Innovative and effective solutions against spider veins

Causes and symptoms of spider veins

Genetic predisposition

One of the main causes of spider veins is genetic predisposition.
People with a family history of venous disorders have a higher risk of developing spider veins themselves or even deeper venous problems such as varicose veins.
This genetic predisposition can manifest itself in a weak vein wall structure or inadequate functioning of the venous valves, which leads to a backlog of blood and ultimately to the formation of spider veins.

Hormonal influences

Hormonal changes also play a significant role in the development of spider veins.
Women in particular are susceptible to hormonal changes during pregnancy, when taking contraceptives or during the menopause, which can lead to dilation of the veins.
These hormones affect the elasticity and firmness of the vein walls, which in turn increases the risk of spider veins.

Lifestyle and environmental factors

Another significant risk factor is lifestyle.
People who have to stand or sit for long periods of time due to their job or lifestyle habits tend to develop spider veins.
Prolonged standing or sitting leads to reduced blood circulation in the legs, which overloads the veins and encourages the formation of spider veins.
Being overweight is also a risk factor, as it increases the pressure on the veins and therefore promotes the development of spider veins.

Symptoms

Although spider veins do not usually cause any serious health problems, they can be aesthetically disturbing and in some cases lead to discomfort such as a feeling of heaviness or tiredness in the legs.
In rare cases, they can also cause mild pain.
It is important to note that spider veins can often be considered an early sign of incipient venous insufficiency, which is why a thorough examination before treatment is crucial.

Necessary examinations before treatment

Before starting treatment for spider veins, a comprehensive diagnosis is essential to ensure that there is no underlying venous disease that could affect the treatment results.
The most important examination methods include

Medical history and clinical examination

The first step in the diagnostic process is a detailed medical history, in which the patient’s medical history is taken.
The phlebologist will ask questions about symptoms, family history and possible triggers for the spider veins.
This is followed by a clinical examination, during which the legs are examined for visible signs of venous insufficiency or other problems.

Doppler ultrasound

Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive method for examining blood flow in the veins.
This examination helps to visualize the blood flow and detect any irregularities that could indicate venous insufficiency.
Doppler ultrasound is particularly useful to ensure that deeper veins are intact and functioning correctly.

Duplex sonography

Duplex ultrasonography combines B-scan ultrasound imaging with Doppler technology to provide a detailed view of vein structure and function.
This method makes it possible to assess both the anatomy of the veins and the blood flow in real time.
Duplex ultrasonography is particularly important for identifying deeper vein problems that could potentially affect the treatment of spider veins.

Modern treatment methods for spider veins

The treatment of spider veins has developed considerably in recent years.
Thanks to modern technologies, various effective and gentle methods are now available that can be individually tailored to the needs of each patient.

Microfoam sclerotherapy

Microfoam sclerotherapy is one of the most advanced methods for treating spider veins and smaller varicose veins.
In this technique, a specially produced foam is injected into the affected blood vessels.
The foam consists of a sclerosing agent that is mixed with air or another gas to create a foamy consistency.
This consistency allows the foam to spread evenly throughout the vein and provide a larger contact surface with the vein wall.

Functionality

The injected foam causes irritation of the vein walls, which leads to controlled inflammation and ultimately to the closure of the vein.
Once the vein is closed, the blood is redirected to healthier veins.
Over time, the closed vein is absorbed by the body and disappears.

• Precision and effectiveness: Microfoam sclerotherapy is particularly precise as the foam fills the entire lumen of the vein, ensuring a uniform effect.
  This method is also very effective, especially for smaller veins that are difficult to treat with liquid sclerosing agents.
• Advantages: The treatment is minimally invasive, does not require anesthesia and allows patients to quickly return to their daily activities.
  It can be performed on an outpatient basis and usually only takes a few minutes.
• Side effects and risks: As with any medical treatment, microfoam sclerotherapy also has possible side effects.
  These include slight redness, swelling or discoloration at the injection site, which usually subside after a short time.
  In rare cases, allergic reactions or thromboses may occur, which is why the treatment should only be carried out by experienced phlebologists.

Optimization through ultrasound

To further increase the accuracy and safety of microfoam sclerotherapy, it is often performed under ultrasound guidance.
The use of ultrasound allows the doctor to monitor the injection in real time and ensure that the foam is accurately delivered to the affected vein.
This is particularly beneficial for deeper veins where precise placement of the sclerosing agent is crucial.

QuadroStar PRO Green Laser

The QuadroStar PRO Green Laser is a state-of-the-art laser technology specially developed for the treatment of fine spider veins.
This laser emits green light, which has a wavelength of 532 nm and is selectively absorbed by the hemoglobin molecules in the blood.
This targeted absorption heats the blood in the spider veins, which leads to coagulation and ultimately to the destruction of the vessels.

Functionality

• Selective absorption: The QuadroStar PRO Green laser uses the physical properties of the light to heat only the haemoglobin in the affected vessels, while the surrounding tissue remains undamaged.
  This makes the treatment particularly gentle and minimizes the risk of skin injuries or pigment changes.
• Precision and control: The laser beam can be controlled very precisely, allowing even the smallest spider veins to be treated with pinpoint accuracy.
  The treatment is controlled either manually by the doctor or using a scanner that automatically guides the laser beam over the affected area.

Scanner and skin cooling

A particular advantage of the QuadroStar PRO Green laser is that it can be combined with a scanner and skin cooling.
The scanner ensures that the laser beam is guided evenly over the skin, guaranteeing homogeneous treatment.
This is particularly advantageous for larger areas, as it shortens the treatment time and delivers consistent results.

• Skin cooling: The integrated skin cooling protects the skin from overheating and minimizes the risk of burns or unpleasant sensations during treatment.
  It also helps to soothe the skin surface, which significantly improves patient comfort.

Advantages of laser technology

• Painless and scar-free: Treatment with the QuadroStar PRO Green laser is virtually painless.
  Most patients only report a slight tingling sensation or a brief feeling of warmth during the treatment.
  As the laser works very precisely and is gentle on the surrounding tissue, no scars remain.
  This is a major advantage over more invasive methods that could lead to skin changes or permanent scars.
• Quick recovery: Another advantage of laser treatment is the rapid recovery.
  Patients can usually resume their normal activities immediately after treatment.
  No recovery time is required and the treated areas heal within a few days.
  There may be slight redness or swelling, but this usually subsides on its own after a few hours or days.
• Long-lasting results: The results of laser treatment are long-lasting.
  As the treated spider veins are completely destroyed, it is unlikely that they will return.
  However, new spider veins can appear in other areas, especially if the underlying causes are not treated.
• Areas of application: The QuadroStar PRO Green laser is particularly effective in treating very fine spider veins that are difficult to reach with conventional methods.
  The laser also shows excellent results in patients with sensitive skin or in areas where the skin is particularly thin (e.g. the face).

Combination of microfoam and laser

In some cases, the combination of microfoam sclerotherapy and laser treatment can provide the best results.
This combination treatment utilizes the strengths of both methods to effectively treat both larger and the finest spider veins.

Indications for combination therapy

• Complex cases: Patients with a mixture of larger and very fine spider veins can particularly benefit from combination therapy.
  The microfoam can effectively close larger vessels, while the laser treats fine spider veins that would otherwise be difficult to reach.
• Aesthetic optimization: Combination therapy offers an aesthetically optimized solution, as it enables even and comprehensive treatment of the entire affected area.
  This significantly improves the appearance of the skin and leaves no “residual problems”.

Course of the combination therapyThe course of combination therapy is usually structured as follows:

1. Microfoam sclerotherapy: First, the larger spider veins and smaller varicose veins are treated with microfoam.
   The phlebologist injects the foam into the affected vessels under ultrasound guidance to ensure a precise effect.
2. Laser treatment: Following sclerotherapy or in a separate session, the QuadroStar PRO Green laser is used to treat the remaining fine spider veins.
   The laser beam is aimed specifically at the affected areas to destroy the spider veins.
3. Aftercare: After the combination therapy, follow-up care is adjusted depending on the patient’s individual reaction.
   As a rule, wearing compression stockings is recommended to support healing and minimize the risk of complications.

Results and long-term prognosis

The combination of microfoam and laser usually leads to excellent aesthetic results.
Patients report a significant improvement in the appearance of the skin, with the treated spider veins disappearing completely.
The long-term prognosis is very good, especially if the patient follows the recommended aftercare measures and maintains a healthy lifestyle.

• Risk minimization: By combining both methods, even stubborn or recurrent spider veins can be treated effectively.
  This minimizes the risk of new spider veins appearing in the treated areas.

Aftercare and long-term results

After the treatment of spider veins, whether by microfoam sclerotherapy, laser or a combination of both methods, careful aftercare is crucial to achieve the best possible result and prevent the appearance of new spider veins.

Compression stockings

Wearing compression stockings is strongly recommended in the first few days after treatment.
These stockings exert pressure on the veins, support blood flow and promote healing.
They also help to reduce swelling and the risk of thrombosis.

Avoid exposure to the sun

After a laser treatment, it is important to protect the treated areas from direct sunlight.
Sunlight can impair healing and lead to pigment changes.
Therefore, the treated area should be protected from the sun or covered with sunscreen for at least two weeks after treatment.

Regular check-ups

To ensure long-term results, regular check-ups with a phlebologist are advisable.
These visits make it possible to monitor the healing process and react early to possible complications or the appearance of new spider veins.

Prevention of new spider veins

In addition to the treatment of existing spider veins, the prevention of new spider veins is of great importance.
Here are some tips on how you can minimize the risk:

• Exercise and fitness: Regular physical activity, especially endurance sports such as walking, swimming or cycling, supports blood circulation and strengthens the veins.
• Weight management: A healthy body weight reduces the pressure on the veins and reduces the risk of spider veins.
• Compression stockings in everyday life: During long periods of standing or sitting, for example at work, compression stockings can be helpful to promote blood circulation and prevent the formation of spider veins.

Conclusion

The treatment of spider veins has made considerable progress in recent years thanks to the use of modern technologies such as microfoam sclerotherapy and the QuadroStar PRO Green laser.
These methods offer patients effective, painless and aesthetically pleasing solutions for the lasting removal of spider veins.
Used in combination, they can treat both larger and the finest spider veins and achieve excellent results.
Careful diagnostics, individual treatment and consistent aftercare are the key to success.
VenaZiel Venenzentrum Berlin is at your side with state-of-the-art technologies and comprehensive expertise to treat your spider veins and improve your venous health in the long term.