The appearance of spider veins might not be solely cosmetic, they often cause pain and can be associated with underlying varicose veins and other vascular health concerns. Brittany Montross, a vascular surgeon with UBMD Surgery, provides help to patients who suffer from spider veins.
Spider veins appear on the legs and face, but can develop anywhere on the body. Common risk factors for spider veins include:
- Family history
- Female gender
- Pregnancy
- Age
- Hormones
- History of varicose veins
Dr. Montross uses what she believes to be “the most tried and true treatment” for patients with spider veins. A procedure called sclerotherapy treats patients with a small injection of liquid into the spider veins, which causes a scar that closes the vein.
“While some patients can experience staining at the site of the injection, these typically disappear within three to six months,” Montross said. “Some also have development of new, small spider veins at or near the site of the previous veins. In general, once a vein is treated it does not open back up.”
Click to read the full article “Help for Spider Veins” on In Good Health’s website.
