What are Reticular Veins/Feeder Veins?

Reticular veins, also known as feeder veins, are the dilated blue and green veins beneath the skin surface.

These veins are enlarged due to an increase in pressure. They are generally hereditary. Reticular veins can exist independently but can also be the underlying problem that gives rise to surface spider veins. Reticular veins are usually considered a cosmetic problem since these medium size veins do not lead to substantial medical symptoms or complications.

What are Spider Veins/Telangiectasias?
Spider veins, also known medically as telangiectasias or venulectasias, are the mildest manifestation of venous insufficiency, similar to varicose veins but smaller. They are small, often tangled groups of tiny blood vessels just under the skin surface that frequently resemble spider webs or tree branches. They are generally red, blue or purple and are clearly visible, usually on the thighs, lower legs and face. Spider veins can sometimes cover large areas of skin, but they are a cosmetic problem only, rarely causing physical symptoms. At least a third of all women and a smaller percentage of men are believed to display the condition.

Spider veins are capillaries; thin vessels directly connected with the larger venous system, and like varicose veins they are caused by venous reflux. Spider veins may be isolated or associated with "feeder" veins or with larger underlying varicose veins, but they are not varicose veins – they do not bulge above the skin surface and do not require medical treatment.

Spider veins can be diagnosed merely by sight. They tend to take on one of three characteristic patterns – a "sunburst" or spider-web pattern radiating outward from a central point, a "tree-branch" pattern, or a "matting" or linear pattern that may be nothing more than a set of thin lines. Even in the absence of physical discomfort, some physicians observing spider veins prefer to conduct ultrasound exams to determine the extent of the problem and the underlying causes of the condition.

Risk factors for spider veins are similar to those for varicose veins – age, heredity, pregnancy, hormonal changes, obesity and extended periods of standing – as well as sun exposure, particularly in fair-skinned people, and injuries to the skin surface. Some physicians believe that exercise, weight loss and the wearing of support hose and flat shoes instead of high heels can reduce the incidence of spider veins. (Copy by VNUS)

Treatment Options
Non and minimally invasive treatments for spider veins are frequently and readily available in a doctor’s office. Both kinds of procedures are considered safe and allow the patient to return to normal activity immediately following vein treatment.

Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is performed by injecting an irritant solution, either concentrated saline or a specialized detergent solution, directly into the spider veins themselves. The irritant damages the spider vein walls of the spider veins, causing them to swell, adhere and seal shut. The vein then slowly turns into scar tissue and gradually disappears over a period of weeks. Sclerotherapy ("sclero"), which was first developed in the 1930s, sclerotherapy is generally performed in the doctor’s office in less than 30 minutes and is considered highly effective when properly done, although the same vein may require multiple injections and repeat treatments over time. The treatment can be painful, with a burning or stinging sensation common, but the discomfort usually passes in a few minutes. Side affects are generally mild and temporary, and can include skin sores, superficial phlebitis, bruises and discoloration around the treatment site.

Laser and Intense Pulsed Light
Laser and Intense Pulsed Light devices treat spider veins non-invasively by delivering heat through the surface of the skin to the vein, sealing the vein walls. Laser energy can be directed with a high degree of accuracy to minimize the damage to the tissues adjoining the treated vein. The patient will frequently feel a painful burning sensation during the vein treatment and depending on the severity of the vein condition, two to five treatments lasting 15 to 20 minutes a piece may be required to eliminate spider veins in the legs. Facial vein procedures require less time for treatment. Side effects of laser can include postoperative redness or swelling and discoloration of the skin, which will disappear within days or weeks. Side effects of laser can include postoperative redness or swelling, superficial phlebitis, and discoloration of the skin, which will disappear within days or weeks. (Copy by VNUS)

Why Choose Laser?
Rejuvalase MedSpa exclusively uses laser and IPL treatments for removing unsightly veins. This treatment is easy to perform and in our opinion, is more effective and has fewer complications. Needle and irritant free, laser vein reduction is an excellent choice and we’ve had tremendous success using this method. Need another great reason to choose laser vein reduction at Rejuvalase MedSpa? There are no long doctor’s office waits, prices are affordable and you get to relax in the comfort of our spa.