Spider Veins

Spider veins, a milder form of varicose veins, appear close to the skin’s surface on the legs or face. At Widmeyer Optimal Wellness in Lynchburg, Virginia, board-certified vascular surgeon Jeff Widmeyer, MD, has 22-plus years of experience effectively treating spider veins using minimally invasive outpatient approaches. To learn more about how you can get rid of spider veins in the comfortable, state-of-the-art office, call the office or book your appointment through online scheduling now. 

What are spider veins?

Spider veins are tiny veins that show up on the skin’s surface. Many people experience spider veins on their legs or face. Spider veins aren’t dangerous, but they can cause discomfort, and many people dislike their appearance. 

What causes spider veins?

Spider veins occur due to abnormal blood flow. The cause of the blood flow issues is unknown, but factors that may contribute include:

• Injury
• Sun damage
• Hormone changes
• Aging
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Extra weight

You can also inherit a tendency toward spider veins. 

How do spider veins compare to varicose veins?

Spider veins are a milder type of varicose veins, but there are some significant differences. 

Size

Varicose veins are large, while spider veins are only about the width of a single hair.

Pattern

Varicose veins often look like twisted ropes, while spider veins look more like tiny sunbursts, spider webs, or tree branches. 

Location

Spider veins are close to the skin’s surface. While they’re visually obvious, spider veins don’t protrude from your skin. Varicose veins are deeper and typically protrude from the leg skin significantly.

Symptoms

Spider veins can be unattractive and uncomfortable. Most people want them removed for cosmetic reasons. Varicose veins are often both painful and unattractive, with many people choosing varicose vein removal for both reasons.

You can have varicose and spider veins at the same time.

How are spider veins treated?

At Widmeyer Optimal Wellness, Dr. Widmeyer offers leading-edge vein treatments to remove spider veins. These include: 

Surface laser therapy

Dr. Widmeyer uses the state-of-the-art Dornier Skin Pulse laser to deliver targeted heat to spider veins, causing them to close. Surface laser therapy is usually the preferred treatment for facial spider veins but can also treat leg veins.

Sclerotherapy

During sclerotherapy, Dr. Widmeyer injects a chemical solution directly into your spider veins. The solution triggers inflammation and scarring in the vein walls, leading to vein closure. You’ll absorb the vein and dispose of it naturally over time. Sclerotherapy treats spider veins in the legs.

In many cases, Dr. Widmeyer recommends a combination of sclerotherapy and laser therapy to provide excellent targeted results for spider veins. 

If you have spider veins and want to eliminate them with quick no-downtime treatment, call Widmeyer Optimal Wellness or click on the provided online scheduler today.