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What are spider veins?
Spider veins are small red or purple veins that occur on the legs and face, and appear to twist and branch in a very fine pattern. Let’s face it…no one like spider veins!
What causes spider veins?
Spider veins on the legs are caused by cumulative added pressure on the venous system of the legs over time, caused from pressure in weak-walled vessels resulting in prominent dilation.
There may be “feeder” vessels that trigger these veins, known as reticular veins, which are commonly seen as larger, darker blue veins just beneath or in the vicinity of spider veins.
Many other causes exist, with the major ones being heredity, female hormones, standing for long periods, and birth control pills.
How are they treated?
1. Sclerotherapy. Spider veins are injected with one of various, safe medicines to scar the vein closed so that it does not reopen. Some of these medicines include polidocanol, sodium tetradecyl sulfate, and hypertonic saline. Your body does not need these veins, and your immune system will dissolve these unsightly blemishes after injection.
2. Support stockings
3. Endovenous laser ablation
What is the recovery time?
After your injection, which utilizes an extremely small needle, you will wear compression stockings for 24 hours. You will resume activities as normal…there is no down time!
Will my veins come back?
Your veins that are treated will not come back, unless there’s an underlying larger vein issue that needs to be addressed. Dr. Jensen will address this at your consultation. However, you may get new ones months, or years down the road after injection as a natural process that will continue just as it did before treatment.
What is the cost?
Most insurances will not cover the cosmetic appearance of spider veins. Check with your insurance. We can provide a quote during a cosmetic consultation!

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