Spider Veins
Coastal Vascular Center
Vascular & Endovascular Surgeons located in Oxnard, Camarillo, & Simi Valley, CA
Spider veins may not bulge like varicose veins, but they’re not invisible and can create a roadmap of lines that you prefer to hide. Many find spider veins simply a cosmetic concern, however, they may also be a sign of poor blood circulation, which is a serious health issue. The experienced team of vascular surgeons at Coastal Vascular Center offers comprehensive diagnostic testing and treatments for spider veins at their Oxnard, Camarillo, and Simi Valley, California, offices to not only improve the look of your skin, but also blood circulation. Call the office nearest you or book online today.
Spider Veins Q & A
What are spider veins?
Spider veins refer to the visible veins under your skin. They generally appear red or purple in color and can create images that look like tree branches or spider webs on your skin. Spider veins most often appear on the legs and face but can affect any vein in your body.
Spider veins develop due to failed valves in your veins that affect blood flow. As your muscles pump blood through your veins back to your heart and lungs for reoxygenation, the valves in your veins open and close to help move the blood in a forward direction.
If your valve has been damaged or isn’t working as it should, the blood may pool back and create the visible line.
Do spider veins cause symptoms?
Other than the changes to the look of your skin, most people don’t experience additional symptoms with spider veins. However, if the issues related to the valves in your veins are affecting blood circulation, you may experience:
- Throbbing in your leg
- Leg cramps
- Swelling
- Itching
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, contact the team at Coastal Vascular Center so they can evaluate the circulation in your veins and provide an effective treatment plan.
What can I expect during an evaluation for spider veins?
Coastal Vascular Center is a patient-focused practice, which means your needs and concerns come above all else. You can expect a comprehensive and compassionate evaluation when you come to the office with concerns about spider veins.
In addition to reviewing your symptoms and medical history, your vascular specialist also conducts a physical exam, paying close attention to the affected veins.
To confirm that your spider veins are the result of poor blood circulation (venous insufficiency), they conduct an ultrasound to evaluate the valves in your veins.
What are the treatments for spider veins?
The team at Coastal Vascular Center initially takes a conservative approach to the treatment of spider veins. To improve circulation, your specialist may suggest compression stockings and regular exercise. They also recommend you elevate your legs when you can.
If conservative measures fail to relieve your symptoms or improve your spider veins, your specialist recommends sclerotherapy. During this in-office procedure, they inject a special chemical into your spider vein, which causes the vein to collapse.
Your specialist may suggest you continue to wear your compression stockings after your sclerotherapy to assist in the healing process. A few weeks after the procedure, you should notice a significant fading of your spider veins. You may need a series of sclerotherapy treatments to get the best results.
Your spider veins may be more than a cosmetic concern. For a comprehensive evaluation, call Coastal Vascular Center or request an appointment online today.
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