VARICOSE VEINS & SURFACE VEINS (or “Spider Veins”) ARE NOT THE SAME!

Surface Veins

Telangiectasia (Reticular veins) or Spider veins, these are small capillaries which twist and turn and are visible under the skin. Either type can be either bluish/purple or red in colour. They usually form distinct networks or webs – the larger are termed Telangiectasia, and if very tiny- are often termed Spider Veins:

• most often predominately of cosmetic importance
• usually harmless, but can cause localised discomfort
• Diagnostic Duplex scans are required as overall, at least 20% of these “surface veins” – telangiectasia – (the larger veins – 88% * ) or – less commonly with spider veins, have underlying deeper varicose, not always visible. (* ref: Ruckley, C. V.; Allan, P. L.; Evans, C. J.; Lee, A. J.; Fowkes, F. G. R. (2011). “Telangiectasia and venous reflux in the Edinburgh Vein Study”. Phlebology 27

Thus, Duplex Ultrasound scanning, is necessary before planning to treat surface veins. as if any existing larger underlying varicose veins are treated first, most of the overlying telangiectasia , and, less commonly spider veins, may disappear. following Duplex/Visual Guided Sclerotherapy.

If, however, the superficial telangiectasia or spider veins are treated first, they will inevitably return or even increase in severity.

However, both telangiectasias and especially spider veins, do not respond very well and often not to the patient’s expectations and have an increased tendency to recur or worsen to an appreciably greater extent, than may be inherent for the larger conventional varicose veins, and surface veins may require ongoing future treatments to control.

Treatment of Surface Veins

• Sclerotherapy
• Laser for Surface Veins
  Laser treatment is often less effective than sclerotherapy, particularly in comparison with treatment for telangiectasia or reticular larger surface veins.

Subsequent to laser treatment, there may be some redness, bruising, itching, swelling and there may also be permanent skin tone changes.

Scans can be done at all sites.  All your information will be on file as a patient of Dr Then’s.  Most of the scans take from 45 minutes to 120 minutes. If it will be longer our staff will advise you at the time of making your appointment.

All of our vascular ultrasounds are non invasive and external and these scans records images and diameters of your internal organs.