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Spider Veins

What are Spider & Varicose Veins?

Spider veins (telangiectasias) are those tiny purple & red blood vessels found most commonly on the thigh or lower legs. Spider Veins are hereditary and can form anywhere on the leg, from the top of the thigh to the ankle. Varicose veins differ from spider veins in a number of ways. Generally, varicose veins are larger, usually more than a quarter inch in diameter, darker in color, tend to bulge and can become quite painful and should be treated by a vascular surgeon.

The Treatment Options: Sclerotherapy, Laser and Compression Stockings

What is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure used to treat smaller Varicose & all Spider Veins. The treatment involves an injection of a solution (generally sodium chloride) directly into the vein through a micro-needle. This solution irritates the lining of the vessel, causing it to swell and stick together and the blood to clot. Over time the vessel turns to scar tissue and fades from view. Sclerotherapy is a well proven procedure that has been in use since the 1930's.

Sometimes Laser treatment is preferable to Sclerotherapy. This method is often used to remove spider veins on the face, which tend to be closer to the surface of the skin. However, laser treatments cannot penetrate deeply enough to successfully treat most cases of veins on the legs. Sometimes a combination of Laser treatment & Sclerotherapy is recommended.

How does Laser treatment work?

With Laser, we are able to provide safe and effective treatment options for the removal of spider veins on the face and legs. Our Laser treatments allow us to deliver a precise dosage of energy to each vein. During your treatment, light energy is delivered though a special laser handpiece to the targeted spider vein. The light energy is absorbed by the blood vessels, but not the surrounding tissue. This heat absorption causes a coagulation of the blood vessel, which is subsequently absorbed by your body.

What types of veins can be treated?

Both Sclerotherapy and Laser can remove unsightly veins from all parts of the body. Small facial veins (or "telangiectasia") can be treated quickly without bruising or complication. Spider veins and large blue leg veins can also be treated with excellent results. Blood blisters or hemangiomas respond very well to our Laser Vein treatment and are usually gone with just one treatment. Patients with port wine stains and other vascular lesions who had given up on finding a solution have also found success with Laser treatment.

How do I prevent Spider Veins from forming?

Medical Compression Stockings can be used as preventative therapy or as part of a maintenance program after having a spider vein procedure such as Sclerotherapy or Laser. The amount of compression necessary can be discussed with our doctor or RN. Compression Stockings or socks are graduated compression which means they are tightest at the ankle and gradually give less compression up the leg to aid in venous return, helping blood flow to the heart. If you have a family history of vein problems, are planning a pregnancy or have a job that requires long periods of standing, sitting or air travel, you would definitely benefit from wearing Compression Stockings. There are a wide variety of styles to choose from - socks, thigh high and pantyhose. And several choices of materials - cotton, rubber, sheer Lycra and tights. Men's and maternity styles are also available.

Other treatments to consider: IPL Photorejuvenation or Laser Genesis

Live closer to Burnaby? Check out Dr. Marcia Fleming's Lougheed Laser Centre