Spider Veins in Hattiesburg, D'Iberville, and Meridian

Generally appearing on the leg and feet, spider veins are thin, small blood vessels that may form as webs or branches. These veins can be red, blue, or purple, making them clearly visible through the skin. Though spider veins differ from varicose veins in that they are a milder form, they can still cause pain. Spider veins usually get worse over time and become more noticeable so it is best to address them as soon as you can. At Vein Institute, board-certified vein specialist Dr. J. Keith Thompson provides nonsurgical solutions to minimize the appearance and to resolve spider veins. Schedule an appointment with us to learn more.

Sclerotherapy is a highly effective and minimally invasive treatment for eliminating unsightly spider veins, making it a popular and desirable alternative to many other spider vein treatments. This procedure involves injecting a solution directly into the affected veins, causing them to collapse and fade over time. Some of the most compelling benefits of sclerotherapy for spider veins include:

• Minimally invasive
• Quick procedure
• High success rate
• Improved skin texture
• Minimal, if any, discomfort
• Little downtime
• Nonsurgical

While spider veins are typically harmless, they can cause various symptoms and cosmetic concerns. Common symptoms of spider veins include aching, itching, burning sensations, and discomfort. Some individuals might experience swelling, throbbing, or a sense of heaviness in the affected area. While these symptoms are usually mild, seeking medical advice at our facility in Hattiesburg, D'Iberville, and Meridian can help manage discomfort and prevent potential complications.

Spider veins are more likely to develop due to certain lifestyle and health factors. One significant risk factor is chronic exposure to high temperatures, such as from hot baths or saunas, which can cause veins to expand. Another contributing factor is the use of tight clothing, especially around the waist, legs, or groin, which can restrict blood flow and increase pressure on the veins. A sedentary lifestyle, characterized by a lack of regular physical activity, can also elevate the risk, as movement helps maintain healthy blood circulation. Additionally, occupations that involve heavy lifting can put extra strain on the venous system, leading to the formation of spider veins. Lastly, certain medical conditions, such as liver disease, can impact blood flow and increase the likelihood of developing spider veins.

Diagnosing spider veins involves a combination of a physical examination and reviewing your medical history. These small, twisted blood vessels visible through the skin often prompt both cosmetic and health-related concerns. During the examination, questions about symptoms like leg pain or discomfort help assess the condition's severity. An ultrasound might be recommended to closely examine the blood flow and vein structure. This noninvasive test provides detailed images of the blood vessels, aiding in identifying any abnormalities or underlying issues contributing to spider veins. With this approach, patients gain a clear understanding of their condition and the next steps for treatment.

One of the most common and effective ways to treat spider veins is sclerotherapy, which is a minimally invasive, injectable procedure that removes the veins over time using a simple solution. During a consultation to evaluate your spider veins, Dr. Thompson and his team will confirm if sclerotherapy is right for you. Sclerotherapy treatments can be completed in a private treatment room at Vein Institute Hattiesburg, D'Iberville, and Meridian quickly and typically without anesthesia. The blood vessels being corrected will be determined, and then the skin will be sanitized. A fine needle will be introduced into the vein and the sclerosing solution will be introduced. The needle will be removed and a bandage will be applied to the injection site to treat any minor bleeding. It is important to note that most spider veins require several sclerotherapy sessions before fading.

Following your sclerotherapy treatment, you may leave when you feel comfortable to get back to your daily activities. You may see some redness, swelling, or bruising in the treated areas, but this will typically heal on its own. Compression garments will be recommended by Dr. Thompson to help your blood circulation after your sclerotherapy treatment for faster, better results. It can take a while for the treatment to show results, but eventually the treated veins should get smaller, become white, and then fade or disappear. You may need several sclerotherapy sessions to achieve optimal results, but many patients are happy with the improvements after the first session.