AnneR

Introduction:

Today, there are several different options for treating or even covering up spider veins.  In a separate article, we will discuss our favorite techniques for DIY cover up methods for spider veins on the legs.  In this article, we want to discuss the medical options for spider vein removal and provide some guidance on how to find the best spider vein treatment near me. 

Venous Insufficiency and Spider Veins:

Before we begin, we want to emphasize the importance of thinking beyond the surface of the skin and the spider veins we see. We also need to think about the veins we do not see but will not only result in future spider veins, but also cause symptoms.  These medical symptoms include leg cramps, leg pain, swelling, skin discoloration, and leg ulcerations.

With these symptoms, patients need to seek out medical professionals to evaluate for underlying venous insufficiency.  This condition should be addressed prior to any cosmetic procedures for spider veins as it improves the circulation and prevents long term issues.  

The options for spider vein treatment using medical treatment include:

1. 1) Cosmetic sclerotherapy--  Spider vein treatment Edison NJ with sclerotherapy is generally the preferred treatment by vein doctors for most types of veins.  The few exceptions are matted veins (very wispy, small veins in small tight gatherings), facial spider veins and those on the feet.  Spider veins on the legs are preferably injected with medical agents such as polidocanol or STS with great effect.  The procedure is office based and can take 15 minutes to 1 hour depending on the severity. In some cases, advanced techniques include ultrasound or veinlites to assist the vein doctor with targeting all veins.   In the initial 2 weeks, the veins may appear reddened and inflamed, but will subsequently begin to fade over the next 4 weeks. Most patients achieve a 50-60% improvement with a single injection and will  need two or three sessions for 80% improvement.  
3. 2) Laser treatment--this is done by either the physician or one of the technicians.  It requires directed a focused beam of light on the target veins. It cannot penetrate much beyond the skin, so its mostly reserved for surface spider veins rather than varicose or reticular veins (blue, or green veins often seen next to spider veins and can be referred to as feeder veins). Laser is preferred for the face and feet where the skin texture is not ideal for sclerotherapy injections.

Where should I go for spider vein removal?
In either case, it’s probably best to visit with a dedicated vein clinic to determine the best vein treatment center for you.  At a comprehensive vein treatment center, appropriate testing such as ultrasound can be performed to determine any underlying medical conditions and possibly insurance coverage for treatment. 

A vein doctor can also give you an honest answer about what vein treatment is best suited for your condition. A vein expert can be trusted to provide full assessments of which treatment modality is likely to be effective in different parts of your body as well as the various types of veins you might have. 

Spider Vein Treatment Cost

Of note, spider vein treatment expenses are not likely to vary significantly between a vein clinic and medical spas.  While some laser treatments can be slightly cheaper, it’s more important to see the value of the procedure in terms of a) who will be the one performing the procedure? b) what medication will be used if cosmetic sclerotherapy? c) how much medication or time will the procedure take?  At typical vein clinics, the cost of a 30 minute session for spider vein removal is $350-$750 depending on the experience and medications used. Like many other cosmetic procedures, cheaper is not likely to be equal where experience and skill counts.