What are Spider Veins?
Spider veins are small, dilated blood vessels that appear close to the surface of the skin, resembling spider webs or tree branches. They are typically red, blue, or purple in color. Spider veins are a mild symptom of varicose vein disease. Aside from an unpleasant appearance, they can also cause a variety of symptoms. These veins often develop due to weakened or damaged valves within the veins, which can lead to blood pooling and the appearance of spider veins. While spider veins are generally not a serious medical condition, they may be a result of untreated varicose veins or vein disease. Luckily, Tepas vein offers a variety of spider vein treatments.
What are Symptoms of Spider Veins?
While symptoms of spider veins can be minimal, many people are uncomfortable exposing their legs because of the discoloration associated with spider veins. Some Common symptoms of spider veins include:
- Visible veins, red, blue, or purple in color
- Itching around the veins
- Burning or throbbing in the legs
- Discomfort or heaviness of the legs
- Causes
- Treatment
- Insurance Coverage
What Causes Spider Veins?
Spider veins develop when small blood vessels near the surface of the skin become dilated or enlarged. The exact cause of spider veins is not always clear, but several factors can contribute to their development. Your genetics can play a part in causing spider veins as you may be predisposed to developing them if you have a family history of spider veins. Your personal health history and current health circumstances may also lead to an increased chance of having spider veins. Women are more likely to develop spider veins. Hormonal changes, such as those occurring during pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause, can be contributing factors. As people age, the elasticity of the veins decreases, leading to weakened vein walls and a higher likelihood of spider veins. Your lifestyle also can be a contributing cause of spider veins if you partake in activities where you are standing or sitting for prolonged periods as it can affect blood circulation. If you have ever had injuries or trauma to your skin (including damage from sun exposure) or blood vessels, spider veins may become prevalent.
How are Spider Veins Treated?
Sclerotherapy is a well-known spider vein treatment. However, at Tepas Vein Center we prefer an alternative method of Cosmetic Laser treatments. Instead of injecting your veins with a chemical solution, we use specially designed lasers that direct a beam of light energy to heat the vein and collapse it. Laser treatment is less invasive and can be less painful than sclerotherapy making it a better treatment option for spider veins.
Will Insurance Cover Treatment?
Many of our services at Tepas Ven Center are covered by insurance, however, spider vein removal is considered cosmetic and is usually not covered under most insurance plans. The good news is that your consultation and testing to determine your diagnosis should be covered through your insurance and your benefits can be verified for any co-pays or costs that you will have out of pocket beforehand. Tepas Vein Center has partnered with Imami Skin & Cosmetic Center to offer affordable treatment options for those who want to proceed with spider vein treatment.