WHAT ARE SPIDER VEINS?

Spider veins are tiny venous capillaries in the skin that get dilated and become noticeable as blue or red blemishes.  They are usually associated with varicose veins.  Despite their physical appearance, they usually do not cause any symptoms.

HOW ARE SPIDER VEINS TREATED?

Spider veins are treated by Sclerotherapy.  These veins are injected with a chemical solution to collapse them, causing them to slowly disappear.  In recent years there have been technological improvements, making it possible for lasers to treat some cases of spider veins.  Sometimes a combination of laser treatment and Sclerotherapy offer the best overall results.

ARE THERE ANY COMPLICATIONS?

In some cases there is the development of brown discoloration at the site of the spider veins.  This usually fades and disappears over a period of a few months.  On rare occasions a small ulcer may develop in the skin as a result of the chemical solution.  This ulcer will heal within a couple of weeks. 

HOW SUCCESSFUL IS SCLEROTHERAPY FOR SPIDER VEINS? 

In each patient, we are able to clear approximately 70-85% of the spider veins that we treat.  Because of the intricacy and delicacy of these veins, some patients require multiple treatments for full results.

DO INSURANCE COMPANIES COVER SCLEROTHERAPY FOR SPIDER VEINS?

Insurance companies usually do not cover treatment for spider veins because they generally consider it a cosmetic procedure.  The cost of the procedure depends on the number of treatments required to inject all the spider veins.  This cost can be estimated at the time of the consultation visit.