Most people know that spider veins and varicose veins look different from one another. Spider veins are generally smaller and are red, blue, and purple in color. Their pattern gives them their name. Varicose veins, on the other hand, are larger, swollen, and raised blood vessels. They are generally blue.
Similarities and Differences
Both can be embarrassing, particularly during the spring and summer when Floridians spend more time at the beach and pool. Both are more common in women than men. The vein specialists at Medicus Vein Care treat numerous patients with spider veins. Are there any differences between the two aside from their appearance?
- While there are really no significant differences, spider veins most commonly appear on the face and legs close to the skin, sometimes in unsightly clusters. Varicose veins most commonly appear on the legs.
- Varicose veins can be painful, while spider veins usually are not. However, some women’s spider veins may cause them pain, particularly during their menstrual cycle. This is because of the changed levels of progesterone and estrogen in their bodies at that time.
Both conditions are caused by problems with the valves that are inside of the veins that cause the blood to back up. Things like obesity, heredity, and hormonal influences can impact how serious they become. However, spider veins (particularly on the face) can also result from exposure to the sun, other environmental damage to the skin, injury, or chronic inflammation.
Minimally-Invasive Treatments Available for Both
The good news is that both conditions can be treated with minimally invasive methods. At Medicus Vein Care, we offer a broad range of the latest in spider vein removal treatments.
Veinwave is an innovative procedure that uses microwave energy to eliminate spider veins. Patients see results immediately and usually report little or no discomfort. Spider veins often disappear after just one or two Veinwave spider vein treatments. Spider veins may also be treated with our cutaneous laser treatment or with sclerotherapy.
We have other state-of-the-art, minimally-invasive treatments for varicose veins. These include endovenous laser ablation, or EVLA, and ambulatory phlebectomy. The vein specialists at Medicus Vein Care can refer patients to a varicose vein physician with an eye to using the least invasive method necessary to get the results the patient is seeking.
Getting The Best Treatment
You can find more information about spider veins on our website, as well as more information about the broad range of treatment solutions we offer. Then call or contact Medicus Vein Care online to arrange a consultation with our board-certified vein specialists, personally trained and vetted by our medical director and renowned vein specialist, Steven Tidwell, MD. We want to help you remove those unsightly spider veins so that you can get out and enjoy the beautiful Florida weather.
