Published: March 19, 2021
Last updated: June 03, 2021
The Skinny
The heart and blood vessels work hard. Think about it, they spend a lot of time working against gravity and compensating for the minute changes that take place every second in our bodies and environments. When the blood vessels stop working exactly as they’re supposed to, there can be some minor and major issues. We’re going to focus on the minor, cosmetic issues that can occur when veins become less effective (learn more in our guide to Vein Concerns). In 2018, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reported that over 300,000 vein procedures were performed. Chronic venous insufficiency leading to spider veins and varicose veins is a common condition that is treatable with safe, well-practiced, and effective solutions.
The Specifics
Who needs a vein procedure?
Let’s talk blood vessels. There are a few major types. Arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body tissues. Veins carry deoxygenated blood from the body tissues back to the heart. Capillaries are the middle men connecting the arteries and veins where most particle exchange takes place. From a cosmetic perspective, we are focusing on the veins.Veins (in most areas of the body) have to defy gravity to get blood moving up. To accomplish this they use contractions in the vein wall, contractions of surrounding muscles, one way valves, and, of course, the force generated by the heart.
When there are issues with any of these areas, venous insufficiency can develop leading to spider veins or varicose veins.
- Spider Veins: Characterized by small, damaged veins that may appear blue, purple, or red and in the shape of a thin line, web, or branch. Usually painless and benign.
- Varicose Veins: Dark purple or blue veins that may appear twisted and bulging. Typically in the legs. Cases of small varicose veins tend not to be dangerous, however, some cases of larger varicose veins have been attributed to the development of blood clots, circulation problems, ulcers, bleeding, itching, and discomfort.
Some risk factors associated with the formation of spider veins and varicose veins include family history, age, gender, sedentary lifestyle, excess body weight, and pregnancy.
Women are twice as likely to develop venous issues due to hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Pregnancy leads to increased blood volume, which can cause fluid buildup in the legs. Hormonal cycles in any female are correlated to changes in blood vessel walls that can contribute to spider veins and varicose veins.
What can you expect from a vein procedure?
Vein procedures will be dependent on the type and severity of your condition. Remember treatment for venous insufficiency always begins with a full medical evaluation by your provider to determine the underlying cause and rule out more serious conditions.Once you have been diagnosed with spider veins or varicose veins, treatments for these conditions can include both at-home self care and professional interventions.
When should you seek a vein procedure?
The timing of treatment is mostly dependent upon the individual. In most cases, a medical evaluation followed by a trial of self care and lifestyle modifications is a good first step. When these treatments are not entirely effective, a professional procedure to treat spider veins and varicose veins is appropriate.Why should you seek a vein procedure?
Always have venous abnormalities assessed by your medical provider. From a purely cosmetic perspective, seeking treatment for vein conditions can be both aesthetically and functionally beneficial. Vein treatments can function to remove the discolored, bulging appearance of these blood vessels, while simultaneously relieving possible discomfort or heaviness.Cosmetic Procedures to Treat Veins
The following treatments for varicose and spider veins are selected depending on the severity of the condition. In milder cases, a provider may recommend an at-home treatment.- Laser Treatment
- Overview: Strong bursts of light are emitted into the vein causing them to slowly breakdown. Excellent for small and superficial veins.
- Cost: $600 - $3,000
- Recovery & Results: More than one procedure is usually needed, and are scheduled every two to three months. Minimal downtime following treatments. Patients may be required to wear compression stockings for a few weeks.
For Spider Veins
- Sclerotherapy
- Overview: An injection to close the vein by causing the walls to collapse and be reabsorbed by the body.
- Cost: $100 - $400 (learn more in our guide to sclerotherapy cost)
- Recovery & Results: Requires multiple treatments. Side effects are minimal.
- Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)
- Overview: A newer procedure used to treat spider and small varicose veins. A small incision is made in the affected vein and then a laser fiber is inserted. The heat from the laser causes the vein to collapse. The body then absorbs the dead tissue.
- Cost: from $600
- Recovery & Results: The patient should be able to return to most normal activities immediately. Patients may need to wear compression stockings for up to two weeks post-procedure
For Varicose Veins
- Ligation and Vein Stripping
- Overview: This procedure works to remove varicose veins from the legs by tying off (ligating) a vein and causing it to be reabsorbed by the body.
- Cost: $1,500 - $3,000
- Recovery & Results: Recovery takes two to four weeks. Legs must be elevated for the first three to four days after surgery. By the fourth week patients should be able to resume normal activities.
- Radiofrequency Ablation
- Overview: A type of laser or radiofrequency ablation method, where a doctor will insert a catheter into a large varicose vein that has been heated with radiofrequency or laser energy. As the doctor removes the catheter from the vein, the heat causes the vein to collapse and seal.
- Cost: $3,000 - $5,000
- Recovery & Results: The patient will need to wear compression stockings for a few weeks. May require multiple treatments.
At-Home Remedies
- Compression Stockings: Compression stockings essentially mimic the effects of muscular contractions to facilitate blood flow through the veins. The consistent pressure prevents fluid build up and improves blood circulation. These can be purchased in drug stores, but should be used under the care of a physician. - Self-Care: Weight loss, exercise, avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, a healthy diet, and not smoking can help to prevent vascular problems from developing-and also just make you feel good in general.The Takeaway
Venous insufficiency is a relatively common condition. Many cases can be avoided or alleviated through good self care. In some cases, however, spider veins and varicose veins can develop and persist despite good lifestyle habits. Fortunately, a medical professional can work with you to eliminate the discoloration and bulging appearance of these veins improving your appearance and relieving any discomfort.
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