I had all of my veins (big and small) treated with laser and sclerotherapy injections, but all of my spider veins have reappeared. Why is this happening? I feel like I spent a lot of money for nothing. I have no real results to show for.
In a small set of patients, the GSV can reopen, causing other veins to reoccur. An exam and ultrasound is advised.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Spider veins aren't always connected with other varicose veins in the legs; they can be independent. There could be other deeper sources that need to be found with ultrasound and injected with polidocanol. Schedule an appointment for a follow-up ultrasound to determine if there are underlying sources. Make sure your physician is accredited by the American College of Phlebology.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Spider veins recur because the feeder veins from the reticular dermis or perforator veins that are refluxing have not been closed.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
That is a hard question to answer. In order to determine why your spider veins have reappeared or became more prominent after treatment, an evaluation needs to be performed. Contact your treating physician to request a follow-up appointment and full examination.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Varicose and spider veins can recur, or more likely you can develop new spider veins at any time. There are many factors that influence this but suffice it to say, redevelopment of varicose and spider veins is very common.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
The veins you see are *new* ones, even if they appear to be in the same area. If your veins are "appearing" faster, you should have a doppler scan done to determine if there is venous insufficiency before having continued (and often unsuccessful) treatment(s).
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Without knowing the exact method of treatment, it is only speculation. If there are "feeding" reticular veins under the spider veins, this can cause veins to return. If, however, these are treated (typically with a transillumination device in a dark room and often using foamed solutions), you should have longer resolution time. Additionally, it does take a series of treatments, and this can vary from 3-5 treatments about 4-6 weeks apart. This is also a "chronic" problem, and if you are genetically predisposed you may develop new veins in the future. With a complete series of treatments, these may be new veins. Wearing compression hose for 1-2 weeks after the treatment can make them more effective. Staying in good health, maintaining a healthy weight, remaining hydrated, etc all make for better results.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Based on the details you provided, I think that you may have only gotten the "visible and superficial" veins treated, which will show improvement in the short term. That type of treatment fails to address the underlying cause, which often is reflux of blood in the saphenous veins of the leg. There are 2 to 4 of these saphenous veins in each leg. At Bay Vein Associates, we treat the underlying cause of reflux (i.e the saphenous veins with radiofrequency ablation techniques), which reduces and/or eliminates the venous hypertension or pressure in the legs, hence reducing the formation of spider, reticluar, and varicose veins. Additionally, most patients who initially complain of longstanding pain and swelling of the legs often get relief of these symptoms after the vein ablation procedure. A preliminary ultrasound of the veins of the legs would be required to fully understand the condition of the veins and whether vein ablation treatment would be a viable option. After the ablation procedure, sometimes there are residual veins that don't completely resolve, and these residual veins can then be treated with injections or microsurgery. Please call a qualified vein specialist in your area for a more comprehensive evaluation.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
First, make sure the lasered veins are closed on duplex ultrasound, since persistent reflux in treated veins could account for recurrent veins. Second, make sure you are seeing a qualified expert. I have seen patients undergo unnecessary treatment, which can make matters worse. Third, veins problems are inherited as a lifelong condition and cannot be cured. Most patients require occasional maintenance treatments to keep up with the appearance of their new veins. Finally, there are cases which are simply more difficult to achieve the desired results despite doing everything right.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Spider veins almost always come back; this is why you are not seeing any real results.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Laser closure does not prevent spider veins from coming back. Varicose veins are due to refluxing valves, and this is treated by laser closure. If varicose veins reform, then there is usually another valve contributing to this.Spider veins, on the other hand, are in part due to valves but more commonly due to genetics, aging, sun exposure, weight and sometimes unexplained causes. Spider veins are a lifelong treatment issue and will require periodic maintenance with sclerotherapy.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Vein disease is a progressive disease. We can contain it and we can improve symptoms, but the condition itself will not disappear. That said, spider veins tend to come back.
Published on Jul 11, 2012