Spider Veins

(para los españoles clic aquí)

What are spider veins?

Telangiectasias, or spider veins are small red, blue or purple web-like veins on the surface of the skin.

What causes spider veins?

The causes of spider veins are undetermined. However, heredity, age, gender and number of pregnancies may contribute to the development of spider veins.

Who should treat my varicose veins or spider veins?

Spider veins are treated by a variety of professionals with different specialties.  It is important to choose someone who is experienced with the complexities of diagnosis and a variety of treatment options.  An Interventional Radiologist is a specially-trained medical doctor who can perform minimally invasive therapies in all blood vessels throughout the body. Interventional radiologists are board-certified and fellowship-trained. All of our interventional radiologists at the Memphis Vascular Center are board-certified and fellowship-trained. Our office is located near Memphis, TN in Germantown. Our 8 interventional radiologists who work at our Memphis TN office are all board-certified and fellowship-trained.

How are spider veins treated?

Sclerotherapy is the best way to treat spider veins on the legs.  A special medicine is injected into the vein by using a very fine needle with the help of a vein light.  The medicine causes the vein to seal itself.  The spider vein(s) will typically disappear within 4-12 weeks.  It may be necessary to have multiple sessions depending on the number of spider veins.
For more information please download our brochure: Sclerotherapy Brochure

Are there any complications from sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy has rarely been associated with serious complications. There are a few mild side effects such as bruising, itching, tenderness or tightness that could continue for up to two weeks after the procedure. Mild pain may be treated with ibuprofen. Staining can occur in some patients.  Most staining will resolve in 10-12 months. However, some staining may not resolve and a referral to a dermatologist is needed. In extremely rare cases, ulcers can occur from sclerotherapy.

What can I expect after the procedure?

You will be able to return to your normal activities immediately after the procedure. Wearing compression stockings for 2-3 days after the procedure can improve the cosmetic appearance.

Will my spider veins come back?

After Sclerotherapy, there is a small chance new spider veins may appear.  We recommend treating those areas as they appear. The spider vein(s) will typically disappear after treatment within 4-12 weeks.

Contact Memphis Vascular Center

Memphis Vascular Center is located in Germantown, Tennesee just 20 minutes from the Memphis International Airport and from downtown Memphis. We serve patients from Collierville, Bartlett, Southaven, Marion, TN and more. To schedule your free consultation for spider veins, please call 901-683-1890 today!