Telangiectasias
(Spider Veins)
Telangiectasias, or spider veins, are small enlarged blood vessels near the surface of the skin usually measuring only a few millimeters in diameter. They can develop anywhere on the body but commonly are found on the face around the nose, cheeks, and chin. They can also develop on the legs, usually on the upper thigh, below the knee, and around the ankles. They are composed of abnormal formations of arterioles, capillaries, and/or venules.
These blood vessels do not offer any definite function. Removing them is a common Laser procedure that does not hinder the health of the individual or the ability of the body to function in any way. Spider veins are frequently removed because they are viewed as an unattractive.
What causes spider veins?
Am I a candidate for Laser therapy?
How does the Laser work?
Will they come back after treatment?
How many treatments will I need?
Are the Laser treatments painful?
What are the side effects and complications?
How do I take care of my skin after treatment?
Does my insurance cover it?
How much does it cost?
What causes spider veins?
The exact cause of spider veins is not known, but there seems to be a genetic component to spider veins. While spider veins can occur in both men and women, they are more common in females. Changes in body chemistry such as puberty, birth control pills, menopause, and hormone therapy can bring them on. Constrictive clothing, such as tight hosiery and girdles can also cause spider vein development as well as jobs were a person stands in one place for a considerable amount of time.
Spider veins in the face have been attributed to hormonal imbalance, excessive sun exposure, exercise and even spicy or hot meals. Chronic treatment with topical corticosteroids may also lead to telangiectasia. Some people also inherit the condition from their parents, while others suffer from acne rosacea or adult acne.
Am I a candidate for Laser therapy?
Laser therapy is the gold standard for small and medium size spider veins. On facial vein complexes the laser alone is all that is usually required. Larger spider veins are best treated by other modalities such as sclerotherapy. If you have small, medium and large spider veins you should start with sclerotherapy, because sometimes all veins will be improved after injecting the larger ones. This may reduce the number of veins that need to be treated by laser and minimize your overall cost. Your individual treatment will be evaluated at consultation. The maximum sized vein that we will consider Laser therapy on is 3 mm.
How does the Laser work?
During Laser therapy, a precise dosage of light energy is delivered through a small laser hand piece to the target vein. The lining of the blood vessels and the blood within the blood vessels absorbs the light energy. The heat generated causes a drying and clotting of the blood and vessel, which is then absorbed by the body. The Laser does not damage the nearby skin tissue.
Will they come back after treatment?
Spider veins that form in the corners of the nose are most likely to come back because of the pressure level of the blood vessels in this area. Often, this cannot be avoided. Staying out of the sun to protect the skin from burning will also lead to less spider veins. After treatment, it is possible to notice a new group of telangiectasias to reform in their place.
If you tend to frequently blush or flush, you stand a higher risk in developing telangiectasia. Also, uncorrectable patches of spider veins often occur in patients with inherited traits, such as fair skin. Brief laser touch ups will help to keep newly formed spider veins under control.
How many treatments will I need?
Spider veins respond very well to Laser therapy and in most cases resolve in one treatment session. The complete removal of severe cases may require several treatments, but a definite improvement is visible after the first session. The full effect of the treatment is not realized until all discoloration has completely faded away. Over a period of four to six weeks, the vein is reabsorbed by the body and disappears.
If multiple treatments are required it is best to separate these at three-month intervals to produce the best results.
Are the Laser treatments painful?
You are likely to experience mild discomfort similar to having a small rubber band snapping your skin. Treatments do not require sedatives, pain medications, or injections of local anesthetic.
What are the side effects and complications?
The most common side effect is bruising around the treated area. This will resolve within days of the treatment. Lasers also may cause a sunburn type of reaction with blistering, crusts and scabs.
Some patients will experience a reduction or increase in the pigmentation in the skin. Scarring is also of concern, but this only occurs in a minute percentage of patients.
During your consultation your skin type will be evaluated as well as your medical history. If there is any cause of concern often we will do a patch test to ensure the best results. Also when treating a high number of spider veins a small test will be performed to determine the correct Laser settings for your procedure. Larger patches of skin can be treated after the test patch confirms your settings.
Complications and side effects do occur occasionally. Dr. Goodrich and Phillips are board certified surgeons. We perform the Laser treatments and we take care of the complications if they occur.
How do I take care of my skin after treatment?
It is important to protect treated skin from the sun or tanning until your normal skin color has returned. The skin should also be gently cleansed. Any discomfort can be eased with the application of cool compresses. Immediately following treatment, you may apply makeup for a presentable appearance and can immediately return to normal activities.
In the event that blisters, crust or scabs appear, the patient should apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment to affected areas and make us aware that this has occurred.
Does my insurance cover it?
Your insurance company does not usually cover cosmetic procedures like Laser vein treatments.
How much does it cost?
The cost of treatment will be determined at the time of your consultation. Your treatment plan will depend on several variables such as total area to be treated and size of your veins. Your skin type, medical history and condition must also be evaluated for suitability of Laser treatments. Treatments are billed by ten-minute sessions that cost $140.00 per session. The numbers of sessions vary from patient to patient.