Why do spider veins appear?
According to statistics, more than 50% of women and 10% of men have spider veins on their bodies. There are many reasons for their appearance:
- Heredity.
- Age-related changes.
The number of “stars” increases with age; - “Sedentary” or “standing” professions;
- Overweight;
- Injuries;
- Physical inactivity;
- Stress;
- Varicose veins;
- Congenital connective tissue diseases;
- Impaired blood microcirculation;
- Hormonal disorders (including when taking oral contraceptives and glucocorticoid drugs);
- Abortion, pregnancy and childbirth, menopause;
- Diseases of the reproductive system: ovarian cyst, uterine fibroids and others.
Spider veins can occur with a deficiency of vitamins and microelements, in particular with a deficiency of vitamin C, which is responsible for the permeability and strength of capillary walls.
Telangiectasias can appear after mechanical damage to the skin, for example during cosmetic cleansing. Often, vascular spots become visible after exposure to various types of radiation on the skin, for example, ultraviolet and x-rays. Some patients note their appearance after visiting a solarium.
The presence of spider veins on the legs is not necessarily associated with varicose veins: even varicose veins with severe symptoms of venous insufficiency sometimes occur without the appearance of telangiectasias, and the appearance of spider veins more often occurs against the background of mild venous insufficiency.
Why do spider veins appear on the legs?
Causes of spider veins on the legs:
- Heredity. Weakness of the vascular wall is transmitted at the genetic level, and if parents have a similar problem, then it will most likely appear in their offspring.
- Increased venous pressure. The appearance of spider veins is often associated with varicose veins.
- Age.
- Female.
- Pregnancy.
- Changes in hormonal levels.
- Long-term static load.
All of the above factors lead to the appearance of spider veins on the legs. It is important to understand that very often the appearance of telangiectasia accompanies varicose veins. Therefore, it is necessary to diagnose the venous system and find out the condition of the vessels of the lower extremities. If a more serious venous pathology is identified, it is wise to treat it first. The next step is to remove telangiectasia (spider veins).
Laser removal of dilated capillaries on the legs
One of the most effective and safe methods for removing pathologically altered veins of the lower extremities in our clinic is percutaneous selective laser coagulation with a Fotona SP Dynamis Nd:YAG neodymium laser (Slovenia).
During the procedure, a laser beam, penetrating the skin, is converted into thermal energy, which destroys the internal walls of the vessel. It is important that healthy tissues in the affected area are not injured - this is a huge advantage of laser treatment. Burns, skin damage, and pain are practically excluded. Subsequently, the coagulated vessel is overgrown with connective tissue, and the skin acquires a natural color.
Removal of spider veins (telangiectasia)
Modern removal of spider veins is performed using the following techniques:
- Microsclerotherapy. Introduction of a special substance (sclerosant) into the spider vein, which leads to its closure (obliteration). The most popular method among both doctors and patients.
- Transcutaneous laser exposure. It involves coagulation of the spider vein using laser radiation.
- Transcutaneous radio wave exposure. Contact coagulation of spider veins using radiofrequency.
Removal of spider veins using microsclerotherapy
Treatment of asterisks on the legs in Moscow does not pose a particular problem for an experienced doctor or phlebologist. Still, aesthetic procedures require well-developed skills and experience in aesthetic phlebology. Therefore, if you have spider veins on your legs, it is better to contact a good phlebological center with competent specialists.
Which is better: sclerotherapy or laser coagulation?
These methods are not opposed, but rather complement each other. Larger vessels are better removed by sclerotherapy (it is easier to puncture them with a needle and inject the drug, there is less chance of rupture of the vein during injection, correctly administered sclerosant in the form of foam almost 100% leads to gluing of the vascular network). A small vascular network is difficult to treat with sclerotherapy due to technical reasons (the diameter of the vessels of the network can be comparable to the diameter of the needle). And for percutaneous laser coagulation, this is an advantage, since it is easier to heat and “seal” such a vessel with a laser without the possibility of burning the overlying skin. Thus, first, large vessels are removed using sclerotherapy, and then small ones are “reached” with a laser.
Results of spider vein removal on legs
Excellent result of spider vein removal using microsclerotherapy in our center
Result of spider vein removal on legs after 3 months
Another wonderful result of spider vein removal in our phlebology center
Result of spider vein removal after 2 months
Why are they dangerous?
Spider veins themselves do not pose a direct health risk. They create only an aesthetic defect and bring internal discomfort to the owner. However, their appearance may signal more serious health problems that need to be addressed as quickly as possible. Unresolved problems tend to progress, which in turn can lead to a deterioration in the general condition and lead to other complications.
The number of stars usually increases over time. Very large cobwebs increase in size and are often combined with varicose veins of large veins. Cosmetic defects may be accompanied by heaviness and fatigue after walking. The legs and feet may swell. It is important to remember that in most cases, the more pathological changes in the superficial vessels on the legs, the more difficult it is to remove them.
Reviews from patients after spider vein removal in our center
Review of the excellent results of spider vein removal on the legs
Svetlana, 34 years old, Moscow, February 10, 2022
My name is Svetlana. I am 34. Being over 30, you increasingly begin to think about how to preserve your youth and beauty longer, please yourself, others and be confident in your attractiveness. The formation of spider veins on the legs - a completely natural phenomenon in women - greatly upset me and gave rise to complexes. And bad heredity and two pregnancies behind me, unfortunately, only accelerated this process. On the recommendation of a friend, I went to the clinic to see Dr. Artem Yuryevich Semenov. He conducted an examination, did an ultrasound of the veins to make sure there were no pathologies, and then suggested sclerotherapy, the most common technology for removing spider veins. Honestly, I doubted the effectiveness of this procedure, but still decided to try it. Having received a detailed description from the doctor, asking all the questions I was interested in and making sure there were no contraindications or side effects, I decided...
I must say, it was a completely tolerable procedure: Artem Yuryevich made injections into problem areas, injecting a sclerosing substance - even anesthesia was not required. Of course, it’s a little painful and unpleasant, but that’s not what young ladies do for the sake of their own exclusivity. After the procedure, compression stockings were put on the legs, which had to be worn for about 2 weeks, removed at night. This procedure was repeated three times. The number of injections depends on the scale of the problem. Now almost six months have passed since the first procedure, the hematomas at the injection site have resolved, and I cannot believe that those legs in the photographs taken by Artem Yuryevich at our first meeting are really mine. The scary spider veins are gone. I couldn't be happier! Yes, technology is moving forward, medicine can do a lot now. Don't be afraid, strive for excellence.
Thank you very much to the doctor for my new legs, for your professionalism, understanding and individual approach. I will recommend Semenov A.Yu. to my friends and acquaintances. Prosperity clinic and more satisfied patients!
Can self-medication help?
As a rule, this does not give the desired effect. A comprehensive examination, consultation with a phlebologist and development of a treatment plan are required. Very often you come across information that seriously talks about the possibility of getting rid of star veins using folk recipes (apple cider vinegar, pine and flower baths, Kalanchoe infusion, tomato compress). We don’t think that this is the correct and rational solution to the problem for you and we don’t recommend experimenting on your patience and health.
Spider veins - price (cost) of treatment
Service | Treatment category | Price |
Sclerotherapy (microsclerotherapy) on one lower limb (one session) | Reticular varicose veins and spider veins | 8000₽ |
Postoperative sclerotherapy (microsclerotherapy) on one lower limb (one session) | Reticular varicose veins and spider veins | 4000₽ 8000₽ |
Sclerotherapy (microsclerotherapy) on one lower limb (course of treatment) | Does not depend on the number of sessions | 35000₽ |
Removal of unaesthetic veins on one arm (one session) | 10000₽ | |
Laser removal of spider veins on one lower limb (one session) | 10000₽ |
Why are varicose veins dangerous?
To this question, most of us will probably answer that spider veins are purely an aesthetic problem. Indeed, you no longer want to wear a short skirt or shorts with veined stars. However, this is not the main thing.
A network of small vessels that appears on the skin may indicate that you are developing varicose veins. In particular, you may already have dilated reticular veins - superficial vessels that have a diameter of about 2 mm and feed the spider vein. In addition, a fine network of red or blue vessels may indicate the presence of chronic venous insufficiency - a set of symptoms that indicates poor circulation in the veins.
Frequently asked questions about spider veins
Why do spider veins appear on the legs?
The appearance of spider veins on the legs is based on a hereditary factor. Daily physical activity, the presence of prolonged static conditions and changes in ambient temperature also have a significant impact on the severity of the manifestation of spider veins and spider veins.
Removal of spider veins and spider veins of the lower extremities. Which method is better?
Today, the “gold standard” of choice when removing spider veins and spider veins is the technique of compression sclerotherapy (scleroobliteration).
What treatment to choose for stars on legs?
When choosing modern treatment for spider veins on the lower extremities, you need to rely on the opinion of leading specialists in working with these pathological formations. For most experts, the clear choice is the method of compression microsclerotherapy of the lower extremities.
How to remove spider veins on legs quickly?
Spider veins on the legs can be removed quickly enough using compression sclerotherapy of the lower extremities.
Features of the procedure
- Minor swelling, redness, and increased vascularity may persist for several hours after the procedure.
- The required number of treatment sessions is determined by the number and size of the affected veins, and the depth of their location in the skin.
- The interval between procedures is 4 - 5 weeks.
- Removal of small saphenous veins does not have a negative effect on the circulatory system. Healthy vessels located in the area of coagulated veins perform their functions compensatory.
Treatment of spider veins:
- sclerotherapy
- laser
- electrocoagulation
- ozone therapy
Different clinics use different options. In some cases, a classic operation may be required - surgical removal of an incompetent vein. The choice of the most preferred method is individual. It is carried out with a focus on your wishes and at the same time, clinical feasibility and effectiveness are necessarily taken into account. The final optimal decision can only be made by an experienced, good phlebologist . Based on our 25 years of experience, sclerotherapy is the most effective, safe and comfortable technique. It allows you to achieve impressive, long-lasting cosmetic results.
Microfoam sclerotherapy
Another effective way to combat asterisks is microfoam sclerotherapy, which promotes the complete disappearance of diseased vessels.
It consists of introducing a special drug (sclerosant) into the vessel, which, by filling the vessel, promotes its “gluing”. Gradually the vessel disappears, turning into connective tissue. The treatment does not require special preparation and is not accompanied by rehabilitation, except for the need to wear compression stockings for 5 days. Along with the removal of the mesh, the doctor, based on the diagnostic conclusion, will prescribe treatment that will promote a deeper solution to the problem. Here everyone is treated with due attention, and the professionalism of the medical staff contributes to success in getting rid of the most difficult problems in the field of phlebology.
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How to avoid? Prevention
Prevention is always cheaper than cure. In order to prevent the appearance of spider veins, there are simple methods that must be followed.
- correction of hormonal levels (especially female sex hormones)
- examination and treatment of chronic cardiovascular diseases and gastrointestinal tract
- avoid prolonged exposure to the sun
- avoid baths and saunas
- do not wear tight clothes
- diet
- avoid excessive physical activity
- avoid prolonged forced sitting and standing
- avoid hypothermia
- eliminate bad habits (smoking, alcohol)
- exercises