Spider Veins and Telangiectasias

What are they?

  • Spider veins are tiny dilated veins near the surface of the skin.  They are either red or blue and somewhat resemble a spider web (hence the name), or small tree branches.  Usually on the leg and ankle, they are also seen on the face.
  • Telangiectasias are clusters of very fine blood vessels (capillaries) more frequently on the face around the nose and mid-cheek.  Both spider veins and telangiectasias are cosmetic concerns with little medical significance.

What Causes Them?

A variety of factors, including: sex (women more than men) genetics, high alcohol intake, aggressive treatment of the skin, hormonal fluctuations, birth control pills, obesity, pregnancy and prolonged standing

Treatment:

  • Face - Facial telangiectasias are best treated with the Vbeam laser.  The laser works by destruction of the vessels through absorbed heat from the laser beam.
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Before
After
  • Legs - Spider veins on the legs can be treated with the GentleYAG laser. 



How does the GentleYAG laser work?

Instead of an injectable solution, laser energy is used to injure the vessel wall and cause eventual collapse. Within several weeks the vessels disappear.