Spider Vein FAQ

MILLIONS OF WOMEN AND MEN ARE BOTHERED BY UNSIGHTLY SPIDER VEINS ON THEIR FACES AND LEGS.
Spider Veins, or telangiectasias, are those small red, blue and purple blood vessels that appear most frequently on the face and thighs. They are formed by the dilation of a small group of blood vessels located close to the surface of the skin. Although they can appear anywhere on the body, spider veins are most commonly found on the face and legs. They usually pose no health hazard but may produce a dull aching in the legs after prolonged standing.

WHO DEVELOPS SPIDER VEINS?
The exact cause of spider and varicose veins is unknown, although heredity, pregnancy and hormonal influences are believed to be primary factors contributing to both conditions. More than 20 percent of women have some form of varicose conditions, and more women than men have either spider or varicose veins. Female hormones may play a role in their development. Puberty, birth control pills, pregnancy, or hormone replacement therapy may contribute to them. They may also appear after an injury or as a result of wearing tight girdles or hosiery held up with elastic bands Spider veins on the nose or the cheeks of fair-skinned people may be related to sun exposure.

CAN SPIDER VEINS BE PREVENTED?
Spider veins cannot always be prevented. Wearing support hose may minimize unwanted blood vessels from developing. Keeping one's weight at a normal level and exercising regularly may be helpful, as well as eating a high-fiber diet and wearing low-heeled shoes. Sun protection is important to limit the number of unwanted vessels on the face.

LASER VEIN THERAPY
Caddell's lasers provide safe and effective non-surgical treatment options for the removal of spider veins. Our new, advanced laser treatments allow us to deliver a precise dosage of energy to each vein. During a treatment, light energy is delivered through a special laser handpiece to the targeted vein. In a series of brief pulses, the light energy is absorbed by the blood vessels, but not the surrounding tissue. This heat absorption causes a coagulation of the blood vessel, which is subsequently absorbed by your body.

WILL LASER THERAPY WORK ON MY VEINS?
Before your first treatment, your medical history is reviewed to determine how long you have had a problem with your veins and the severity of the problem. We need to determine your skin type and if there has been any prior surgery or treatment on your veins.

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS LIKE?
First, we identify the veins to be treated. We then proceed to deliver pulses of light (laser) energy along the length of the vessel, larger veins first. The light energy causes the blood within the vein to coagulate, eventually destroying the vessels, which are then absorbed by your body. Although most laser therapy patients report little discomfort, some experience a mild burning sensation when the laser is pulsed.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
The number of treatments required varies with the size and depth of each vein. For the maximum long-term resolution, multiple treatments may be necessary, with the average person needing 3 to 4 treatments. However, if new veins appear, additional treatments are required. Treatments may be in four to six week intervals.

WHAT IS RECOVERY LIKE?
Following your treatment, you may be asked to wear support hose or special heavy duty stockings to help keep pressure on the veins. This will help keep the treated veins closed. Bruises around the treated areas usually disappear in 3 to 6 weeks. A tan or brownish pigment may persist for a few months when larger veins are involved. While each vein may require several pulses from the laser, most will disappear in two to six weeks. Keys to success with laser leg vein therapy include the avoidance of hot baths and strenuous exercise, and may include the short-term use of compression stockings.
We generally encourage our clients to resume most normal activities immediately, although we do ask that you refrain from vigorous activities for the first 24 hours. Although your final results may not be apparent for several months, most of our clients enjoy the comfort and the look of legs without unsightly red, blue and purple veins.

Caddell's Laser & Electrolysis Clinic, Bellevue, WA, 425-998-0181