spider vein

1. Modern Treatment OptionsModern Treatment Options
ForFor
Spider VeinsSpider Veins
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2. Spider VeinsSpider Veins
• Small blue or purple veins
just beneath the skin
• Affect millions of Americans
• Typically progressive
• 0.1 to 4 mm
• Often inherited
• Affect ankles, calves, thighs,
nose

3. IntroductionIntroduction
• Spectrum of disorders from
asymptomatic spider veins to ulcers
• Most common vascular disorder
• > 1 Billion Dollars Annually
• Social isolation and negative self-image

4. SymptomsSymptoms
• Visual - Small blue or purple
veins can be seen just
beneath the surface of the
skin
• Stinging
• Itching

5. CausesCauses
• Heredity
• Excessive body weight
• Prolonged standing or
sitting
• Pregnancy
• Hormonal changes
• Advancing Age
• Injury or trauma to vein
• Sun exposure

6. Treatment OptionsTreatment Options
• Conservative Treatment
• Sclerotherapy
• Sclerotherapy & Laser Treatment /
Double-Injury Technique

7. Conservative TreatmentConservative Treatment
• Weight loss
• Exercise
• Elevation
• Compression stockings

8. Compression StockingsCompression Stockings
• Prevent pooling of blood in
veins
• Promotes healthy blood flow by
compressing veins
• Ideally worn during long-
periods of standing or sitting
• Reduces discomfort and
progression
• Expensive
• Hot
• Difficult to put on

9. Sclerotherapy AloneSclerotherapy Alone
• Most popular treatment
• Tiny needles
• FDA-approved medication
• Irritates lining of vein,
causing it to collapse
• Two to four 20 minute
sessions
• Minimal discomfort
• Can cause discoloration or
staining of skin

10. Laser & Sclerotherapy TreatmentLaser & Sclerotherapy Treatment
“Double-Injury Technique”“Double-Injury Technique”
• By using laser first, vein is
damaged, allowing small
amount of solution in the
vein.
• Decreased risk of skin
staining
• Faster resolution than
sclerotherapy alone

11. Recovery Period?Recovery Period?
• Walking encouraged day of procedure
• Return to normal activities next day
• Strenuous exercise (running or step aerobics
e.g.) after three weeks
• Return to work next day

12. SummarySummary
• Spider veins cause discomfort and
embarrassment
• Exercise, weight loss, elevation and
compression stockings may alleviate
symptoms
• Current treatment options have
significantly improved over recent years
• Laser vein therapy and Sclerotherapy are
effective treatment options
• Low risk and minimal associated recovery