Spider Vein Therapy

Spider veins are small, dilated veins that form web-like or sunburst patterns on the legs and face. These small clusters of red, blue or purple veins most commonly appear on the thighs, calves and ankles. Spider veins are like varicose veins, but they are smaller and closer to the surface of the skin. (Varicose veins are larger in diameter, darker in color and tend to bulge.)

A number of factors contribute to the development of spider veins, including heredity, pregnancy and other events that cause hormonal shifts, weight-gain, occupations or activities that require prolonged sitting or standing and the use of certain medications.

Vein therapy, often performed on an outpatient basis, can be effective in 50 to 90 percent of cases. Treatments include sclerotherapy, in which blood vessels are injected with a solution that causes them to shrink and disappear. Several veins may be treated during one visit, and repeated treatments may often be needed, depending on the size of the blood vessels involved.

Please call 610-667-3303 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Pollard to discuss spider vein therapy, or complete a confidential Inquiry Request Form.

 

FAQs

 

What causes spider veins?

A number of factors contribute to the development of spider veins, including heredity, pregnancy and other events that cause hormonal shifts, weight-gain, occupations or activities that require prolonged sitting or standing and the use of certain medications. Sun exposure can cause spider veins on the cheeks or nose of people with fair skin.

How are spider veins treated?

Vein therapy, often performed on an outpatient basis, can be effective in 50 to 90 percent of cases. Treatments include sclerotherapy, in which blood vessels are injected with a solution that causes them to shrink and disappear. Several veins may be treated during one visit, and repeated treatments may be needed, depending on the size of the blood vessels involved.

After each sclerotherapy session, the veins will appear lighter. Two or more sessions are usually required to achieve optimal results. However, the procedure treats only those veins that are currently visible and it cannot prevent new veins from surfacing in the future.

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Is anesthesia needed?

Sclerotherapy of spider veins is a relatively simple procedure that typically requires no anesthesia. The procedure takes less than one hour, and can be performed during a typical office visit.

Is Sclerotherapy Right for Me?

Please schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Pollard. She can answer your questions and help you decide if sclerotherapy treatment is right for you.

I work in Philadelphia, can Dr. Pollard perform my spider vein treatment during my lunch hour?

Yes, but plan to wear pants that day. After your treatment your legs will have small bandaids covering the injection sites and you will be wearing support hose.

Does Pennsylvania have a plastic surgery tax on spider vein therapy?

No. Pennsylvania does not tax spider vein treatment therapy.

 

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Dr. Pollard invites you to call 610-667-3303 to schedule your in-office consultation, or click here to request additional information. Dr. Pollard's highly trained staff will be happy to answer any questions or address any concerns.

For more information about spider vein therapy visit the ASPS website

 

Emily Pollard, MD, FACS - Plastic and Reconstructive Therapy