Spider veins are damaged, visible blood vessels just beneath the skin’s surface that are red, blue or purple and have a “web-like” appearance.
What is it?
Spider veins appear in clusters that resemble “webs” or branches. They can form anywhere but typically occur in the legs, feet or face. These veins are harmless, but they may cause swelling and a feeling of heaviness in the impacted areas. Spider veins are more common in women than men and are hereditary. They’re also common in those who sit or stand for long periods, pregnant women and obese people due to lack of circulation.
Spider veins develop when the valves inside of your veins weaken. Sunlight, hormonal changes, previous vein surgery, overexposure to ultraviolet rays or an injury also cause them.
Sometimes, spider veins are a signal to of a more serious condition called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). The board-certified dermatologists at Associated Dermatologist can let you know if you are at risk of CVI. We can also assist patients with aesthetic treatments who do not like the appearance of spider veins.
How is it treated?
While spider veins are typically harmless, they can be unsightly. We can help improve the appearance of spider veins with laser therapy, injection treatments and sclerotherapy, which are all minimally invasive options.
If your spider veins are a sign of something more serious, our providers will help you treat the underlying condition first, then help you meet your appearance goals. If you have spider veins, schedule now with one of our offices in Berkley, Farmington Hills, West Bloomfield, Commerce, or Novi, Michigan.