September 29, 2022
Spider veins are a general term for vessels that show through the skin. They can appear throughout the face or legs as dark red, purple, or blue lines that twist and turn. While spider veins are not often painful, they can be bothersome for many. If your unwanted veins are negatively affecting your daily life, it may be time to think about spider vein removal. Colorado Skin & Vein is committed to providing the best treatments for spider veins in Denver. Our team of highly trained specialists is here to help you look as good on the outside as you feel on the inside. *Individual Results May Vary. Diagnosing Spider Veins At Colorado Skin & Vein, we use industry-leading technologies in order to see vessels. With our advanced diagnostic tools, we’re able to ensure you get the best possible treatment for your individual needs. Being able to make sure that no vessels are missed also greatly reduces the likelihood of repeated procedures. We can offer any or all of these services in a single in-office visit. How to Treat Spider Veins As providers, we generally break veins down by size. There are three main types of spider veins; telangiectasia, small reticular, and large reticular veins. The most effective treatment for vessels depends on the type of vein being treated. Let’s take a closer look at how we treat each below. 0.1-1mm Vessels (Telangiectasia) Telangiectasia are vessels that are less than 1mm wide. These are usually pink, red, or purple in color. Many people refer to these vessels as “broken capillaries” although they are actually just intact tiny superficial veins. So, what are your options for these small, yet aesthetically displeasing veins? Pulsed Dye Lasers are our go-to solution for pink, red, and purple veins that are less than 1mm for many reasons. The Pulsed Dye Laser is by far one of the safest and most effective treatments. The procedure can be used anywhere on the body including the face. Treatments are quick with minimal discomfort and side effects. Many vessels can be eradicated in a single treatment. Other options may include electrocautery, but it is painful, not as effective, and can leave scarring over the treated area. Sclerotherapy can also work, but it can be very difficult to get a needle inside a vessel this small. Although rare, there is a possibility of skin breakdown around the injection site which makes this procedure inappropriate for facial veins. Other lasers such at the 1064nm Nd:YAG or 532nm KTP can also be used for small veins but tend to not work quite as well on these vessels and can have more side effects than the Pulsed Dye Laser. 1-2mm Vessels (Small Reticular Veins) Small reticular vessels are those that are between 1-2mm and usually blue or slightly green in color. These veins may cause pain or discomfort and can also burn or itch in certain instances making removal essential. For vessels from 1-2mm either 1064nm Nd:YAG laser or Sclerotherapy are the treatments of choice. Why? The Nd:YAG is a laser that penetrates deeper into the skin that the Pulsed Dye which makes it more effective at treating larger vessels. Most patients will require 1-3 treatments depending on their vessels. Sclerotherapy involves shooting a solution into the vessel which damages the vessels walls and stops blood flow. There are many different solutions on the market. We use an extremely effective combination of glycerin and STS (Sotradecol) which is made into a foam to help it stick to the vessels walls. 3-4mm Vessels (Large Reticular Veins) For these larger painful vessels, foam sclerotherapy is the treatment of choice. In many cases, a single treatment will cause bothersome veins to disappear. *Individual Results May Vary. Varicose Vein Treatments in Denver Spider veins and varicose veins are often thought to be the same condition. However, they are completely different problems that require unique treatments. All veins have one-way valves inside them to keep the blood flowing in one direction. Occasionally, these valves do not close correctly letting blood flow backward causing the affected vein to get distended and ropy. These vessels are labeled as “varicose veins”. Many patients opt to remove varicose veins because they can be both aesthetically displeasing and painful. Among other treatment options, we offer the CoolTouch laser for unwanted varicose veins. What’s Right for You? The best treatment for your spider veins will vary based on your individual concerns as well as your end goals. During your in-person consultation, one of our skilled vein specialists will perform an evaluation and talk to you about all of your options in-depth. Together, you’ll create a customized treatment plan for the best possible outcome for long-term results. “Always love coming here. Front desk staff in knowledgeable, helpful and on point. Medical staff ROCKS. Great treatments, and also, they run ON TIME. I refer every who ever asks about any skin/vein things to them!” January King Take the Next Step Want more information on laser vein removal at Colorado Skin & Vein? Request a consultation online or call us today at (303) 683-3235 to schedule an appointment at our office in Eaglewood, CO.
September 29, 2022
If you have spider veins, it might feel like you’re resigned to have those visibly blue or purple veins forever. But believe it or not, there’s a treatment out there that can help minimize the appearance of spider veins, to the point where you may even regain clear skin again. That treatment is sclerotherapy, and it’s one of the most effective solutions for spider veins on the market today! You’re excited about sclerotherapy, but there’s just one question holding you back: “How much does spider vein removal cost?” *Individual Results May Vary. The Cost of Spider Vein Removal in Denver According to RealSelf, the average cost of spider vein removal in the greater Denver and Englewood areas is $525. Spider vein removal (sclerotherapy) can be as little as $250 or as much as $1,500, depending on the number of veins being treated in a single session. For example, you may expect to pay less if you’re treating one or two visible spider veins as opposed to a larger network of veins. Sclerotherapy is a highly affordable and minimally invasive treatment, thus explaining why it remains one of the most popular options for spider vein removal. How Does Spider Vein Removal Work? Sclerotherapy at Colorado Skin & Vein uses an FDA approve medication, Polidocanol that is placed directly into the spider vein via a fine-tip needle. Polidocanol and much more comfortable than old saline injections and much safer than Sotradecol (STS). The medication causes the treated vessel to close over the next few weeks. After the vein closes, it is absorbed by the body. At this final stage of the sclerotherapy process, you should expect to see clearer – if not totally clear – skin. When performed by trained and experience providers, sclerotherapy is very safe! Side effects are minimal with the most common being itching over the treatment site for a short period immediately after the procedure. Take the Next Step Now that you know the cost of spider vein removal, why not see if you’re a good candidate for sclerotherapy? Schedule a consultation at Colorado Skin & Vein in Englewood, CO. (303) 683-3235
May 18, 2022
When people develop spider veins, they often wonder what the veins on the back of their legs or their face are. Spider veins are small red, blue, and purple veins easily visible below the skin. These veins contain one-way valves that keep blood flowing in one direction back to your heart. When these valves stop working, it means they are weak or damaged and become visible, resembling a spider web. People who develop spider veins on their legs, face, or even pelvic area often notice them and ask, “What causes spider veins?” Spider veins may appear for a number of reasons. These include genetics, holding occupations that require you to stand for long periods of time, obesity, birth control pill use, hormone replacements, a history of blood clots, pregnancy, and more. What many people may not realize, however, is that those small spider veins can reveal more significant health issues. If you notice spider veins in your skin, there are treatment options to consider. If you are worried that your spider veins are a sign of something serious, call your healthcare provider to discuss spider vein treatment and other options. Do Spider Veins Indicate Bigger Health Concerns? When people develop spider veins, they are often primarily concerned with the visible changes to their skin. In many cases, spider veins alone are not cause for alarm, and they often present few symptoms. However, some cases of spider veins can indicate more significant health problems. Here are a few more serious health concerns associated with spider veins: 1. Venous Disease By themselves, spider veins do not cause health problems, but they can be an early indicator of venous disease. All the veins in your body are interlocked in an elaborate system. Spider veins can indicate unhealthy changes in larger veins, such as circulation problems and unhealthy increases in pressure. Venous conditions, such as chronic venous insufficiency and deep vein thrombosis, increase pressure in affected veins, which can cause other problems, such as a venous stasis ulcer. If you have developed large clusters of spider veins, you should seek an examination to rule out any underlying circulation issues. 2. Systemic Diseases Somespider veins on your legs or face may actually be spider angioma. Spider angioma veins look almost identical to spider veins, except they have a red spot with a reddish “web.” There may also be reddened skin around the veins. If someone has multiple spider angiomas, there is a possibility that they could indicate a more serious health condition, such as chronic liver disease. In fact, multiple spider angiomas are indicative of chronic liver disease with an observed specificity of 95%. 3.Lymphedema Another condition that is often signaled by spider veins is lymphedema. The lymph system is a network of special tissues, vessels, and organs that carry lymph, or white blood cells, throughout the body. The transport of lymph is critical for fighting certain diseases and infections. Lymphedema refers to a buildup of fluid in soft tissue when the lymphatic system is either damaged or blocked. Symptoms of lymphedema may include swelling of the arms or legs, as well as spider veins. If left untreated, lymphedema can lead to various types of cancers. If you notice spider veins in addition to swelling, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider as soon as possible. While mild cases of spider veins can indicate somewhat benign health conditions, it’s important to keep an eye on spider veins, especially if they become more serious. That’s because the small networks of veins could indicate larger health issues that need to be addressed by your healthcare provider. If you are worried about the appearance of spider veins on your skin and want to learn more about causes and treatment options, contact us at Colorado Skin & Vein.