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Spider Veins

Andrew G. Woolrich, MD -  - Dermatologist

Andrew G. Woolrich, MD

Dermatologist located in Upper East Side, New York, NY

Spider veins are skin lesions affecting nearly half of all Americans over the age of 50, which may cause pain. Dr. Andrew G. Woolrich provides treatments for spider veins in his practice in New York, NY.

Spider Veins Q & A

What are Spider Veins?

Spider veins are skin lesions affecting both men and women. Spider Veins are small superficial blue or red blood vessels appearing in lines like the branches of a tree or a spider web pattern. They can appear individually or interconnected over large areas of the legs, the face, and elsewhere. Larger dilated blood vessels, varicose veins, may be seen with spider veins.

How are Spider Veins Treated?

Sclerotherapy is the most common minimally-invasive procedure used to reduce the appearance of spider veins. A sclerotherapy session can last between 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the number of veins that require treatment. The treatment involves the injecting of a solution directly into the veins using a thin needle. The solution damages the inner lining of the vein, causing a blood clot to develop. Within a few weeks to a couple of months, the clot is reabsorbed into surrounding tissue and the vein disappears. Sometimes, multiple treatments are needed. Most patients return to their everyday activities right after the procedure but should refrain from strenuous exercise for a couple of weeks, and avoid exposing the treated area to the sun. Wearing support or compression stockings after treatment may be helpful.

Although spider vein treatment is quite successful with mostly satisfying results some possible side effects of Sclerotherapy include:

  • Localized stinging and cramping during treatment
  • Temporary red localized hive-like reaction at injection sites
  • Small blue hematomas at the injection sites, which resolve over days to weeks
  • Brown lines in place of the treated vessels, which may persist for months
  • Fine starburst-like blood vessel patterns that may require additional treatment
  • Painful ulcers at injection sites
  • Allergic reactions to injected solutions

For more information on the treatment of spider veins, please call and schedule an appointment with Dr. Woolrich.

Accepted Insurance Providers

Dr. Woolrich accepts most major insurances. If you have any questions, please feel free to give our office a call and one of our knowledgeable staff members will be happy to help.

Our office is handicap accessible and English, Spanish and Hebrew are spoken.

1199SEIU
Aetna
Anthem
Cigna
Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield
Empire Plan
Fidelis
GHI
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
HealthFirst
HIP
Humana
Medicare
MVP Health Care
Oxford United Healthcare
QualCare