Spider vs. Varicose Veins: Do You Know the Difference?
Spider and varicose veins are a common problem for both men and women. In some cases, they might be little more than a cosmetic nuisance, but cosmetic concerns can be severe enough to keep you from wearing some of your favorite warm weather fashions. For others those bulging veins can be accompanied by uncomfortable symptoms like aching, swollen legs and even skin changes. Since March is deep vein thrombosis (DVT) awareness month, we thought this was the perfect time to provide some facts on vein conditions and a new, minimally-invasive treatment option for spider veins now available at New Visage.
Spider Veins
Spider veins, also known as telangiectasia, are networks of small, superficial veins that often form a pattern on the skin like a spider’s web. These veins may be red or blue and the networks may be large or small. While the legs are the most common place to find spider veins, they can also develop on the face, arms or abdomen. It is somewhat rare to experience symptoms with spider veins although some individuals may have heaviness or fatigue in the legs, especially after long periods of standing or sitting.
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are usually larger than spider veins, and they don’t appear in the same type of networks. These veins can be blue, purple or flesh-colored and some will protrude above the skin’s surface. Varicose veins are more likely to cause symptoms like aching, swelling and cramping, particularly at night. If the veins go untreated, some individuals also experience skin changes, which can turn into open sores around the ankle known as venous ulcers.
Treatment Options
The good news is that spider veins can now be treated with a minimally-invasive procedure that involves almost no discomfort or downtime. At New Visage, we offer state-of-the-art laser vein therapy to remove unsightly spider veins quickly and effectively, and eliminate any uncomfortable symptoms you might be experiencing with those veins.
Laser vein therapy is a non-invasive treatment that is effective in addressing both superficial (close to the surface) and deeper telangiectasia networks. The handheld device delivers heat therapy to veins below the skin’s surface without needles or chemicals. The heat collapses the treated vessels without damaging any of the surrounding skin or tissue. Treated veins are eventually reabsorbed by the body, while blood is rerouted to healthy veins nearby.
If you are unhappy with the appearance of spider veins on your legs, face or other areas, we can help. Contact New Visage at 252-808-2NEW to learn more about laser vein therapy or schedule your consultation today.