What Causes Spider Veins and Where to Get Treatment in Beverly Hills

The appearance of spider veins isn’t a sign of aging; it’s more of a result of aging. As we grow older, our skin loses elasticity and blood vessels become less able to handle the stress of standing upright all day every day. When increased pressure causes tiny veins in your legs to burst, they appear as small red dots that look like spiders — hence the name spider veins. You don’t have to feel embarrassed or self-conscious about having spider veins. They’re common among adults who are around 40 years old, which means there are plenty of people around you who likely have them too! Unless you have a secondary condition like lymphedema or another underlying issue, spider veins are almost always caused by genetics and natural aging processes — not some sort of disease or eating habits.

What Causes Spider Veins?

Spider veins, also known as telangiectasia, are small, red, thread-like veins that commonly appear on the legs. While they are frequently harmless and caused by aging, they can sometimes signal an underlying condition. 

• Aging – The most common cause of spider veins is simply getting older. As we get older, our legs are subjected to additional stress and pressure, which can cause the veins to break and become dilated and visible. 
• Hormonal – Hormonal changes in women (such as during pregnancy, menopause, or while taking birth control pills) can cause spider veins. 
• Weight gain – Being overweight and having a higher body mass index (BMI) puts added pressure on your veins, which can lead to spider veins. 
• Genetics – Those who have family members with spider veins are more likely to develop them.

How to Recognize Spider Veins

Spider veins are tiny red or blue veins that appear on the skin in a branching pattern. They usually can be found on the legs, but can also appear on the face, chest, or back. While some spider veins may not be visible, others may be clearly visible on your skin as small red or blue branches. Spider veins may be painful or itch, and some people may experience burning, itching, or discomfort in the legs. You may also notice the veins may be larger than normal, or they may look like they are bulging under the skin.

Spider Vein Treatment Options in Beverly Hills

Spider veins don’t require treatment if they aren’t painful or giving you discomfort. If they are bothering you, you might want to treat them so they aren’t as visible. There are various treatment options available, such as: 

• Sclerotherapy – This involves injecting a solution into the vein to destroy it. The treatment may have side effects, such as redness, swelling, cramping, or itchiness. 
• Laser vein removal – It involves using a laser to heat up and close off the vein. It’s generally a shorter treatment than sclerotherapy, but it may not work as well in certain people.

Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins in Beverly Hills

Sclerotherapy is one of the most common procedures used to treat spider veins. A solution containing a substance like saline, or polidocanol is injected into the affected veins. The solution causes the veins to collapse, sealing them shut. Sclerotherapy is a non-invasive procedure that’s done in a doctor’s office. You’ll likely have a few small bruises after the treatment, but they’ll go away within a few weeks. Sclerotherapy is best for veins that are close to the surface of the skin. With sclerotherapy, you can expect your veins to disappear completely in about three-quarters of patients, while they improve in the other quarter of patients.

Bottom line

Spider veins may not be dangerous, but they can be unsightly. There are many ways to treat spider veins, including chemical injections, lasers, and surgical procedures. If you’re struggling with spider veins, you are not alone — they are very common and can be treated.