Spider Vein Treatment in Hartford, CT

At our vein center in Bloomfield, we serve the entire Hartford area with state-of-the-art spider vein treatment performed by one of the country’s top vascular surgeons, Dr. Lori Greenwald.

Named after the spidery, twig-like clusters that form just beneath the skin, spider veins can appear dark blue, red or purple. Often seen in these unsightly clusters, they may sometimes also appear as a single vein or a dark bluish vein. This, however, is less common.

The causes of spider veins are multiple, from venous reflux to heredity to pregnancy, hormonal changes, or leg trauma. While extremely unsightly, they are not commonly associated with larger medical issues and are normally treated with injection sclerotherapy or compression hose. 

What Are Spider Veins

Spider veins are small, damaged veins that appear close to the skin’s surface. Typically spider veins are small purple, red, or blue veins that appear on various parts of the body. Most commonly, spider veins appear on the legs, thighs, or face.

Spider veins are common, affecting over 50% of adults. You can develop dark purple, red, or blue spider veins on your thighs, legs, ankles, and even your face. Although spider veins are smaller and less visible than varicose veins, many people don’t like how they look and seek prevention and treatment. There are spider vein treatments that can help address this condition and get you back to feeling confident wearing shorts!

What Causes Spider Veins?

Skin has a dense network of small veins called capillaries that run throughout it. These veins are very tiny, and the unaided eye cannot spot them. Usually, the valves in your veins direct blood to flow toward the heart and shut tightly between heartbeats. However, when valve walls are weak, blood can flow backward and pool. As blood pools, spider veins and varicose veins develop.

Spider veins start as small, tiny, invisible veins that run through and just beneath the skin that dilate and enlarge until they become visible. Once visible, you can see the blood flow through the vein, resulting in a web-like pattern of spider veins that become noticeable on our thighs and lower legs. Spider veins are harmless from a health standpoint and are easily treatable.

Spider Vein Risk Factors

Genetics: If you have a family history of spider veins, you will have a higher chance of developing spider veins.
Reproductive Hormones: Due to fluctuations in the reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone, prepregnant women and menopausal women have a higher risk of developing spider veins.
Age: We are more likely to develop spider veins as we age.
Trauma, Wear, and Tear: Local trauma to an area may result in subsequent spider vein formation. Long-term use of topical steroids applied to the same place over the years will increase spider vein formation. Suntanning or excessive sun exposure over the years can increase the development of spider veins.
Poor Circulation: A sedentary lifestyle where you sit or stand for long periods restricts blood flow. This lifestyle results in poor circulation and can lead to blood pooling.

Areas Prone to Spider Veins

Legs: Spider veins are common, primarily affecting the legs. You may see clusters of tiny red veins, or they may appear spread out here and there.
Ankles: If you have a cluster of spider veins around your ankle, it could be an indication that there is serious chronic venous insufficiency. This condition occurs when large groups of blood vessels start to grow in the bottom part or” Corona” region near our feet, which can lead to more severe problems.
Thighs:  One of the most common locations to develop spider veins is on the thighs. Some studies suggest that crossing the leg increases spider vein formation on the inside of the lower thighs (just above the knee). However, there is no firm scientific evidence to support this theory.
Face and other areas:  Less common are spider veins on the face and rarely on the abdomen & chest. Facial spider veins are most commonly found on the cheeks, nose, and chin, and they are typically harmless.