What Causes Spider Veins?

What Causes Spider Veins?

Spider veins have many different causes. Some are avoidable, while others you cannot change. Knowing your risk factors can help you take steps to prevent spider veins from occurring or coming back. Underlying causes of spider veins include:

• Hormonal changes
• Genetics
• Pregnancy
• Long periods of sitting or standing
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Alcohol use
• Heavy sun exposure

Leading a healthy lifestyle and avoiding factors like alcohol and smoking can help prevent spider veins. However, those with strong hormonal or genetic factors may develop them anyway. Spider veins often run in families, and this type can be difficult to avoid. Fortunately, they are easy to treat and eliminate. 

How are Spider Veins Treated?

Spider vein treatments target the problem veins using several different methods. Dr. Dohner will choose the best one for you or may recommend a combination of treatments. He will develop an individualized treatment plan to help you achieve clear, even skin. 

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is the treatment of choice for spider veins on your legs. Sclerotherapy uses an advanced foam solution injected into the problem vein. This foam causes the vein walls to collapse, stopping blood flow. Your body absorbs these nonfunctional veins, and blood flows through healthier ones. 

VeinGogh™

Spider veins on the nose and ankles respond especially well to VeinGogh™. This treatment uses a thin fiber placed underneath the skin next to the spider vein. It uses a pulse of energy to collapse the vein without affecting the surrounding tissues. 

532 KTP and 1064 Nd:Yag Lasers

These lasers treat small spider veins and those that do not respond to sclerotherapy. The laser energy targets the pigments inside the damaged blood vessels. The pigments absorb heat and damage the vein walls, causing them to seal shut.