SPIDER VEIN TREATMENT IN SAN ANGELO, TEXAS
Feel More Confident
in Your Skin.
Spider veins are small, visible blood vessels that can appear as delicate red, blue, or purple lines near the surface of the skin. While they are often harmless, their appearance can be frustrating—especially when they develop on the legs.
Dr. Don M. Lewis and his staff in San Angelo can discuss your concerns, explain possible causes, and help you explore appropriate treatment options.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION LEARN MOREUNDERSTANDING SPIDER VEINS
What Are Spider Veins?
Spider veins, medically known as telangiectasias, are small, widened blood vessels visible through the skin.
They commonly appear on the thighs, calves, and ankles, although they can also develop on the face and other areas. Their branching or web-like appearance gives them their familiar name.
Some people notice spider veins at a relatively young age, while others develop them gradually over time. They are particularly common in women but can affect men as well.
Most spider veins are primarily a cosmetic concern. However, some visible veins may occur alongside underlying venous circulation problems, making an appropriate evaluation important.
WHY SPIDER VEINS DEVELOP
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Spider veins can develop for several reasons. Genetics, hormonal influences, and changes in venous circulation may all contribute.
Heredity
A family history of spider veins or varicose veins can increase the likelihood of developing visible veins.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal fluctuations associated with pregnancy, menopause, and other life stages may contribute to visible vein changes.
Prolonged Sitting or Standing
Occupations or daily routines involving extended periods of sitting or standing may contribute to increased pressure in the leg veins.
Pregnancy
Changes in blood volume, hormones, and pressure on pelvic and leg veins during pregnancy can make spider veins more noticeable.
Weight Changes
Weight gain and other changes that increase pressure on the veins may contribute to their development.
Aging and Sun Exposure
Age-related changes can make blood vessels more visible, while sun exposure may contribute to small surface vessels, particularly on the face.
KNOW THE DIFFERENCE
Spider Veins vs. Varicose Veins
Although both involve visible veins, spider veins and varicose veins are not the same condition.
Spider Veins
Usually small, thin red, blue, or purple vessels.
Often appear flat against the skin in branching or web-like patterns.
Frequently cause no symptoms and are treated primarily for cosmetic reasons.
May appear on the legs, face, or other areas.
Varicose Veins
Typically larger, enlarged, twisted veins that may bulge above the skin.
Can cause aching, heaviness, itching, or swelling in the legs.
May be associated with underlying venous insufficiency.
Sometimes require additional vascular evaluation and treatment.
If you experience leg pain, swelling, skin discoloration, or bulging veins, medical evaluation may be needed before pursuing cosmetic treatment.
COSMETIC VEIN REDUCTION
How Are Spider Veins Treated?
Several medical approaches may reduce the appearance of spider veins. The best option depends on their location, size, associated symptoms, and whether an underlying vein condition is present.
Sclerotherapy
A commonly used treatment for spider veins in the legs. A clinician injects a solution into selected veins, causing them to close and gradually become less visible as the body processes them.
Multiple sessions may be needed. Possible side effects include bruising, pigmentation changes, inflammation, and other complications.
Laser or Light-Based Treatment
Selected small surface vessels may respond to appropriately chosen laser or light-based treatments that target blood vessels through the skin.
Treatment suitability depends on vessel size, location, skin characteristics, and device selection. Temporary redness, swelling, or pigment changes may occur.
These are general treatment options, not a list of procedures confirmed to be available at Dr. Lewis's office. Call the practice to discuss current services.
YOUR TREATMENT JOURNEY
What to Expect From a Spider Vein Consultation
1. Discuss Your Concerns
Explain where the veins appear, when you first noticed them, and whether you have symptoms such as aching, swelling, or heaviness.
2. Review Medical History
Your clinician may ask about family history, previous vein treatments, pregnancy, medications, blood-clotting history, and other relevant health conditions.
3. Evaluate the Veins
The visible veins and surrounding skin are assessed. Certain symptoms or findings may warrant referral for additional vascular testing.
4. Explore Appropriate Options
If cosmetic treatment is appropriate, your clinician can discuss available procedures, expected results, possible risks, costs, and whether repeat sessions may be needed.
REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
Results, Recovery, and Prevention
Spider vein treatments aim to make selected visible vessels less noticeable, but results are not always immediate or complete.
Depending on the treatment, improvement may develop gradually over several weeks. Some veins may require more than one session, and new spider veins can appear later even after previously treated vessels fade.
Regular movement, avoiding prolonged immobility, maintaining a healthy weight, and using compression stockings when medically recommended may support leg vein health. However, these measures do not reliably remove spider veins that are already present.
Individual results vary, and no treatment can guarantee that spider veins will never return or that new ones will not develop.
WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION
Not Every Visible Vein Is Just Cosmetic
Spider veins are often harmless, but leg symptoms can sometimes indicate an underlying vascular condition that needs evaluation.
Symptoms That Deserve Prompt Evaluation
Persistent leg swelling, aching, skin changes, ulcers, or enlarged bulging veins should be assessed by a medical professional.
Seek urgent medical attention for sudden swelling or pain in one leg, particularly with redness or warmth. Chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, or coughing blood requires emergency care.
Treatment methods such as sclerotherapy and laser therapy also carry risks, including skin changes, inflammation, allergic reactions, and uncommon but potentially serious complications. Discuss your individual risks before proceeding.
PATIENT QUESTIONS
Spider Vein Frequently Asked Questions
What causes spider veins on the legs?
Spider veins can develop due to heredity, hormonal changes, pregnancy, aging, weight changes, and factors that affect pressure in the leg veins, including prolonged sitting or standing.
Are spider veins dangerous?
Most spider veins are harmless and primarily cosmetic. However, some people also have underlying venous circulation problems. Symptoms such as swelling, pain, or skin changes should be evaluated.
Can spider veins be removed without surgery?
Yes. Treatments such as sclerotherapy and selected laser procedures can reduce the appearance of certain spider veins without traditional surgery. The appropriate method depends on the veins and individual medical factors.
What is sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution into selected veins to make them close and gradually fade. It is a commonly used treatment for spider veins in the legs.
Does spider vein treatment hurt?
Discomfort depends on the treatment method and individual sensitivity. Sclerotherapy may cause brief stinging or cramping, while laser treatment may produce a snapping or warming sensation.
How many spider vein treatments will I need?
The number of sessions depends on the extent of the veins, the treatment selected, and your response. Some patients need multiple treatments to achieve their desired improvement.
How long does it take for spider veins to fade?
Treated spider veins often fade gradually over several weeks, though the timeline varies with the size of the vessels and the procedure used. Some veins may not respond completely.
Will spider veins come back after treatment?
Successfully treated veins may remain closed, but new spider veins can develop over time. Heredity, hormonal influences, and underlying vein conditions may contribute to recurrence or new visible vessels.
Can men get spider veins?
Yes. Spider veins affect both men and women, although they are particularly common in women. Family history, aging, and venous circulation factors can contribute in either sex.
Can exercise or compression stockings eliminate spider veins?
Exercise and compression stockings may support circulation or help manage certain vein-related symptoms, but they generally do not eliminate existing spider veins.
Are spider veins and varicose veins the same?
No. Spider veins are generally small, superficial vessels. Varicose veins are typically larger and may bulge, ache, or cause swelling. Varicose veins may require additional medical evaluation.
Where can I ask about spider vein treatment in San Angelo, TX?
Contact Dr. Don M. Lewis's office at 325-655-4259 to discuss spider vein concerns, currently available services, and consultation scheduling. The office is located at 320 West Concho in San Angelo, Texas.
PERSONALIZED COSMETIC CARE
Let's Talk About Your Spider Veins
If visible spider veins are affecting your confidence, contact Dr. Don M. Lewis's San Angelo office to learn more about possible treatment options and arrange a consultation.
CALL 325-655-4259