Spider Vein Management

What are spider veins?

Spider veins - known in the medical world as telangiectasias or sunburst varicosities - are small, thin, red or blue veins that lie close to the surface of the skin. Although these super-fine veins are connected with the larger venous system, they are not an essential part of it.

A number of factors contribute to the development of spider veins, including heredity, pregnancy, hormonal changes, weight gain, occupations or activities that require prolonged sitting or standing, and the use of certain medications.

Spider veins usually appear in one of three basic patterns.

• A true spider shape with a group of veins radiating outward from a dark central point.
• An arborizing (treelike) pattern with tiny branch-like shapes.
• Linear patterns with thin separate lines.

Linear spider veins are commonly seen on the inner knee, whereas the arborizing pattern often appears on the face or outer thigh in a sunburst or cartwheel distribution.View spider vein images

Varicose veins differ from spider veins in a number of ways. Varicose veins are larger - usually more than a quarter-inch in diameter, darker in color, with a tendency to bulge. Varicose veins are more likely to cause pain and be related to more serious vein disorders. Skin Care By Design does not treat true varicose veins and surgical treatment is often necessary for this condition.

How are spider veins treated?

Spider veins respond best to laser or intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments, which emit a beam of light energy that is absorbed by the dark pigments in blood vessels and blood cells. The absorbed energy is released as heat that thermally damages the interior lining of the blood vessels, causing them to collapse and fade from view. The choice of which laser or IPL to use depends on factors such as the size, location, and depth of the veins, the color and sensitivity of your skin, and whether the treatment could leave temporary marks or bruising that could result in social downtime. Larger veins may not be candidates for laser or IPL treatments because the thermal damage is not sufficient to entirely close the vein. Veins that are larger than spider veins but not varicose respond very well to Sclerotherapy, another treatment option that we offer.

During the treatment, you will be asked to put on protective eyewear. For IPL treatments, a layer of chilled gel is applied to the area to cool the skin and allow the light to more easily penetrate the skin's surface. Laser treatments cool the skin with a brief spray of very cold gas from the handpiece immediately after each pulse. The laser or IPL handpiece is placed against the skin and a short pulse of light is released. The handpiece is moved to the neighboring area and the process is repeated until the entire area has been treated. Most clients describe the sensation of the pulses as a small, relatively painless snap. For treatments that significantly heat the lower layers of skin, very cold air may also be directed at the site of each pulse for additional cooling.

After the treatment of leg spider veins, tight-fitting support hose are usually required to promote healing and keep the veins from reopening. The support hose must be put on immediately after the treatment and must be worn for up to five days. We offer support hose for sale but you may wish to purchase your preferred brand and bring them with you to the treatment.

What equipment does Skin Care By Design use for Spider Vein Management?

Individual veins and larger than average spider veins are treated with the Candela GentleYAG, an Nd:YAG 1064nm laser. The GentleYAG has optics specifically designed for vascular treatments with adjustable power levels and spot sizes that allow precise tracing of veins to ensure complete and proper closure.View Candela GentleYAG

IPL's are more effective for networks of diffuse veins and for clients with darker skin. For higher power treatments, we use the Alma Harmony XL with multiple frequency handpieces. The Harmony XL uses the latest technology and this model was released in 2008 to rave reviews.View Alma Harmony XL

For lower power treatments and for clients whose skin on the Fitzpatrick Scale is greater than 4, we use the Active Crystal 512, a 420-1100nm IPL. This proven device is both comfortable and effective. View Active Crystal 512 IPL system

Who are the best candidates for Spider Vein Management?

Women of any age may be good candidates, but most are between the ages of 30 and 60. In some women, spider veins become noticeable as teenagers. For others, the veins may not appear until they reach their 40s.

If you are pregnant, you should postpone spider vein treatments. In most cases, spider veins that surface during pregnancy will disappear on their own within three months after the baby is born.

Spider veins in men are less common than in women but laser and IPL treatments are just as effective for men who seek treatment.

What results can you expect?

Spider Vein Management can enhance your appearance and your self confidence, but it is unrealistic to believe that every affected vein will disappear completely as a result of treatment. After each session, some veins will disappear and others will appear lighter.

How many treatments do you need?

This depends on several factors such as the number and size of the veins, whether they are well separated or highly networked, the color and sensitivity of your skin, and how the interior surfaces of your veins respond to the treatments. Four or more sessions at one month intervals are usually required to achieve optimal results.

Things you should know.

Your treated veins may appear brighter before they begin to fade. You should be aware that the procedure treats only those veins that are currently visible. It does nothing to permanently alter the venous system or prevent new veins from surfacing in the future.

Activities such as jogging, running, strenuous exercise, or lifting heavy objects during the week following your treatment can reopen the spider veins. Exposure to heat that greatly increases blood flow to the treated area (hot tubs, saunas, etc) can also reopen the spider veins. Once reopened, these veins will usually heal and require additional treatments.

How much time is required?

Appointments are normally 15-30 minutes but may be longer for large numbers or dense concentrations of spider veins.

How much does it cost?

$50 per 5 minutes of laser or IPL pulses.

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