Frequently Asked Questions What are Spider Veins? Spider veins are small clusters of red or blue veins that appear near the surface of the skin. Spider veins are the thread-like colored veins most often seen on the surface of the skin. Spider veins occur most commonly in the legs but are often seen on the face and elsewhere. These spider veins, medically referred to as Telengeictasia, are of cosmetic concern to many women. They may sometimes cause of pain or burning sensation. What are Varicose Veins? Varicose veins are enlarged ropey, often bulging veins that are under the surface of the skin. They are essentially a magnified version of spider veins. These veins have a weak wall, thus they dilate. A varicose vein is a defective or failed vein. Occurring mainly in the legs, gravitational forces result in reflux (reverse flow pattern) of blood flow that distends the veins further. Varicose veins thus worsen with time. Unlike spider veins, varicose veins often cause pain, swelling, and skin changes. In some cases varicose veins can cause phlebitis, inflammation and leg ulcers. What are unwanted veins? Unwanted veins are dilated and enlarged veins that may occur anywhere in the body and are unsightly to patients. These veins become prominent and bulging due to a several reasons. Weakening of the vein wall is a contributing factor. Other factors include thinning of the overlying skin and loss of elasticity that makes veins unsightly. Common location for these unwanted veins are the hands, temple areas of the face, around the eyes ,the breasts and the chest. Is all Sclerotherapy the same? NO! Sclerotherapy is an art. The experience, skill and touch of the operator are paramount. There are many factors that contribute to a good result. These include the size and type of the needle used, the type and concentration of the solution, the pressure with which the solution is injected, the volume of solution used even the size of the syringe, to name just a few. What causes Varicose and Spider Veins? The most important contributing factors are Heredity Hormonal effects of estrogen and progesterone Pregnancy This explains why most patients with vein problems give a strong family history of varicose veins. Also women, being subjected to the effects of estrogen more than men have a higher incidence of vein problems. It is estimated that 6 in every 10 women have bothersome spider or varicose veins. Are varicose veins treated during pregnancy? Unless the varicose veins have caused major problems ( phlebitis, severe inflammation or blood clots), we recommend postponing treatment until after delivery. Several of the varicose veins that appear during pregnancy disappear or recede after delivery and may require no further treatment. We recommend that all pregnant women wear knee high stockings during the first and second trimesters and pantyhose compression during the third trimester. I am on low dose compounded progesterone and triest estrogen creams. My leg veins seem more prominent. My mom had varicose veins due to 9 pregnancies. Am I at risk for varicose veins? Is it the estrogen or the progesterone causing this? Or the combination? Family history and pregnancy are the most important predisposing factors for varicose veins. Hormone therapy, particularly progesterone is an additional causative factor. We encourage you to ask questions. Please contact us at shamuu@sovein.net. Questions that are pertinent to the public will be added to this FAQ. TO FIND A VARICOSE VEINS OR SPIDER VEINS CLINIC AND DOCTOR NEAR YOU, VISIT VEINSonline.COM Sodeco Square Block B, 8 th floor Beirut, Lebanon Phone: 961 1 611212 961 3 750806 Fax: 961 1 611213 Dermatherapy 362 17th street Vero Beach, Florida 32960 Phone: 772 562 9909 772 713 6349 E-mail: shamuu@sovein.net