Spider veins may begin as tiny squiggling lines that can be either red or blue. They most commonly appear on the surface of ankles, calves, and thighs. These small capillaries may be isolated to one area, but may also show up with varicose veins.
It has been estimated that one third of the female population has some kind of spider veins, making this a very common problem. While they are mostly annoying from a cosmetic point of view, they can cause itching, aching, night cramps, and “heaviness.”
Contributing factors to the creation of spider veins include:
- Heredity
- Weight gain
- Pregnancy
- Hormones
- Prolonged sitting or standing
- Trauma
While you may have spider veins, you don’t have to live with them. There are treatments available that can eliminate them permanently. Dr. Leon Goldstein is able to get rid of the appearance of spider veins through sclerotherapy or laser treatment.
Sclerotherapy is the first treatment Dr. Goldstein will perform. This is a non-surgical procedure that involves the injection of a solution, called a sclerosant, directly into the problem area. There are a variety of solutions used and the dosage depends on the size of the spider veins. The solution causes the spider vein to collapse and fade away.
This may take several treatments which are done on an outpatient basis. The treatments usually take 30 minutes to an hour. A majority of patients are extremely happy with the results of sclerotherapy, but some want or require additional treatment. In these cases, our skilled plastic surgeon uses laser treatment.
For veins that are too small for a needle, Dr. Goldstein may then try laser treatment on the areas. During laser treatment, intense light is directed at the spider veins, which eliminates them permanently. There may be bruising after laser treatment, but this fades with time. Laser treatment is used only after sclerotherapy has been done, and is not a replacement procedure.
It is important for you set up an initial consultation to discuss your spider vein treatment with Dr. Goldstein prior to the procedure.
To respect our patients’ privacy, photos of actual pre- and post-operative patients will only be shown during your consultation. To schedule your confidential consultation with our experienced doctor at The Office of Dr. Leon Goldstein, and learn more about laser spider vein treatment in Madison, Connecticut, and Providence, Rhode Island, please call us today at 203-245-0350.