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Leg Rejuvenation Program

  • Pittsburgh Area’s Most Comprehensive Leg Vein Program
  • Developed & Operated By Board Certified Physicians
  • Safe and Painless Outpatient Leg Vein Procedures
  • Vein Procedures Covered By Most Insurance
  • In Office Vein Procedure – Walk Out Immediately

Before and After

Modern medical advances now provide us with a variety of effective non-invasive treatments and therapies for all kinds of vein diseases—including spider veins (also called Telangiectasias). The more practitioners learn, the better they can provide for the needs of their patients. At The Advanced Vein Center we pride ourselves in being on the frontline of innovative technologies, comprehensive vein care and successful vein treatment.

Before

Spider Vein Before

After

Spider Vein After

Cutting-edge Treatments for Spider Veins (Without the Cutting)

In some cases, a few simple lifestyle changes, for example, a new walking regime or weight loss, may be all you need to reduce the prominence of spider veins. In others, our vein specialists might suggest one of many safe and effective medical procedures. Because of our vast experience and access to the newest generation of medical technologies, we have the most practical procedure for your individual case. The goal of spider vein treatment is to cause them to collapse, fade and be naturally reabsorbed by the body. The blood flow will then naturally reroute to the surrounding healthy veins. Usually after spider vein treatment normal activities can be resumed immediately. Your vein specialist will develop a personalized treatment plan for you. If a laser treatment is chosen to be the best option for you, we have several different specialty lasers that can optimally pinpoint and target spider veins based on your specific situation. Invasive surgery is only performed as a last resort. 

Non-invasive Laser Treatment

For many patients, laser light therapy is the most effective option for treating spider veins. A custom modulated laser or a series of intense light pulses are used to heat and destroy these bothersome veins. These fast treatments are office based, non-invasive and cause little to no downtime.

Lasers can be used to treat spider veins on the face, nose, chest and elsewhere on the body.

Side effects are rare, but they may include some temporary swelling, discoloration and/or blistering.

What is a Spider Vein?

Picture of what a varicose vein and a healthy vein looks like

Spider veins are medium size blood vessels that are dilated and close to the skin surface. Spider veins are smaller cousins of varicose veins, and are often closer to the surface of the skin and appear darker and more noticeable than varicose veins. These fine networks of visible blood vessels are found just beneath the skin and can appear blue, purple or red. Their ability to branch gives them a web-like appearance.

Spider veins are filled with deoxygenated blood which can give them a purple or blue appearance. They can occur as a singular cluster, or can cover a large area. They are most common on the legs; but can also be found around the nose and elsewhere on the face, chest and ankles. Spider veins develop when their valves are not functioning normally and cause blood to not properly flow to the heart. These malfunctioning veins lead to a backflow, slowing or pooling of blood, which can lead to other venous conditions including varicose veins.

Spider Vein Symptoms

  • Charley horses or cramping
  • Arch or calf night cramps
  • Restless Leg Syndrome
  • Minor aching especially during the menstrual periods
  • Tiredness of the legs
  • Itchiness, burning, tingling or numbness
  • Leg pain
  • Cosmetic symptoms including visible vein lines or vein spider webs
  • Swelling
  • Tenderness or Redness

Factors that can contribute to Spider Veins

Pregnancy

Pregnant women are three times more likely to develop spider veins. To begin with, the normal hormonal changes weaken vein walls and cause veins to enlarge, pulling on the valves and allowing blood to flow against its natural course.

The second pregnancy risk factor is the downward pressure that the growing fetus puts on your leg veins. Last but not least, carrying a child causes your blood volume to expand, which puts more strain on the vein wall and valve.

Prolonged sitting or standing

The circulation in your legs is impacted by prolonged standing or sitting, which also leads to venous hypertension and increased pressure on the veins in your legs. If you spend most of your day standing or sitting, getting up every half-hour and taking a quick stroll will help prevent spider veins.

Jobs That Are Permanent

Long periods of standing at work are linked to dramatically greater rates of varicose veins. Standing motionless raises blood pressure in the veins and reduces the calf muscles’ pumping capabilities, which helps reestablish blood flow and prevents blood from accumulating in the legs.

Walking activates the calf muscular pump, which helps propel the blood and reduces blood pooling, making a standing job with lots of walking less likely to result in varicose veins[4]. According to one study, as many as 76% of people who work in industries that entail a lot of standing but little walking, such as hospital operating room staff and laundry employees, had venous insufficiency.

Aging

Your veins’ valves may gradually start to degrade as you age. This results in your blood pooling up and leaking back through the valves, creating those observable webs of blue or purple veins. As you age, your calf muscles may also deteriorate in addition to your valves.

Blood returns up your leg and back to your heart with the assistance of your calf muscles.

How does aging contribute to the development of spider veins?

Aging can contribute to the development of spider veins through several factors:

1. Weakening of Blood Vessel Walls: With age, the walls of blood vessels, including small capillaries, may become weaker and less elastic. This can lead to dilation and the formation of spider veins.

2. Reduced Collagen Production: Collagen is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of blood vessels. As collagen production decreases with age, the risk of spider veins increases.

Can spider veins reoccur after treatment, and what is the likelihood?

The likelihood of spider veins recurring after treatment can vary depending on various factors, including the individual’s underlying health, lifestyle, and the effectiveness of the chosen treatment. It’s important to note that while treatments like sclerotherapy or laser therapy can be effective in reducing or eliminating existing spider veins, they may not prevent the development of new spider veins over time. Several factors can influence the recurrence of spider veins:

1. Genetics: A family history of spider veins or venous issues may increase the likelihood of recurrence.

2. Underlying Health Conditions: Conditions affecting blood vessels, such as chronic venous insufficiency, may contribute to the recurrence of spider veins.

Can hormonal changes, such as those during pregnancy, impact spider veins?

Yes, hormonal changes, particularly those associated with pregnancy, can impact the development of spider veins. Pregnancy-related hormonal fluctuations, including increased levels of progesterone, can contribute to the formation of spider veins through several mechanisms:

1. Relaxation of Blood Vessel Walls: Hormonal changes can lead to the relaxation of blood vessel walls, making them more prone to dilation and the development of spider veins.

2. Increased Blood Volume: During pregnancy, blood volume in the body typically increases. The expansion of blood vessels to accommodate this increased volume can contribute to the appearance of spider veins.

FAQs About Spider Veins

Prevention is important in the care of spider veins. Vitamins to create strong blood vessels are important and include Vitamin C, Zinc and Selenium. These are available at the Advanced Vein Center. It is important to avoid standing and sitting for extended periods of time. Get up and move around throughout the day! Compression stocking are very helpful in promoting vein health, as is eating a healthy diet, exercising, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding trauma to the legs.

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Clusters of small red or purple veins on the legs can appear for a variety of reasons. Age, heredity, hormonal fluctuations and pregnancy are some of the most common reasons leading to Spider Veins. They can form when the skin encounters a trauma like a hit or a bump. Women, because of their hormonal changes have a greater risk of developing spider veins. Pregnancy and hormone replacement therapy can make spider veins worse.

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To determine the health of deep veins and rule out potentially dangerous conditions and complications, some quick, non-invasive, pain free tests will be completed. Our professional staff will also complete a full medical history focusing on the concerns that you have about your veins. Our clinics are accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR). The screen is done by a Registered Vascular Technician (RVT).

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Often thought of as an aesthetic problem, Spider Veins (technically known as Telangiectasias) can indicate serious vein disease. Before you can even see spider veins, symptoms can often be felt starting below the surface of the skin. Venous Doppler ultrasound exams are the gold standard for evaluating the presence of vein disease, and will qualify a venous problem as medically necessary or not.

Vein disease, if left untreated, can lead to serious medical conditions. 

Patients with spider veins may have undiagnosed varicose veins nearby.

The actual spider vein does not pose a serious health risk. 

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Many people prefer to leave them untreated as they aren’t painful most of the time; however, if you want to prevent them from getting worse, or want to have the best outcome possible from treatment, it is better to treat them as soon as possible rather than waiting.

You may be surprised at how simple and easy treating spider veins can be.

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Between 20 to 25 million Americans have some kind of vein disease, including spider veins.

Spider veins are especially prevalent among older individuals. 

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Although the terms varicose veins and spider veins are often used interchangeably, there are notable differences. Varicose veins are the more serious of the two and lead to surgery more often. Both conditions can escalate from a mild to a severe case. Varicose veins are large bulging veins that are dark purple or blue. They typically affect the leg area and are more common in women than men. People that suffer from spider veins and varicose veins have similar contributing factors. Genetics and hormone changes can result in a weakening of the vein walls. As we age, vein wall valves begin to fail, causing veins to stretch or break. Normally, that’s when spider veins will start to form.

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To ensure maximum health of your legs & veins and maximum improvement after vein treatment:

  • Exercise daily! Focus on exercises which activate the calf muscles. Even a brisk ten minute walk is very beneficial.
  • Elevate your legs whenever possible throughout the day. Sleep with your legs elevated about six inches above your heart. A few pillows will usually suffice.
  • Try not to sit with your legs crossed for prolonged periods.
  • When standing for long periods, be sure to take periodic breaks. With prolonged sitting, be sure to get up and move around periodically. Vary your sitting and standing positions throughout the day.

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Yes; however, every situation must be thoroughly assessed to determine the best plan of treatment

Compression hose help put pressure on the veins to help promote normal venous blood flow. 

Learn more about compression garments here

At Advanced Vein Centers we use a variety of methods to eliminate spiders veins. The process can be done with lasers such as Diode Laser, YAG 1064 Laser, Lamprove, IPL and Gentleyag treatments, injection of liquid medications or saline as well as with sclerotherapy treatments.

These out patient procedures do not require a hospital stay, are minimally invasive and require little to no down time. 

Advanced Vein Clinic offers effective therapies to treat spider veins and decrease their negative effects.

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Yes; however, every situation must be thoroughly assessed to determine the best plan of treatment.

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Spider veins are usually treated with laser vein treatments, sclerotherapy injections or with surgical removal of veins (phlebectomy).

Sclerotherapy has been for many years the Gold Standard cosmetic treatment for spider veins. It entails using a tiny injection into the small abnormal red or purple spider veins just under the skin. Usually the injectable solution, or sclerosant, is a solution of saline, or salt, in varying concentrations, based on the size of the vein. This solution irritates the lining of the small spider vein and causes scar tissue or fibrosis of the vein, thus shutting it down and not allowing the blood to flow through the abnormal vessel. Blood is instead routed to healthy vessels. To help determine the best option, discuss all of these available services with a vein specialist.

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Results of spider vein treatment can be long lasting, even permanent, but it is important to remember that the individual vein is closed forever; however, if the underlying varicose vein condition is not addressed, more spider veins will eventually appear in another location.

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Vein disease can be progressive and insidious. It is important to address the underlying problem. At Advanced Vein Centers we recommend a Doppler exam, as well as completing a thorough physical and health assessment, to ensure we address the underlying issues.

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Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) may be caused by a variety of factors; but, it is commonly associated with the presence of spider veins. In some cases Restless Leg Syndrome associated with spider veins may be attributed to dysfunction of leg veins. Restless Leg Syndrome refers to a condition in which a person experiences unpleasant sensations, often described as an intense creepy-crawly sensation in the legs when they are at rest. People with RLS may find it difficult to sit still, and they may have trouble sleeping due to the urge to move their legs.

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Pregnancy can cause the appearance and worsening of Spider Veins. After delivery, the appearance of your leg veins will likely improve somewhat. Maximal improvement usually occurs 3-4 months after delivery.

Learn more about pregnancy & Spider Veins here

After pregnancy, wait about 6 months, until your hormones get back to normal. before having spider veins treated. Pregnancy and female hormones are one of the biggest factors that cause spider veins. That is why multiple pregnancies are a main risk factor for spider veins.

Learn more about pregnancy & Spider Veins here

For best results, it is commonly recommended that women wait several months after they finish nursing before commencing spider vein treatment. Hormonal variations is the sited reason as the veins have not finished changing yet.

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A MD, Nurse, or Physician Assistant (or a specialized podiatrist for lower legs) are considered to be the best types of provider in the treatment of spider veins. They are usually Certified or guided by a Board Certified Vascular, General, or Cosmetic Surgeon. We have Board Certified Cosmetic and General surgeons on staff at Advanced Vein Centers. We have highly skilled extenders with advanced training in this field who are performing these treatments daily, with many, many, very satisfied patients.

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While treating underlying painful vein disease is covered by insurance when parameters are met, we offer laser spider vein therapy at very reasonable prices when not covered by insurance. You should first have your veins evaluated for medical necessity to verify that you do not have a purely cosmetic problem!

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Different treatment methods will have different possible temporary side effects.

Generally for a few days after a procedure you may notice:

  • tiny red blood vessels
  • lines or darker spots
  • slight bruising
  • red or pink raised areas or small sores or small blisters

If these last more than 2 weeks it is recommended you contact your vein specialist.

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  • improves the cosmetic appearance of the area
  • treatment is non-invasive or minimally invasive
  • treatment is office based. No hospital stay is required
  • the treatment is fast with little to no discomfort
  • treatment is convenient. We have multiple vein offices that provide spider vein treatment
  • spider vein treatment is effective and low risk
  • fast recovery with patients usually able to resume normal activity immediately
  • can relieve the pain, swelling, discomfort and other symptoms of spider veins

Both men and women have found that treating their spider veins can improve their confidence and self-esteem while eliminating painful or uncomfortable symptoms. 

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