The tiny, yet visible vessels just under the top layer of skin are known as spider veins, or talangiectasias. They typically appear on the face and legs. On the other hand, varicose veins are distended veins that appear beneath the top layer of skin. Those who suffer from a lot of varicose vein pain often choose to have laser treatment. Since varicose veins are not functional, the body does fine without them.
It is important to realize that those who have both varicose and spider veins must have the varicose veins treated first. This is due to the fact that when varicose veins are left untreated, spider veins are more likely to come back.
Spider vein treatment can be accomplished with either laser treatment for spider veins or sclerotherapy. There are some cases where only one of these is used, and others where a combination of laser treatment for spider veins and sclerotherapy is required.
In sclerotherapy for spider vein treatment, a tiny needle is used to puncture the spider veins, which causes them to contract and collapse. Since the needle has to fit into the vein, it is usually only used on medium and large sized spider veins. This spider vein treatment is typically done right in the doctor’s office, because it is fairly pain free. A brownish stain to the vein area is possible, but will go away within a few days.
Spider vein laser treatment is used on the skin over the area where the spider veins are located. It is the laser energy that produces the effect. The spider veins coagulate and shrink under the laser. It is best used on small to medium sized spider veins. The pain associated with laser treatment for spider veins is similar to the pain you feel when a rubber band is snapped against your leg. It is important to understand that immediately following the treatment, spider veins will look worse, but will fade within 6 weeks.
Laser treatment for spider veins is the treatment of choice for people with facial spider viens. However, it is important to understand that you could have complications including matting, discoloration, skin death, and swelling.
For those with small, medium, and large veins, combination treatment is typically advised.
Costs will depend on the severity of the spider veins and the skill level of the person performing the treatment. For sclerotherapy you can expect to pay $100-$400 per session. Laser treatments generally cost between $300 and $450 per session.
While treatment will take care of the current spider veins, it does nothing to prevent the appearance of new ones. The severity circulation problems will play a role in how long it takes before new spider veins appear.