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.
Fellas (and you ladies, too) - if you suffer from varicose veins, don't wait until they get really bad to do something about them. Make an appointment with Colorado Skin and Vein and Dr. Verebelyi and go get them fixed! You will not regret it!
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