Spider veins
Spider veins are varicose veins of the smallest vessels of the skin (> 1 millimeter). They are often visually disturbing but are usually not malignant. Your spider veins have been a thorn in your side for a long time? Whether for cosmetic or medical reasons, we will be happy to advise you on your options.
Remove spider veins
Spider veins are small, clearly visible reticular or fan-shaped veins that have a slightly bluish or reddish shimmer. As a harmless form of varicose veins, spider veins are estimated to affect more than 60% of the population. Whereby women are affected more often than men.
At the Venenzentrum am See in Feldmeilen, a comprehensive and precise diagnosis is the basis for the treatment of spider veins. In most cases, spider veins are removed for cosmetic reasons. However, spider veins can also be a sign of a disease of the deeper veins. Especially if they are in the area of the edge of the foot and lower legs.
What are spider veins and are they dangerous?
Spider veins look like small blue or red lines on the skin that resemble spider webs. That is why they are also called “spider veins” in English. These veins are usually harmless; however, they can also be signs of a disease of the venous system.
Most people get spider veins on their legs. However, they can equally be found on the arms or face. Spider veins tend to increase with age, and a strong genetic component is also responsible for the development of spider veins. Spider veins are permanent and do not regress on their own.
About 80% of adults have had or have at least one spider vein on their legs. In at least 20%, these occur in combination with truncal and branch vein varicosis. The main reason for this is that our skin becomes thinner as we age.
Although spider veins are usually harmless, you should see a doctor sooner rather than later if you have the first doubts. In some cases, the reason for the appearance of spider veins is varicose vein disease. A consultation interview will ensure that you receive the right treatment as quickly as possible.
Spider veins: causes and risk factors
The cause of spider veins is still unknown. Some researchers suggest that they arise from varicose veins in larger vessels, where the more turbulent blood flow can lead to venous hypertension and valve damage. The excessive pressure of these small vessels and inefficient venous valves provide the typical appearance of spider veins.
However, spider veins can appear even without deeper disease of the large veins. There are several risk factors which are associated with the development of spider veins:
– genetic predisposition (family history)
– chronic venous disease (CVD)
– local traumas
– taking female hormones
– taking steroids
– pregnancy
– obesity
– smoking
– lack of movement
– low-fiber diet
– standing or sitting for long periods
– increasing age
– gender (female)
– chemotherapy
Symptoms of spider veins: What should I look out for?
Most people do not feel any symptoms when spider veins are present. However, symptoms may occur in a few cases. In this case, however, you should always consult a doctor. The following symptoms are possible with spider veins:
– pain
– burn
– itching
– a sensation of warmth
– firm, warm, sensitive vein
– “pulling” feeling
In case of additional symptoms such as throbbing, cramps, tiredness in the legs, and swelling of the legs, a varicose vein disease must be urgently excluded.
Why us as your vein doctor?
Over 25 years experience
At Venenzentrum am See, we have specialized in the treatment of vein disorders for about 25 years.
Minimally invasive procedures
As an alternative to surgical treatment of venous disorders, we prefer to use minimally invasive procedures.
Fast & uncomplicated appointment
You can quickly and easily make an appointment online or call us.
Outpatient & painless treatment of venous disorders
The use of minimally invasive procedures allows for outpatient and low-pain treatment.
Comprehensive diagnostics & patient education
We offer a holistic vein clarification with the most modern equipment available.
Practice in central location
Our practice is in a preferred location near the Herrliberg-Feldmeilen train station.
Remove spider veins
Before the actual treatment, a comprehensive diagnostic clarification takes place in our practice. In addition to the medical history, the responsible physician first examines the bluish-shimmering vessels and the venous system with ultrasound.
Once the doctor has a good picture, he or she will initiate the appropriate therapy for your needs. Particularly frequently used methods to be able to remove spider veins are sclerotherapy and laser therapy. The cost of spider vein removal also depends on the treatment method used; the same applies to the expense of removing varicose veins.
Our spider vein treatments are sought out in many parts of Switzerland. That is why we also treat people who are looking for a vein center near Zug, near Pfäffikon, or near Zurich, for example.
Sclerosing spider veins
Sclerosing spider veins is a frequently used, low-risk, and very successful method of treating spider veins. Medically, this is called sclerotherapy.
In this procedure, the blood vessels in your skin are punctured with a needle, and a sclerosing agent is injected into your vein. This leads to inflammation of the vein wall, which in turn causes the vein to be broken down by the body. The result is visible after a few weeks. Depending on the quantity, several treatments are necessary.
The procedure of sclerotherapy has been used for over 100 years and is still the first choice of many surgeons for the treatment of spider veins. At the Venenzentrum am See in Feldmeilen, we use both the tried-and-tested and the latest sclerosing methods. This is individually adapted to the veins to be treated. This gives us a wider range of options for the best possible treatment of your legs.
Laser spider veins
Laser treatment of spider veins is a common cosmetic procedure. It is aimed at eliminating those blood vessels that are responsible for the formation of spider veins. For this, the vein is targeted with a laser and heated by the laser beams. Doing so destroys the conspicuous veins, and the blue-colored areas fade and disappear after a few weeks.
During the procedure, there may be temporary bruising and pain, but this can be minimized by using creams for local anesthesia.
What to do against spider veins
Regular exercise and weight loss, if you tend to be overweight, can make you healthier in the long run and counteract the formation of new spider veins. That’s because the extra weight makes it harder for your veins to transport blood back to your heart against gravity.
These measures can also help your legs feel better because they are less painful and less uncomfortable. In certain situations, wearing compression stockings helps blood return to the venous system and protects against further occurrence of spider veins.
Since stronger compression stockings can be harmful in certain conditions, such as heart disease, be sure to talk to a doctor beforehand. This person can give you expert advice on whether it is safe for you to use prescription compression stockings or what stockings strength would be safe for you.
Is the effect spider vein treatment permanent?
The vast majority of our patients show good results. However, some findings require multiple treatments or even prove resistant to therapy. The often-heard statement that treated spider veins “come back anyway” is wrong. But, of course, in affected individuals, there is a disposition to form such findings that persist.
Some risk factors for spider veins, such as your age, gender, and family history, are beyond your control.
Therefore, if you get new spider veins, you may need to have another procedure to remove or sclerose them.
Do spider veins have a medical significance?
No. However, many patients find them cosmetically disturbing.
How much does a spider vein treatment cost?
Spider veins do not have any disease value. Therefore, the cost of spider vein removal is not covered by health insurance. We usually charge CHF 450 for 45 minutes.
Does spider veins require follow-up treatment?
No. Bandages and stockings are usually not required. One can return to work or sports immediately after the treatment.
Risks of removing spider veins
Sometimes small bruises occur, rarely pigmentations. These are brownish discolorations of the skin, which usually disappear, albeit slowly.
Make an appointment!
Our vein doctors at Venenzentrum am See specialize in modern minimally invasive methods for treating vein conditions. Benefit from our many years of experience and expertise and let our competent team advise and treat you.
