If you’re embarrassed by unsightly spider veins on your legs, tired of prominent veins, or annoyed by itching or stinging from spider veins, Dr. Mimi Lee has some good news: She can help to eliminate your spider veins once and for all, using her “Itsy-Bitsy Spider Veins” treatment. Her treatments are quick, easy and require no downtime.
Mimi Lee M.D. PA has built her practice in Little Rock, AR around helping patients with vein issues and aesthetic care. If spider veins are affecting your comfort, you’re in the right place.
Take care of spider veins now before they get worse.
What Are Spider Veins?
Spider veins are small, damaged blood vessels that sit close to the surface of the skin. They look like thin clusters of red, blue or purple lines, and they are most common on the legs. The name comes from their branching pattern, which looks like a spider’s web.
Inside healthy veins, tiny one-way valves keep blood flowing back toward the heart. When those valves weaken or stop working properly, blood can pool in the vein instead of moving upward. That pooling causes the vein to swell and become visible through the skin. Spider veins measure less than one millimeter in diameter.
What Causes Spider Veins?
Genetics can make it much more likely that you develop spider veins. If anyone in your immediate family is prone to them, you likely will be, too. Spider veins and other types of venous reflux are also more common during hormone shifts like pregnancy and menopause, and can sometimes be caused by medications like birth control.
If you sit or stand for long periods of time, the veins in your legs may experience more pressure and can start to develop spider veins. Vein walls and valves also naturally lose elasticity as you age, so you are more likely to get them as you get older.
Who Gets Spider Veins?
Spider veins can happen to anyone, but they are far more common in women. Studies suggest that up to 50-55% of women and 40-45% of men will experience some form of visible vein issue in their lifetime. It affects more women than men due to hormone changes and pregnancy. People who spend long hours on their feet, such as nurses and teachers, also have a higher risk, along with those who have desk jobs and are not able to get up and move periodically.
Are Spider Veins Dangerous?
Spider veins are typically a cosmetic issue and commonly occur on the legs. Most spider veins do not cause pain or health problems. However, some patients do notice itching, burning or mild discomfort around the affected veins, especially after long periods of standing. Treating unsightly veins sooner rather than later is a good idea.
If left untreated, spider veins:
- Will spread: New spider veins tend to develop near existing ones and can start to cover a larger area of the skin.
- Can start to cause more symptoms: If you have more spider veins, it can increase venous pressure and make it more likely that you experience physical symptoms like itching or aching.
- Can progress: They may even develop into varicose veins and venous reflux disease, a medical condition that gets worse over time.
Turn to a Leading Vein Specialist
Dr. Lee is a vein disorders expert. She has devoted her entire medical practice to helping people with their vein issues and aesthetic care needs. Veins aren’t something she does “on the side.” Dr. Lee will personally treat you herself, using a proven and precise, in-office, gentle treatment that can deliver incredible results.
What Treatments Are Available for Spider Veins?
Sclerotherapy – a quick, in-office treatment to treat spider veins
There are several ways to treat spider veins, including laser therapy and intense pulsed light. However, Dr. Lee uses a technique called sclerotherapy to effectively treat spider veins. She finds that this method is the most effective and comfortable option for patients.
What Is Sclerotherapy?
During sclerotherapy, a solution is injected directly into the spider vein using a very fine needle. These microscopic injections irritate the lining of the vein and cause the walls to collapse and close. The body absorbs the sealed vein, and blood reroutes through nearby healthy vessels. The treated vein gradually fades from view.
Dr. Lee uses a vein solution called ASCLERA, which does not require saline. She also uses ultra-fine needles for greater accuracy and less discomfort during the injection process.
What to Expect During Sclerotherapy
This in-office treatment is virtually painless, doesn’t require anesthesia, and generally only takes 30 to 45 minutes. When you arrive, Dr. Lee will examine your spider veins and mark the injection sites. She will then use the very fine needle to inject the ASCLERA solution into each spider vein. The number of injections depends on how many veins she is treating during the appointment. Once the injections are complete, you will put on a pair of compression stockings and will be instructed to go on light walks to improve blood flow to your legs. You can go back to your routine the same day.
Before and After Sclerotherapy
To get a better idea of what you can expect from a spider vein treatment, check out the Photos section to see before and after photos.
Preparing for Your Spider Veins Treatment
In the days leading up to your appointment, avoid anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen and aspirin to help decrease bruising after your treatment. If you take blood thinners or any prescription medications, talk to Dr. Lee ahead of time about whether you need to adjust your dosage. Products like lotion, oil and sunscreen can interfere with the injection process, so leave them off your legs on the day of treatment.
When you wear loose, comfortable clothing on the day of your appointment, it makes it easy to access your legs. Freshly shaved skin can be more sensitive, so skip shaving right before your appointment. Dr. Lee recommends drinking plenty of water in the days before your visit to help your veins become more visible and easier to treat. If Dr. Lee has recommended compression stockings, bring them with you so you can put them on right after treatment.
Sclerotherapy Aftercare and Recovery
The schedule for compression stockings will look different for everyone. It may include wearing them 24/7 for the first 48 hours and then during the day for several weeks. Walking and light activity are encouraged right away. The movement will improve your circulation. Dr. Lee may limit some heavier activities, like lifting weights and high-impact exercise, for a few days. It is good practice to stay out of hot baths and saunas and limit direct sun exposure during your initial recovery.
Download an Information Sheet (PDF).
What to Expect From Your Spider Veins Treatment Results
If you have more spider veins, you might need two or three sclerotherapy sessions so Dr. Lee can treat them all and give you the best results. Each session should be scheduled about a month apart. Once all of your spider veins have faded, the results can last for several years. However, this can be different for each person.
Because this treatment does not correct underlying causes like genetics or hormonal influences, it is possible for new veins to appear in the same or nearby areas. When this happens, you can come in for touch-up treatments.
Am I a Good Candidate for Sclerotherapy?
You may be a good candidate for sclerotherapy if you have had spider veins for several months or longer and are in good general health. Because sclerotherapy is minimally invasive, it does not require surgery or general anesthesia, so it is an option for a much wider range of patients. It is important for patients to have enough mobility to freely walk around after the treatment to encourage blood flow.
Patients who are pregnant or have a history of blood clots may need to wait or explore other options. If you have developed spider veins during pregnancy, Dr. Lee may recommend monitoring them first, since veins caused by pregnancy sometimes resolve on their own.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Lee will examine your veins, review your medical history and discuss your goals. Dr. Lee also offers free vein screenings, which can help pinpoint the source of your vein issues and guide your treatment plan.
FAQs About Spider Veins and Their Treatment
Does sclerotherapy hurt?
Sometimes, patients who have had sclerotherapy at other practices are nervous to try our services because of the stinging sensation often felt during treatments. However, Dr. Lee uses techniques, including the saline-free solution, that make the process virtually pain-free.
How many sclerotherapy sessions will I need?
The average person needs one to three treatments. The exact number depends on how many spider veins you have and how your body responds to the treatment.
What is the difference between spider veins and varicose veins?
The biggest distinction between spider veins and varicose veins is their size and depth. Spider veins are tiny, surface-level vessels, while varicose veins are much larger blood vessels that are deeper within the leg. They may push against the skin and create a raised, rope-like texture that you can feel with your fingertips.
Varicose veins are also more likely to cause noticeable symptoms like aching, heaviness, cramping and swelling in the legs, especially after a long day on your feet. Most people seek treatment for spider veins because they don’t like the way they look. However, untreated spider veins can eventually cause symptoms or lead to other vein problems, like varicose veins, which is why Dr. Lee recommends treating them sooner rather than later and having an evaluation for deeper venous problems.
Are sclerotherapy results permanent?
Sclerotherapy provides permanent results for the veins that are treated. After a vein is sealed and absorbed by the body, it does not come back. However, new veins can develop because of underlying venous reflux, genetics, hormones or lifestyle factors.
Does insurance cover spider veins treatments?
Spider veins are generally considered a cosmetic concern, so most insurance plans will not cover sclerotherapy. If your spider veins are linked to an underlying medical condition like venous reflux disease or you are experiencing symptoms because of them, there may be coverage options. You will need to consult your particular insurance plan, and Dr. Lee can help you understand your specific situation.
Are there any risks or side effects?
Sclerotherapy is considered safe. The most common side effects include temporary bruising, redness or mild swelling at the injection site. These typically resolve within a few days to weeks. Serious complications are rare, and Dr. Lee will review your medical history and any potential risks before treatment.
How can I prevent spider veins?
There is no guaranteed way to prevent spider veins since they often run in families. But a few different steps can help you reduce your risk. If you have a desk job where you have to sit down, try to change positions frequently and do a few ankle pumps (flexing your ankles up and down) once per hour to keep blood flowing. You can also elevate your legs when possible to help your blood flow in the right direction. Sun exposure can also increase the risk of spider veins, so protect your skin with sunscreen when you plan to spend time outside and wear protective clothing when possible.
About Us
With something as personal as how your legs look and feel, you want to know that you are in the right hands. Dr. Mimi Lee opened her practice in Little Rock in 1999 and was the first in the area to focus exclusively on vein care and facial aesthetics. She was also the first to perform ClosureFAST ablation treatments for varicose veins, and her practice was the first in the area to hold membership in the American College of Phlebology, a medical society devoted to the study of vein disorders.
Since 1999, Dr. Lee has built a reputation for her expertise and for the warmth and compassion she brings to each patient visit. She personally performs each treatment herself and takes the time to make sure you understand the treatment process.
Schedule Your Free Spider Vein Screening
If spider veins are bothering you, Dr. Lee offers free vein screenings to help you understand your options. During your screening, she will examine your veins, talk to you about your cosmetic and medical concerns and recommend a treatment plan that fits your situation. There is no obligation, and it is a great first step to treating your spider veins. Call now to learn more – 501-224-0880 – or schedule an appointment at Mimi Lee, M.D., P.A. in Little Rock, AR. We look forward to hearing from you!