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At least half of women have this problem.
What are Spider and Varicose Veins?
Varicose or spider veins, appear as particularly pronounced veins in the legs, arms, face, or other areas of the body. Spider veins are formed when blood vessels are damaged under the skin, thus resulting in a thin red, blue, or even purple line showing through the skin’s layers. Many experience tiny spider veins, though larger varicose veins are also common. Varicose veins are swollen or bulging blood vessels and are most commonly in the legs, ankles, or feet.
How to Treat Leg Veins
When considering varicose vein treatment, a thorough physical exam by a qualified healthcare provider helps determine the best approach for your needs. Depending on the size and location of the affected vein, options may vary from laser therapy to sclerotherapy injections or radiofrequency ablation. Most patients benefit from a minimally invasive treatment that allows for a quick recovery and long-term results.
Wearing compression stockings is often recommended before and after treatment to improve blood flow and support the healing process. These stockings help reduce swelling and discomfort caused by blood pooling in weakened veins. In some cases, underlying issues like deep vein thrombosis or superficial vein thrombosis may need to be ruled out during your initial appointment.
Before Your Laser Treatment Procedure
You may be asked to complete some lab testing or a medical evaluation before your spider vein therapy. You will be required to stop smoking and avoid aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs, and you may need to take medication or adjust your current medication. Your consultation will be with a licensed medical professional where you can ask any questions you have.
Dr. Brian Lee
MD, FACS
Double Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Brian Lee has been in practice for over 3 decades, serving the Fort Wayne community for all their aesthetic and cosmetic needs. He is proud to work alongside his talented team and looks forward to seeing new and returning patients in his office.
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Your Minimally Invasive Procedure
The most common treatment for spider veins is lasers, particularly if they are on or near your face, as this approach is often used for facial veins and surface laser therapy is especially effective for fine facial spider veins. In this method, concentrated light energy is directed through the skin to destroy the vein, and laser therapy is non-invasive, requiring no needles or incisions. Smaller veins may disappear immediately after laser treatment, but most spider vein treatments require more than one session for optimal results. Generally, multiple treatments are required to see optimal results. Mild discomfort can be expected, though local anesthesia may be administered. Depending on the treatment area, you may be given extra protection (for example, your eyes).
After Your Laser Therapy Procedure
You will be encouraged to walk in the first week after your treatment, though you should avoid squatting, heavy lifting, and running. You also should avoid sitting or standing in one place for more than an hour. You can return to work immediately as long as these activities are not a part of your day. The treated sites will appear bruised during this time, but the bruising and the veins will fade over the course of a month. You may need to wear support stockings for three to six weeks, and you should avoid direct sunlight on the treated areas during this time. After a month, you should be able to resume normal activities; you can then undergo a second spider vein treatment.
Understanding the Risks of Spider Vein Removal
Spider vein therapy is a relatively safe procedure, though any treatment is not completely risk-free. You may be at an increased risk for some of the following concerns:
- Unattractive scar tissue
- Bleeding (hematoma)
- Infection
- Poor healing of injection sites
- Change in skin sensation
- Damage to deeper structures, such as nerves, blood vessels, and muscles, may be temporary or permanent
- Allergies to tape, suture materials, glues, blood products, topical preparations, or injected agents
- Skin contour irregularities
- Skin discoloration and swelling
- Skin sensitivity
- Ulceration
- Pain, which may persist
- Possibility of revisional surgery
- Need for further injection therapy
Our Advanced Practitioner will explain these risks at your consultation. Talk to him if you have any concerns about the procedure.
Results of Your Procedure
Vein therapy treatments often require multiple sessions for effective results. You can expect new veins to pop up over time as well as you age. Two or more initial treatments will help you achieve your goals for clear skin, and occasional follow-up treatments will help maintain your improvement. Spider vein treatment is a safe, time-proven procedure. With relatively little discomfort and downtime, you can generally expect to enjoy excellent results – and put your best foot forward. The key to a truly successful result is maintaining an open line of communication with the Advanced Practitioner. Dr. Brian Lee and his team are eager to respond to your questions and can help provide skin care to maintain and enhance your results; they are your partners in achieving the results that you seek.
Why Choose Aspire Plastic Surgery For Spider Vein Treatment
Patients choose Aspire Plastic Surgery for spider vein treatment because our board-certified plastic surgeons and Advanced Practitioners provide safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment options tailored to each patient’s needs. Our Advanced Practitioners perform a thorough medical history review and physical exam to determine the right approach. Aspire emphasizes safety at every step, evaluating issues such as deep vein thrombosis, superficial vein thrombosis, or poor blood circulation, and monitoring the treated area to minimize risks like scar tissue, allergic reactions, or blood clots.
With expert technique, supportive post-treatment guidance, our team delivers excellent outcomes that help reduce swelling, fade treated veins, and restore confidence. Patients can also consult our board-certified plastic surgeons for spider vein removal recommendations based on the size and location of visible veins. Aspire’s commitment to precision, comfort, and long-term results makes it a trusted provider for patients seeking effective vein treatment and personalized care.
Request a Consultation to Explore Your Treatment Options
If you are considering treating your spider veins, you are encouraged to visit our Fort Wayne facility. Our Advanced Practitioner will first meet with you to assess your condition. Small spider veins are largely hereditary and are also commonly associated with increased age, pregnancy, and hormonal changes that can dilate veins, though several other factors may contribute to their development, such as:
- Pregnancy
- Hormonal changes
- Weight gain
- Occupations or activities that require prolonged sitting or standing
Our Advanced Practitioner will ask about your goals for eliminating your spider veins. Be prepared to discuss your medical history, including any conditions or previous procedures, drug allergies, and current medications. Let the Advanced Practitioner know if you’ve had any pain, surgeries, or injuries in the areas to be treated.
The Advanced Practitioner may also examine you to determine if you’re suffering from any deep vein problems or varicose veins, which require a different course of treatment. Our Advanced Practitioner has treated patients in the Angola, Warsaw, and Huntington areas with their spider veins; you can be assured you are in experienced hands.
