Spider veins are small, twisted blood vessels that are red, purple and blue in color. They are easily visible through the skin and commonly found on the legs and other parts of the body. If you suffer from this condition, then you may think you know everything there is to know about spider veins. However, while nearly 60% of adults have spider or varicose veins, most do not fully understand this condition, its cause, complications and treatment.
To give you a better understanding of spider veins, the following is a list of the most common misconceptions people have about spider veins with comments and explanations.
1. Spider veins are purely a cosmetic issue
For the prevailing majority of people, spider veins are just a cosmetic issue. For some others, however, these veins cause great discomfort, pain, muscle cramps, swelling and many other symptoms. In which case, if left untreated, they can lead to more severe problems and complications. Additionally, even in absence of pain or any other symptoms, complications are still possible. Without appropriate treatment, spider veins eventually lead to formation of trophic ulcers, infections, bleeding, swelling, development of blood clots and some other venous complications.
2. Spider veins are always an independent vein disease
Spider veins of the lower extremities are extremely rare an independent isolated condition. Almost always they are a symptom of a condition called venous hypertension, which includes a group of vein diseases responsible for elevated venous pressure. It is, therefore, extremely important, like in any other situation in medicine, to treat not an isolated symptom, but rather a disease, responsible for appearance of this symptoms. With such approach, results of treatment are much better, but most importantly, re-occurrence is prevented once and forever.
3. Spider veins will go away on their own
Despite common belief, spider veins do never disappear without treatment, but quite contrary, unavoidably progress further. Our spider vein treatment center in NYC provides many treatment options for removing spider veins. Some of these methods include FlexiPulse laser therapy, sclerotherapy, cryo-sclero, endovenous ablation with laser or radiofrequency, microphlebectomy, ClariVein™ and many others.
4. Spider vein treatment isn\’t worth the money
Many people have a misconception that spider vein treatment is too costly and not worth the money. This misconception stems from the previous myth that spider veins are only a cosmetic issue. Cosmetic interventions are never covered by healthcare insurance and are paid out of pocket. However, spider veins are not merely a cosmetic problem; they are also a medical problem. Treatment, therefore, of venous disease responsible for development of spider veins is almost always covered by the majority of healthcare plans.
If you have spider veins personally or in family, contact our vein specialists at the New York Vein Treatment Center right away. We have the skills and experience for all inclusive diagnosis, treatment and prevention of your spider veins or any other pathological condition affecting venous circulation of the lower extremities. Visit us online or call (212) 575-8346 to learn more about our facility and treatment options.
Dr. Lev Mark Khitin, a leading cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon, is the founder of the New York Vein Treatment Center. With almost 20 years of experience and over 20,000 successful vein procedures, he is a renowned expert in the diagnosis and treatment of venous disease. Dr. Khitin’s patient-centered approach and advanced surgical skills have consistently delivered excellent results, making him a prominent figure in the field.