It is important to make a distinction between spider veins on the legs and facial spider veins.  Facial spider veins respond well to IPL, pulsed dye laser, or Nd-YAG laser.  Leg veins do not.  Sclerotherapy with polidocanol, sodium tetradecyl sulfate, glycerin, or hypertonic saline are all more effective than lasers for spider veins on the legs.  With the possible exception of hypertonic saline, lasers are also more painful than the tiny needles used for sclerotherapy. Newer devices like Veinwave and VeinGogh are most useful for only the tiniest spider veins and are also more painful than injection with a 32 guage needle.  Another important factor for leg veins is that in about 50% of patients, the spider veins are just the tip of the iceberg.  They may be secondary to a much gretaer problem with the larger veins in the leg.  If this is the case, the larger veins should be treated first.  Lots of places advertise treatment of spider veins, but if you can't tell the experts from the charlatans, I would recommend checking out this site.  http://www.americanboardofphlebology.org/find_a_physician.asp

There are only 520 physicians in the U.S. who have taken the exam for board-certification in Phlebology, the sub-specialty devoted to the treatment of vein disease.  Certainly there are other physicians experienced in vein treatment but it can be difficult for a patient to determine which clinic treats veins full-time and which ones do it occasionally to boost their cash flow. The 520 physicians on this list have had to document both training and experience in not only vein diagnosis and treatment but also use of duplex ultrasound for venous disease and it's interpretation.

Peter Benson MD FAAFP

I am going to spare everyone by Medical background; it has not been good experience the last 9 years.  What I would love to discuss is the difference between the success of these vein procedures and testing for Pelvis Congestion Syndrome.  I have spoke to two women who found out they have this Medical Condition; were treated and feel like they are young again.  I did have a hyterectomy and asked that they remove my right ovary; knowing there are veins attached.  This did help with the swelling in my feet.  I have been told, by a Doctor, that when you have these vein procedure the blood just moves to another vein until that one fails.  It seems to me it will never end.  I have done a lot of research and it seems to me to the treatment needs to start where the problem initially existed.  For me, I think in my pelvic area because of the terrible birth experience I had 15 years ago.

What do you all think?  By the way, I do realize it is very difficult,for a Doctor, to diagnose an issue when a woman comes in with a pelvic issue.  A Doctor needs to make a determination when a lot of plevic medical conditions have the same symptoms.

Thank you,

Ericka

I've had a problem with varicose veins since college; I now stand all day at my job.  I wear compression stockings while working and am not over weight.  Is there an ideal time to have a procedure done?  Can exercise improve already problem areas or is it only a preventative treatment?  Thanks for any additional information.   

Specifically, what type of laser works?   My experience has been lasers look like they work when the patient is in the office, but when they get home, the vein is open and often looks worse.  IPL show promise on the face. Sclerotherapy is considered the gold standard ny most every vein specialist.

Richard Grisoli, MD

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See www.phlebology.org for accurate and up to date information

Hello:

Do you have anyone in the San Francisco Bay Area or San Jose in whom you have confidence for the treatment of spider and varicose veins? Price is an object. What is considered a reasonable range in the San Francisco Bay Area?

Also, what are the determining factors for sclerotherapy vs. laser vs. ultra sound?

Thank you for your time.

MOB

I too have red viens covering my nose and cheeks. I have had it for years and they appear to be broken blood vessels. As well I am quite red in the face but do not have Rosecea.

I have tried every cream and lotion out there - right down to using a green base under thick foundation. Nothing covers it. I find too that as my skin has more wrinkles, lines and sagging, that this issue has become worse.

I can only hope laser treatment is not the only answer. The cost here in Canada is astonishing. I am constantly embarrassed by my skin. Are there any other safe treatments? And has anyone who has commented on this segment found other remedies?

Cheers from Canada.

I have the spier viens on my face around my nose. I can't afford to have laser for it. Is there some other way to help it? I really need your help. I am 61 years of age. These things are ugly.

How do you know if it's Spider Angioma or Rosecea?  I was told along time ago I had rosecea.  It's not just the spider veins, but blushing.  I was told by an Opthamologist that it also effects my eyes.  I have it on one side of my neck and also at my neckline.  I try to cover it with makeup, but my neck and chest are the most difficult to cover.  I don't usually like to wear makeup.  Is there anything new on the marked that I can use?  I used to use a prescribed gel, but it didn't work all that great.

Hi, i have noticed the small veins on my face lately too, as the lady on the show today. Just wondering also, what is good for the brown spots, on a face at such a young age of 47?. thanks. As ever, sandra