® treatments. Sclerotherapy is an injectable treatment that uses an irritant to force your spider vein to close and seal. Over time, your treated vein drains and dissolves into the surrounding tissue. Your blood flows through healthier, stronger veins on its way back to your heart and lungs. 

Endovenous laser therapy is a minimally invasive catheterization procedure. During the treatment, Dr. Brooks uses ultrasound to guide a catheter and laser fiber to your damaged veins. The laser energy heats your vein, which causes it to collapse on itself and seal shut. 

How can I reduce my risk of spider veins?

You can reduce your risk of spider veins by getting regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight. You should also avoid sitting or standing for extended periods of time, or wear compression socks if you have a career that requires you to spend a long time on your feet. You should also always wear sunscreen, limit your alcohol consumption, and avoid smoking and other tobacco products. 

Call Beverly Hills Vein Institute or make an appointment online today for expert spider vein treatments.