Spider Veins

A. The medical term for spider veins is telangiectasias. These fine red and purple veins are approximately 1 millimeter or less in size and can occur anywhere on the body. Patients most commonly seek treatment for spider veins on the legs and chest. Spider veins are often found in combination with varicose veins. There are no health risks with spider veins but they are a common cosmetic concern. The tendency to develop spider veins is inherited but can also occur after localized trauma and can worsen with pregnancy.

A. The treatments for spider veins include sclerotherapy, laser and intense pulsed light. Some patients require a combination of treatments for best results.

Dr. Bailey uses one of two FDA approved solutions (Sotradecol®, Polidocanol®) for sclerotherapy. The cosmetic results are much better and there is less pain than traditional hypertonic saline injections. The solution is injected into the spider vein through a micro needle, causing the vein to seal shut. Blood then flows into healthier deeper veins. Eventually the spider vein disappears completely.

Laser and Intense Pulsed Light treatment of spider veins is accomplished using the Iridex 532/910, Sciton 1064 YAG Laser or the Palomar (IPL). These systems produce vein specific wavelengths which seal the spider veins. Laser and IPL are the preferred treatments for face and chest veins.

A. Reticular veins are often seen as blue-green veins under the skin. They can become large and unsightly and may lead to the development of spider veins. Some patients may experience tenderness, burning and itching in the legs.

A. Venous ulcers or stasis ulcers are often the result of long standing venous insufficiency (faulty vein valves or reflux). In most cases there is reflux of the saphenous veins and perforating veins. The high pressure within these veins eventually leads to chronic leg swelling, darkening of the skin and ultimately skin breakdown, ulceration and even bleeding. These ulcers are generally near the ankle and are very painful.

Dr. Bailey was one of the first 11 physicians in the country to use the revolutionary VNUS radiofrequency perforator closure system and has taught physicians from around the Midwest how to use the device.