What is the difference between a Spider Vein and a Varicose Vein?

Spider veins, also called telangiectasias, are tiny visible vessels within the skin and are commonly treated at New Image. They develop most frequently as face veins or leg veins and do not protrude. Varicose veins are distended veins beneath the skin that protrude out and may be palpated or felt. They may appear as rope-like bluish bumps and often cause discomfort. Varicose veins do not respond to laser vein removal and are therefore not treated at New Image. Those with unsightly or painful varicose veins should seek the services of a vascular surgeon for varicose vein treatment. Since varicose veins and spider veins by nature no longer function well, they are non-essential and will not be missed.

IMPORTANT: If you have both varicose and spider veins, your varicose veins should be treated first. Treating spider veins first is generally futile because, in the presence of varicose veins in the same region, spider veins are bound to return.

How do Spider Veins Develop?

Unlike varicose veins, spider veins usually do not occur in response to increased pressure except in cases of excess pressure created by nearby varicosities. More often they arise from the presence of excess estrogen. This is why spider veins are seen more commonly in females. Women are known to develop spider veins when their body estrogen levels are elevated, such as during a pregnancy, when taking oral contraceptives, and when on estrogen replacement therapy.

Spider Vein Treatment and Removal Choices

Currently, the best treatment alternative for small to medium spider veins of the legs is non-invasive laser spider vein removal. At New Image, our special FDA approved laser is applied to the skin directly over your spider veins. The Laser light targets the red or purple vein color causing the spider veins to coagulate and shrink. Treatment takes about 30 minutes and the skin surface itself is unharmed. Although the laser therapy has excellent results with the small to medium vessels, it is ineffective for larger spider veins. The Doctor at New Image will be able to properly evaluate the size of your spider veins and the value of laser spider vein treatment for your particular situation. For the larger veins, your laser practitioner may recommend sclerotherapy or other more invasive procedures that are performed elsewhere.

Treatment Results

New Image has a high success rate of the elimination of facial veins and minor leg veins. The result for most of our patients is clear, vein-free and more youthful-looking legs.