Spider veins – sometimes called thread veins – are spidery, thread-like, visible veins you might find on your legs or the side of your nose. Like varicose veins, spider veins (aka telangiectasias) are broken blood vessels. Spider “veins,” however, aren’t veins — they’re capillaries.
Nevertheless, these tiny discolorations that weave themselves most visibly on your skin make you look older and less healthy. While they’re usually not a health concern, they can sometimes cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as itchy skin or pain in your legs.
Regardless of whether they cause symptoms, spider veins probably aren’t something you enjoy seeing on your body. They mar your skin and may make you reluctant to show off your legs in warmer weather.
At Texas Heart and Vein Multispecialty Group, board-certified and expert cardiovascular surgeon Jon-Cecil Walkes, MD, and our highly trained practitioners favor excel® V+ laser by Cutera® to eliminate spider veins on the face and legs. We eliminate your spider veins safely, easily, and quickly at our Houston, Texas, area offices.
Why spider veins develop in the first place isn’t completely clear. The aging and breakdown of your blood vessels’ elasticity and strength seem to be part of the problem. Most women (88%) and men (79%) develop spider veins as they age. Researchers and clinicians have identified two types of spider veins:
Some spider veins originate in the arterial capillary loops, which are fed by the arteries. These tend to be flat and pink or red in color. They range in size from 0.1-1 mm in diameter.
Other spider veins originate in the venous capillary loops and are fed by veins. These tend to be blue or purple and measure about 1-3 mm in diameter. Although they’re similar to varicose veins, they’re smaller (i.e., less than 3 mm) and not quite as lumpy.
If you have varicose veins, you may have noticeable symptoms, such as swollen, discolored legs or leg pain. Spider veins can also cause symptoms, but they tend to be milder, even though some portion of your circulation is dysfunctional due to their presence.
For the most part, spider veins are an aesthetic issue. However, in some cases, they could be an early indication that your blood vessels aren’t healthy and that you’re at risk for developing chronic venous insufficiency.
If you notice that your legs don’t feel comfortable in certain circumstances, you might ask for a venous evaluation. Spider veins that may be more than an aesthetic issue may cause your legs to feel:
However, these symptoms may also be related to another issue. An evaluation with our team is your best way to find out what’s going on.
You don’t have to worry that removing spider veins will negatively affect your circulation. Spider veins, like varicose veins, are broken blood vessels that aren’t doing their jobs properly anyway.
When you come in for spider vein treatment, we evaluate your health to be sure you’re not at risk for or currently have chronic venous insufficiency. If you do, we may recommend vascular surgery.
Most women and men, however, can easily and relatively painlessly remove those unsightly, dysfunctional blood vessels with laser therapy.
The excel V+ laser features two different wavelengths so we can treat discolorations, such as visible veins and sun spots, as well as wrinkles and acne scars. The excel V+ uses laser energy to promote a healing process in your skin that eliminates dysfunctional veins and rebuilds skin with new collagen and elastin.
At our practice, treatments usually take about 10 minutes. Thanks to advanced technology, the treatment is virtually pain-free, too. Each laser “zap” feels like being hit with a rubber band. Soon your face and body are spider vein-free.
Are you ready for clear skin on your nose and legs again? Simply phone us at the office nearest you or schedule an appointment online for laser spider vein treatment today.
We service Greater Heights, Pearland Market, League City, Lake Jackson, Manvel, Rosharen, Alvin, Fresno, Missouri City, Arcola, Friendswood, South Houston, Kingwood Market, Humble, New Chaney, Atasciacita, and Northeast Houston, Texas.
