Spider Vein
Spider veins are tiny, damaged veins that form on the surface of the face or legs. Spider veins can be red, blue, or purple. They may appear in the form of webs, thin lines, or branches. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) provides spider veins treatment to patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Beverly Hills, CA, and surrounding communities.
Causes of Spider Veins
Spider veins on the face occur when tiny blood vessels burst. Sun damage or increased pressure can cause this. Spider veins in the legs occur when the valves within the veins stop working in a proper fashion. Veins are responsible for carrying blood back to the heart. They have a one-way valve to prevent blood from flowing backward.
When these valves become damaged or weakened, blood struggles to flow in the correct direction. It can begin pooling inside the vein. Over time, the vein may bulge and begin branching out causing spider veins. Science is yet to uncover the exact causes for the weakening of the one-way valves. These are a few factors that increase the risk of spider veins:
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy, puberty, and menopause
- Taking birth control, progesterone, or estrogen pills
- Heredity
- Pregnancy results in enlarged veins because the volume of blood in the body increases dramatically. It also places pressure on the veins by making the uterus larger. You may notice improvements in the condition after delivery
Risk Factors Associated with Spider Veins
These are a few factors that increase the risk of spider veins:
- Genetics: More than 90% people with spider veins have someone in the family with the same condition.
- Pregnancy: Increased blood flow in the body along with an increase in weight of the fetus puts pressure on the leg veins. Spider veins are known to disappear in many pregnant women after delivery. However, they can be permanent in others.
- Women: Females are more at risk of being affected by spider veins as compared to men.
- Age: Vein valves tend to weaken with age. Calf muscles may lose strength as you age as well. These muscles are responsible for supporting the veins in the legs.
- Overweight: There may be added pressure on the leg veins because of extra body weight.
- Hormones: Hormonal treatments for menopause and hormonal birth control treatments may place a woman at an increased risk of spider veins. This is because too much estrogen can weaken valves in the vein.
- Sitting/Standing: Risk is increased in teachers, nurses, and food service workers because of prolonged standing
- Previous vein damage or blood clot: Valves can become damaged because of this rendering them unable to work properly
- Excess facial pressure: Forceful coughing, vomiting, or sneezing can cause spider veins. Some women develop facial spider veins because of exertion during pregnancy.
- Sun damage: Your skin can get damaged because of UV light from the sun. This can cause spider veins or broken blood vessels.
Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Q receives patients from Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Beverly Hills, CA, and nearby areas for spider veins treatment.
Contact Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) in Rancho Mirage, California
To learn more about the plastic surgery treatments and procedures performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) please contact us at 760-324-2660. To learn more about Dr. Q’s Medical Spa please visit drqmedicalspa.com
Dr. Q receives patients from Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Beverly Hills CA, and other Southern California areas.
Schedule a Consultation: (760) 537.4579