Treatment and therapy for spider veins, officially referred to as Telangiectasias, includes many of the same procedures as treatment of varicose veins. Although the two problems seem similar, spider veins are smaller than the veins affected by varicose veins. Spider veins are much more likely to affect areas around the face and neck, although they can appear anywhere. The spider web like appearance can be accompanied with a small level of discomfort, but they generally do not continue to get worse over time like varicose veins. There are a variety of treatments available, including home therapy and surgeries, but all cases do not need to be treated.

Home Based Therapy

Elevation of the affected area will generally provide short term relief for any soreness or discomfort caused by spider veins. In addition, wearing supportive stockings for affected areas on the legs will temporarily reduce swelling, especially in combination with regular doses of over the counter anti-inflammatory medicines. The consumption of a high fiber diet combined with exercise has been shown in some cases to reduce the appearance of spider veins, although most cases will require additional methods of treatment.

Intensive Non-Surgical Treatment

The most common treatment for spider veins is sclerotherapy, which is a small injection of a solution into the affected veins. The injected medicine shrinks and closes the veins thereby reducing any swelling or visual appearance. Sclerotherapy is considered to have a 50-90% success rate and can be performed in a doctor’s office without anesthesia.

Endovenous radio frequency ablation is a medical procedure where the doctor uses a small catheter to pass electricity over the affected veins. It is more successful than sclerotherapy, but more complicated. It generally has an 85-90% success rate for spider vein treatment. About 10% of patients will suffer mild to moderate side effects which may include bruising and swelling for a short period of time.

Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) has a higher rate of success than radio frequency at 95-100%. It uses laser treatment instead of electricity. It is considered to be more comfortable for patients and generally has fewer side effects.

Surgical Treatment

Generally spider veins are not severe enough to require surgical treatment. For sufferers, surgery should be the last option. Although surgery can be a successful treatment when combined with longer term therapy, the procedures (saphenous stripping and CHIVA) are fairly invasive and can leave significant scarring. Since spider veins are common on the face and neck, the procedures can be more complicated and the scarring can be more noticeable.

This video has an excellent graphical representation of the cause of varicose veins. The graphics show what normal working veins should look like, including the direction and flow of blood. Damaged vein valves cause veinus reflux which can lead to multiple problems including varicose veins. The damaged valves cause a greater lack of circulationAlthough varicosities can occur anywhere in the body, it is most common in the legs where blood can pool. If circulation is poor, it is generally worst in the legs.

Varicose veins can result in swelling, discoloration, and a twisted pattern of veins all visible on the surface of the affected area. While it is only uncomfortable for some sufferers, varicose veins are expected to get worse over time. If left untreated varicosities can cause complications.

Treatments for spider veins vary, but generally surgery is not required. Sclerotherapy is a common treatment that involves a small injection of a concentrated salt solution into the problem areas. The salt solution kills off the spider veins thereby reducing any visible signs. The problem with sclerotherapy is that the spider veins can come back after the veins regrow. The positive aspect is that it is a very easy treatment on the patient and has a very high success rate.

Laser or radio frequency therapy can also be performed to reduce spider veins. These are slightly more complicated procedures but also have very high success rates. There should be minimal scarring and usually only local anesthesia is required