Spider and Varicose Vein FAQ's
What is the difference between varicose veins and spider veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged veins that can be flesh colored, dark purple or blue. Varicose veins are also swollen and will appear above the surface of your skin. Varicose veins are typically found on the calves or the inside of the leg.
Spider veins are similar to varicose veins but are much smaller in nature. They are often red or blue and appear much closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins. Spider veins are typically found on the thigh, legs or the face.
How do I determine which vein specialist is right for me?
The first quality you should look for in your physician is experience. Not every vein case is the same so you need someone familiar with different types of spider and varicose veins. Ask your physician how many patients he or she has treated and the methods they use for overcoming vein issues.
When you visit with Dr. Harper, you are truly getting a specialist in the field. He treats every patient as an individual and uses his over 25 years of surgical experience to come up with a personalized solution for you. Dr. Harper is board certified in General Surgery and Phlebology. He has, also, attained recognition as a Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation.
Are varicose veins and spider veins more prominent in a certain type of person?
There are many factors which can influence a person’s chance of developing a vein disorder.
These factors include but are not limited to:
- Hereditary
- Increase in Age
- Hormonal Changes
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Prolonged standing
- Sun exposure
Why do varicose and spider veins usually appear in legs?
Because the leg veins are the furthest from the heart, they have a much tougher task to keep the blood flowing. They endure the most pressure from the effects of gravity and thus are often the most common location for vein disorders.
Are varicose veins or spider veins dangerous?
Spider veins are usually not as dangerous as varicose veins. Severe varicose veins can cause health problems if you leave them untreated.
Some of the common health problems include:
- Venous Insufficiency: Pooling of blood in your veins can cause a slow return of your blood to your heart. This can result in blood clots and in some cases skin ulceration and infection. Blood clots can be dangerous because they can move from your legs to your lungs.
- Venous Ulcers can occur on your skin tissue around the varicose veins.
- Rashes and swelling in your legs.
- Spider veins complications can include bleeding which can be dramatic in nature. With elevation and wrapping of the leg this can be controlled while seeking medical attention by call 911.
Can varicose and spider veins return after treatment?
While the treatment options for spider and varicose veins have good success rates, you may develop more abnormal veins throughout the course of your life. The major reason for this reoccurrence is that venous disease is a chronic and progressive condition and there is not a cure for weak vein valves. However, maintenance of your veins is critical to the longterm health of your legs.
Does Vein Specialists of the South, LLC charge for his consultations?
Patients wiith simple spider veins may be seen in SpaMedical for a no charge initial consultation. However, if the staff determines that there may be more extensvie problems than simple spider veins a full consultation may be necessary at Vein Specialists of the South, LLC. For those patients and others with varicose veins a full consultation with be treated as a medical consultation and as a billable service to your insurance company.