Superficial leg veins, known as spider veins are small dilated blood vessels which have a web-like pattern or look like tree branches. Sometimes these leg veins form a large mat that looks like a bruise.
Superficial leg veins, known as spider veins are small dilated blood vessels which have a web-like pattern or look like tree branches. Sometimes these leg veins form a large mat that looks like a bruise.
Larger dilated leg veins which raise above the skin are called varicose veins and can lead to aching and discomfort. These are usually caused by vein valve weakness and require surgical intervention. If major varicose veins are present as well as spider veins, an ultrasound will be ordered. Assoc.Prof. Bekhor refers patients with varicose veins for repair by a specialist vascular surgeon.
The "gold standard" treatment for superficial leg veins is Sclerotherapy. This involves the injection of the fine veins with a sclerosant solution which irritates the vessel walls and causes the vein to collapse and fade. Assoc.Prof. Bekhor uses a prescription solution, which is safer and less uncomfortable than the older saline solutions.
In some cases the ExcellV™ long pulse YAG laser may be used, alternating with the sclerotherapy injections.
To assist in the success of the treatment of spider leg veins, all patients are required to wear compression stockings for at least one week after the treatment. These are not unlike the travel stockings worn when flying. They are available at the practice on the first visit.
Leg spider veins usually require more than one treatment, and treatment is best carried out when the patient is not planning sun exposure.
Please consider your travel plans when planning treatment - we discourage taking long international flights for 3 months following leg vein treatment.