What are Spider Veins?

The term ‘spider veins’ refers to small, superficial veins on the legs that have become enlarged. Because of this dilation, the veins become visible; taking on a characteristic pattern that somewhat resembles a spider’s web.

Although there is no definitive explanation to explain why some people develop spider veins and others do not, researchers have noted a number of strong correlations. For example, people who have varicose veins are more likely to suffer from spider veins. In addition, spider veins tend to appear in women, following a pregnancy. They are also associated, to some degree, with the ageing process itself. Other factors that can contribute to their development include standing or sitting for long periods of time, using hormone-based treatments, such as birth control pills or hormone replacement therapies and physical damage to the leg resulting from an impact or a fall.

On the other hand, individuals who maintain a normal weight for their height and who exercise regularly tend to be less likely to develop severe problems with spider veins.

Treatment of spider veins

The most widely used treatment for spider veins is known as sclerotherapy, which causes the affected veins to collapse. At this point, no additional blood is available to the vein, which means that it becomes less visible. Over time, the body breaks down the now-useless vein and absorbs it, at which point the problem will have been eliminated.

To cause the vein to collapse, a very thin needle is inserted into it and a solution is injected. Initially, this causes the vein to become inflamed, after which it collapses.

What is the treatment like?

The needle used during the procedure is so thin and fine that no anaesthetics or other form of sedation are required. Patients may feel a small degree of discomfort when the solution first begins to flow into the vein being treated; typically this takes the form of a minor sensation of cramping, which normally fades in just a few minutes. Once the injection has been completed, the puncture site will be covered with a gauze bandage; the legs, in contrast, will be covered with an elastic bandage that provides a very mild degree of compression. The entire process generally takes less than three-quarters of an hour, even when multiple veins require treatment.

The procedure does not impede the patient’s mobility, indeed, it is best if patients are up and walking as soon as the treatment session has concluded. The elastic bandage should be worn for a full 24 hours, but the small puncture wounds will typically heal with no further intervention. Full results, the disappearance of the spider veins, usually takes around a month. Over the course of this time, the spider veins will gradually vanish from sight. For full details on the procedure contact Thérapie Clinic.

Repeated treatments

The average patient will need more than one treatment to completely eliminate spider veins. The exact number will depend on how severe the veins are and how much improvement is required. Even after a course of treatment has been completed and the problem has been reduced by as much as 90%, further maintenance treatments may be necessary to eliminate new spider veins, as they form.

For detailed advice on spider vein treatment and spider vein removal please contact Thérapie Clinic on 1890 650 750.