Vein Practice
THREAD VEINS (SPIDER VEINS)
Thread veins or "spider veins" are very small vessels in the skin itself that look like thin bluish red lines unlike varicose veins that are bluish lumpy veins underneath the skin, whilst the skin itself appears normal. Thread veins, unlike varicose veins, rarely cause any symptoms, but because they are so visible, many people seek treatment for cosmetic reasons.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Microinjection sclerotherapy - This is a technique which involves injecting a small volume of special chemical (most commonly used are Fibro-Vein, Sclerimo or hypertonic saline) which is injected directly into the vein, through a tiny needle. It causes inflammation and thrombosis of the vein which is eventually absorbed by the body. It is important to wear a support stocking after the procedure as this helps the veins to seal off and prevents blood flowing back into them. The treatment takes between 5 to 30 minutes and is virtually pain free.
Nd:YAG laser - This treatment can be used, especially in the case of smaller spider veins where a needle would not be appropriate. This involves blasting intense light directly at the veins. This causes the blood within them to coagulate and the veins are absorbed.
A number of patients who present with spider veins should be examined with duplex ultrasound to exclude the presence of venous insufficiency and varicose veins, since these conditions need to be tackled beforehand for a better result.