Our primary mission as Circulation Specialists is to help you achieve the healthiest circulation possible for your stage in life.
Whatever your lifestyle, genetic predisposition or individual health aspirations – Your Circulation is your Lifeline.
Spider veins, also known as telangiectasias and reticular varicose veins, are small, dilated blood vessels visible near the skin’s surface. They often appear on the legs and face and can be red, blue, or purple. They resemble a spider web or tree branches in appearance. While they are mostly a cosmetic concern, they can also cause discomfort for some people.
Various factors contribute to the development of spider veins. Primarily, they occur when valves within the veins weaken, leading to blood pooling and vein dilation. Several factors enhance the risk of developing spider veins, including:
Understanding these factors is important in preventing new spider veins and deciding the appropriate treatment option.
Spider vein treatments address cosmetic enhancement and physical discomfort associated with the condition. Indications for treatment include:
Many people seek treatment to improve the appearance of spider veins, which can be prominent in visible areas like the legs and face.
Insurance providers in Singapore typically don’t cover spider veins treatments as they are considered cosmetic procedures aimed at improving appearance rather than addressing medical concerns.
Symptoms such as aching, throbbing, itching, or burning sensations in the affected areas can prompt the need for treatment.
Treating spider veins can help prevent the development of more significant venous issues.
Micro-sclerotherapy is a leading treatment for spider veins and small varicose veins. It uses a sclerosing solution to close off these unsightly vessels. The technique involves injecting a sclerosing solution directly into the affected veins using a very fine needle. This causes the walls of the veins to stick together, eventually turning the vein into scar tissue that fades over time.
We specifically use a special Varixo microfoam technique that allows us to inject very fine low concentration sclerosant microfoam and sometimes combine this with activation of the veins with blue light for better sclerosant action. This reduces the risk of complications and provides a better cosmetic result.
The micro-sclerotherapy procedure is designed to provide a minimally invasive solution for spider vein removal.
Although micro-sclerotherapy is deemed safe, some people may experience minor side effects, such as:
These effects are typically temporary, fading within a few days to weeks. Most patients can return to their daily routines immediately, with minimal downtime.
Needle phlebectomy, also known as microphlebectomy or ambulatory phlebectomy, is a minimally invasive surgical technique for removing larger spider veins. Unlike micro-sclerotherapy, which involves injecting a solution into the veins, needle phlebectomy involves physically removing the veins through tiny needle-point punctures in the skin.
This procedure is particularly effective for veins that are too large for sclerotherapy but too small for more invasive surgical treatments. It’s performed under local anaesthesia, and the patient can usually return to normal activities shortly after the procedure.
The needle phlebectomy procedure is a detailed method aimed at removing problematic veins with precision and minimal discomfort. This is usually performed in combination with an endovenous procedure, but also sometimes in the out-patient setting under local anaesthesia.
Possible side effects of needle phlebectomy include:
These side effects typically resolve on their own within a few weeks. The procedure’s efficacy improves the appearance of the skin and can alleviate symptoms associated with venous insufficiency.
Preparing for either micro-sclerotherapy or needle phlebectomy involves several steps to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the procedure.
Micro-sclerotherapy and needle phlebectomy are both effective treatments for spider veins and small varicose veins, but they have distinct differences in their approach, suitability, and recovery process.
The recovery process for both micro-sclerotherapy and needle phlebectomy is generally straightforward, with patients able to resume most normal activities shortly after treatment. However, there are specific aftercare instructions that help ensure optimal healing and results:
While treatment can effectively remove or diminish existing spider veins, it does not prevent new ones from forming. Lifestyle factors and genetic predisposition may contribute to the development of new spider veins.
While natural remedies alone cannot eliminate spider veins, certain lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and elevating the legs, can help improve circulation and prevent the condition from worsening.
There is no “best” age for spider vein treatment. The decision to seek treatment is often based on personal preference, the severity of the veins, and any associated symptoms. Consultations are advisable to discuss the most appropriate time for treatment based on individual circumstances.
The time to see results can vary. With micro-sclerotherapy, improvements may start to appear several weeks after treatment and continue to improve over several months. For needle phlebectomy, results are often immediate, though full healing and final appearance might take a few weeks to stabilise.
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