Spider Veins
Spider veins, a variant of varicose veins, are smaller, red or blue in color, and are closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins. Also known as telangectasias, they can look like a tree branch or spider web with their short jagged branches. Spider veins are most commonly found on the legs and the face, and come in a variety of sizes. While most are a cosmetic concern, occasionally spider veins can be symptomatic, including pain, itching and bleeding.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a nonsurgical treatment for spider veins that involves injecting a medical grade detergent-like solution into the vein, causing the lining of the vein wall to swell, stick together and ultimately seal shut. Once the vein is sealed, the flow of blood is stopped and scar tissue develops in the vein. With the diseased vein sealed, blood is forced into healthier veins. The treated vein is absorbed and eventually becomes nearly invisible. Sclerotherapy may need to be performed multiple times over the course of weeks or months to achieve the desired results.
Sclerotherapy is commonly used to treat small veins or to improve the appearance of larger veins after more invasive corrective surgery. Most studies demonstrate that patients will experience a 50%-90% improvement in the appearance of varicose veins if the procedure is performed correctly. The procedure is minimally invasive, does not require anesthesia and can be performed in a doctor's office.
Side effects of sclerotherapy may include mild stinging, bruising, and rashes around the injection site. These symptoms usually disappear. Very occasionally, allergic reactions can occur. Additionally, the vein could become inflamed or lumps of coagulated blood may develop. These symptoms are not dangerous and can usually be decreased by applying heat, taking aspirin or antibiotics to relieve inflammation or by draining the coagulated blood.
Other complications such as hyperpigmentation, matting, and skin ulceration can occur.
For more information on sclerotherapy results and potential complications: American Venous Forum.
Surface laser skin treatments
An alternative to sclerotherapy, or more likely, in addition to sclerotherapy, is laser therapy. Laser therapy can be used to destroy spider veins and small varicose veins by sending a very strong beam of light through the skin onto the vein, making the vein slowly disappear. There are no needles or incisions. Patient discomfort is minimal. This can usually be soothed by cooling the skin prior to and after the procedure. Side effects are minimal and include some redness and swelling of the skin that disappears within a few days. Patients may also notice some skin discoloration for a week or two after treatment. Most veins require two to five treatments to achieve the desired results