Telangiectasias, commonly called spider veins, are swollen, damaged blood vessels with an unsightly cosmetic appearance. They can form anywhere, but they’re most often visible on areas of the skin’s surface and the whites of the eyes.
It isn’t always clear why telangiectasias form, who has a higher risk of developing them, or the best way to treat them — but seeking guidance from a board-certified Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) physician can walk you through each option with care based on your specific symptoms, medical history, and desired results. Let’s look at some of the most common causes and treatment options for telangiectasias.
According to Healthline, the specific cause of telangiectasias is still unknown, but researchers believe most cases are connected to extreme temperatures or chronic sun exposure. This line of thinking is due to the areas where telangiectasias often appear on the body, which align with areas that are regularly exposed to air and sunlight.
Other potential telangiectasia causes include:
According to MedicalNewsToday, telangiectasias typically don’t cause any symptoms, but they can occasionally bleed, and the effects can be serious if the bleeding happens near or inside the brain.
While we’ve detailed several possible causes for telangiectasias above, it’s important to recognize that many related medical conditions may contribute to their occurrence, according to PennMedicine. Related medical conditions include:
The goal of telangiectasia treatment is to improve the skin’s appearance. Sclerotherapy and laser therapy are two minimally invasive and non-surgical procedures that have been found effective.
Sclerotherapy is typically performed on telangiectasias on the legs. The procedure involves a needle during the injection of a special solution, called a sclerosant, into the veins being targeted. The solution irritates the lining of the blood vessels and makes them expand, stick together, and scar. The procedure ultimately closes off the vein and improves patients’ well-being.
CVR offers patients two fast and effective types of sclerotherapy: visual and foam. Let’s break down the differences in each.
Visual sclerotherapy is a fast, affordable, and effective solution to telangiectasias, and it is frequently considered their preferred treatment method. Visual sclerotherapy is often used for minor, primarily cosmetic concerns, which means it likely won’t be covered by medical insurance. Still, visual sclerotherapy can fade the appearance of telangiectasias in just a few weeks and can improve the severity of associated symptoms like cramping, swelling, and burning.
Visual sclerotherapy targets veins with a smaller diameter than varicose veins. The procedure requires no anesthesia, recovery time, or incisions and enables patients to return to their normal activity afterward. This is because of how it’s performed — without requiring any imaging equipment, instead with a visual inspection from a vein expert. If your telangiectasias are small and you’re mainly looking to boost your quality of life with a simple and effective cosmetic treatment, visual sclerotherapy may be just right.
Not only does ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy eliminate the cosmetic concerns many people use it for, but it also addresses the physical symptoms that can accompany telangiectasias. During foam sclerotherapy, your vein care specialist will use the help of ultrasonography to find and gently insert the needle containing the sclerosant into the vein undergoing treatment. The procedure is used for deeper veins that aren’t as close to the surface of the skin. Patients can quickly resume normal activity, though they are advised to avoid strenuous exercise for a day or two after the procedure.
While visual and foam sclerotherapy have similar effects, they’re often used for different types of veins. Visual sclerotherapy is most effective for superficial veins, while the ultrasound used in foam sclerotherapy accurately targets deeper veins. Your board-certified CVR physician will review your symptoms and review both procedures with you before making a recommendation.
Whether you’ve received visual sclerotherapy or foam sclerotherapy, or you’re still exploring telangiectasia treatment options, you can give your vascular health a boost by prioritizing proper self-care. Improve your circulation by:
Ultimately, telangiectasias may be uncomfortable or bothersome, but remember that treatment options are worth exploring to enhance all aspects of your well-being. That’s where the board-certified vein experts at CVR come in. As America’s largest physician-led vein center, CVR will gladly walk with you through your vascular care journey. With more than 110 vein clinics nationwide, our state-of-the-art treatments have a 98 percent satisfaction rating.
Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today.