Are spider veins purely cosmetic?
Varicose veins are enlarged veins that bulge through the skin and may appear as blue or purple knot-like cords. Varicose veins can occur anywhere in the body, but are more commonly found in the lower extremities. Spider veins, also known as telangiectasias are smaller than varicose veins and often look like a sunburst or “spider web.” They are red or blue in color and are commonly found on the face and legs. The most important consideration for a patient is to recognize whether spider veins are associated with venous reflux disease. If they are associated with venous reflux disease, then this has to be treated before cosmetic procedures such as sclerotherapy or topical lasers are used to obliterate these spider veins. Venous reflux disease is currently treated in the office setting with the VNUS Closure procedure or endovenous laser procedures (EVLT, ELVeS, etc.). Alternatively, some surgeons still perform ligation and stripping procedures. Once these procedures are done, then it is id
