Spider Veins:

Aesthetic or medical problem? Causes and solutions

Spider veins, also known as “broken” vessels, are dilated capillary veins that appear mainly on the lower extremities and the face. Beyond the aesthetic concern, they may indicate underlying venous insufficiency, making their early diagnosis and management important.

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Causes of appearance

    Spider veins are caused by various factors, such as:

    • Heredity
    • Hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause)
    • Prolonged standing or a sedentary lifestyle
    • Obesity
    • Sun exposure
    • Injuries or skin conditions.

    Venous insufficiency, also known as chronic venous disease, is associated with the development of venous hypertension in the superficial venous system. Increased pressure in the veins leads to the enlargement of the superficial veins of the lower limbs, resulting in the formation of spider veins on the legs.

    Modern treatment methods:

    The treatment of spider veins has evolved with the introduction of minimally invasive techniques:

    • Sclerotherapy: Injection of a sclerosing agent into the affected veins, causing them to close. Ideal for spider veins on the legs.
    • Laser Treatment (Nd:YAG): Emission of a light beam absorbed by hemoglobin, causing thermal destruction of the vessels. Suitable for facial spider veins and small veins.
    • Thermocoagulation (Veinwave): Use of radiofrequencies for the thermal destruction of very fine vessels, particularly on the face.

    Comparison of methods:

    How do we choose a treatment method and what are the advantages of each?

    • Sclerotherapy is applied to the legs and offers high effectiveness with minimal pain.
    • Laser Treatment (Nd:YAG) is applied to the face and legs; it is painless and involves no incisions.
    • Thermocoagulation is applied to the face, offers precise targeting, and is suitable for sensitive areas.

    Daily lifestyle tips:

    • Avoid prolonged standing or sitting
    • Maintain a healthy body weight
    • Wear sunscreen to protect against UV radiation
    • Exercise regularly (e.g., walking or swimming)
    • Use elastic compression stockings if recommended by your doctor.