Spider Veins

First of all it must be noted that we do not treat spider veins unless we have first treated any underlying incompetent (leaky) veins leading to the spider veins. This is why EVERY single patient receives an ultrasound scan at the initial consultation so that we can either rule out and underlying incompetence or make a plan to treat that first.Treating spider veins without treating the underlying vein causing the spider veins will result in unsatisfactory results with possible poor cosmetic results and/or quick recurrence of the spider veins.

At The Varicose Vein Clinic we treat Spider veins with Sclerotherapy. Spider veins are the small, often red, thread like veins that occur on the surface of the skin but do not bulge above it. They can be treated very successfully and we pride ourselves on our truly excellent cosmetic results.

Leg veins normally allow blood to flow in an upward direction towards the heart. This flow is aided by the pumping action of the foot and calf muscles (usually when walking).

Valves within the veins allow blood to flow upward to the heart but usually close and prevent blood flowing backward toward the feet under gravitational force.

Varicose veins develop when these valves stop working properly. As a result, blood flows in a reverse direction in the veins, called an incompetent vein. This leads to higher pressure within the veins due to pooling of the blood and consequently, varicose veins develop.

Varicose veins can occur in both men and women, but more frequently in women. Most commonly there is a family history of varicose veins through a weakness in the vein wall or vein valves.

In women, pregnancy is a major causative factor. This is due to the hormone, oestrogen, which relaxes vein walls, increased circulation to supply the mother and baby, and also the enlarged uterus. As the baby grows, return of blood from the legs os restricted, and allowing pooling and increased vein pressures in the pelvis and legs.