1. New Horizons in the in the Treatment of Spider Veins

2. Spider Veins  Small blue or purple veins just beneath the skin  Affect millions of Americans  Typically progressive  Often inherited  Affect ankles, calves, thighs, nose

3. Symptoms  Visual - Small blue or purple veins can be seen just beneath the surface of the skin  Stinging  Itching

4. Causes  Heredity  Excessive body weight  Prolonged standing or sitting  Pregnancy  Hormonal changes  Advancing Age  Injury or trauma to vein  Sun exposure

5. Treatment Options  Conservative Treatment  Sclerotherapy  Laser Treatment / Double-Injury Technique

6. Conservative Treatment  Weight loss  Exercise  Elevation  Compression stockings

7. Compression Stockings  Prevent pooling of blood in veins  Promotes healthy blood flow by compressing veins  Ideally worn during long-periods of standing or sitting  Reduces discomfort and progression  Expensive  Hot  Difficult to put on

8. Sclerotherapy Alone  Most popular treatment  Tiny needles  FDA-approved medication  Irritates lining of vein, causing it to collapse  Two to four 20 minute sessions  Minimal discomfort  Can cause discoloration or staining of skin

9. Laser & Sclerotherapy Treatment “Double-Injury Technique”  By using laser first, vein is damaged, allowing small amount of solution in the vein.  Decreased risk of skin staining  Faster resolution than sclerotherapy alone

10. Recovery Period?  Walking encouraged day of procedure  Return to normal activities next day  Strenuous exercise (running or step aerobics e.g.) after three weeks  Return to work next day

11. Summary  Spider veins cause discomfort and embarrassment  Exercise, weight loss, elevation and compression stockings may alleviate symptoms  Current treatment options have significantly improved over recent years  Laser vein therapy and Sclerotherapy are effective treatment options  Low risk and minimal associated recovery