Spider Vein Clinic Melbourne

Treating Spider Veins

Spider veins can be an early warning sign of underlying venous disease. Australian Vein Clinics provides effective treatments for spider veins.

About Spider Veins

Spider veins are small damaged veins that appear on the skin’s surface. They can appear anywhere on the body but are predominantly found on the face and legs. They can present as blue, red or purple and often appear bunched, webbed or like branches.

Spider veins are usually an early warning sign of future venous issues due to weakening valves in the larger vein tributaries. Similar to varicose veins, the valves weaken and stop working effectively, resulting in pooling and backflow of blood, thus causing veins to swell.

Symptoms of Spider Veins

Spider veins are a common condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender. While they are usually harmless, they can be a cosmetic concern for many people. While spider veins can occur anywhere on the body, they are most commonly seen on the ankles, thighs, and calves. Spider veins are generally not painful or harmful. However, in some cases, they may cause mild discomfort or itching. If you are concerned about the appearance of your spider veins, several treatment options are available.

Blue, purple or red webbed veins
Mild discomfort or itching
Achy or heavy legs

Causes

There are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of spider veins. These include genetics, obesity, pregnancy, menopause, and a sedentary lifestyle. In addition, people who stand or sit for long periods are also at increased risk.

You’re at risk of developing spider veins if you…

Struggle with obesity
Are pregnant
Are menopausal
Live a sedentary lifestyle
Family history of spider veins

Spider Vein Treatment Melbourne

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a common treatment for spider veins that involves injecting a solution into the veins. The solution irritates the walls of the veins, causing them to swell and stick together. This effectively seals off the vein, and over time, the treated vein will fade away. Sclerotherapy is a safe and effective procedure suitable for all spider vein stages.

If you are considering sclerotherapy for your spider veins, be sure to speak with our qualified healthcare practitioners to determine if it is right for you. Other spider vein treatments may be required if an ultrasound of the area uncovers underlying venous issues that are causing the spider veins to appear.

The Different Stages of Spider Veins

Spider veins are small, twisted blood vessels that are usually found on the legs and can cause pain, burning, and cramping. Although they can occur at any age, spider veins are more likely to develop as we get older. There are four different stages of spider veins, each with its own set of symptoms.

Stage 0

Stage zero is healthy leg veins showing no visual or physical symptoms.

Stage 1

Stage one is characterised by small, faint veins that are only visible when the skin is stretched.

Stage 2

Stage two veins are larger and more visible, but still only when the skin is stretched.

Stage 3

In stage three, the veins are larger and visible even when the skin is relaxed.

Stage 4

Finally, in stage four, the veins are large, visible, and often painful.

Spider vein Faqs

How do you treat spider Veins?

Treatment is very similar to the treatment of varicose veins. Sclerotherapy is the most common vein treatment. It involves injecting an irritant solution that results in the vein walls sticking together and ceasing blood flow to that area. Over time the vein will shrink and disappear from the skin’s surface.

Are results immediate?

Yes, once injected the small spider veins will begin to disappear. You may require more than one treatment session as we can only inject a certain amount of solution at one time. Typically it may be one leg at a time.

Does it hurt?

You may feel some slight pinching from the needle going into the vein but that is all. Dr John Marx has a special needle that vibrates. The vibration significantly reduces the pain, and increases the accuracy.

Is laser treatment the best option for treating spider veins?

While many treatments are available for spider veins, sclerotherapy is the most effective treatment to help remove spider veins. The solutions will help destroy the vein and will be much more effective than laser treatments offered at some other clinics.

Are varicose veins and spider veins the same?

Varicose and spider veins are often spoken about as if they are the same condition, but there are some key differences between them. Both varicose veins and spider veins are swollen blood vessels that can be seen just under the skin. However, varicose veins appear in the larger veins of the legs and can appear below the skin surface Varicose veins can also cause pain and discomfort, whereas spider veins are generally not painful. In addition, varicose veins tend to occur on the legs and will be bigger and thicker, while spider veins can appear on the face and will appear small and web like. While both conditions can be unsightly, varicose veins can lead to more serious complications like blood clots and swelling of the leg. As a result, it is important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have varicose veins.