Spider Veins
La Bella Vita Laser and Vein Center
Cardiovascular Surgeons & Phlebologists located in New Orleans, Covington, LA & Metairie, LA
While spider veins are harmless, their appearance can make you feel self-conscious. Fortunately, Dr. Randall Juleff offers a number of effective treatments, including sclerotherapy, to remove your spider veins, leaving you with smooth, clear skin. Call or schedule a consultation online today at La Bella Vita Laser and Vein Center in Covington and Metairie, Louisiana, to learn more about spider vein removal and find out if it’s right for you.
Spider Veins Q & A
What are spider veins?
Spider veins are small blood vessels that have dilated, or widened, and are visible through your skin. Spider veins appear most often on your legs, but these fine lines can develop anywhere on your body, including your face and hands. Besides their bothersome appearance, spider veins can cause discomfort and itching.
What causes spider veins?
The exact cause of spider veins is unknown, though there are several risk factors that contribute to your chances of developing them. For example, women are more likely than men to develop spider veins. Other risk factors include:
- Age: as you get older your blood vessels weaken
- Alcohol consumption: excessive alcohol use weakens your blood vessels
- Sun exposure: the sun can damage and weaken your skin making the vessels more visible
- Pregnancy: the extra weight puts pressure on your blood vessels, causing them to widen
- Obesity: your body has to work harder to move blood efficiently
- Certain careers: jobs that require you to spend a lot of time on your feet put extra pressure on the blood vessels in your legs
It’s also possible for an underlying health condition, such as vascular disease or certain autoimmune conditions, to cause spider veins.
How are spider veins treated?
Dr. Juleff’s first step in treating spider veins is a detailed consultation and evaluation to determine if your spider veins are a cosmetic issue or if they’re caused by an underlying medical problem. He treats any underlying health conditions and improves your vascular health before taking steps to remove the spider veins.
Often, Dr. Juleff suggests lifestyle modifications and may offer medications or treatments to widen your blood vessels and improve blood flow. The most common treatments used to remove spider veins today include:
- Injection sclerotherapy
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Lifestyle modifications
What is sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a common treatment for spider veins; it’s quick and virtually painless. Dr. Juleff injects a chemical solution called a sclerosant into your vein. The solution causes your vein to close, which prevents future abnormal blood flow through that particular vein. Your blood is rerouted through other, healthier veins.
If you’re want to get rid of your spider veins, call or make an appointment online today.
*Individual results may vary.