Reticular Veins

Most patients understand what spider veins and varicose veins are. Although they are considerably less familiar with reticular veins. Reticular veins bridge the gap between spider veins and varicose veins and are caused by chronic venous insufficiency. Reticular veins are typically larger than spider veins at about 1-3 mm in diameter and are blue or green veins. They are sometimes surrounded by a cluster of spider veins.  Therefore, your vein doctor may refer to them as feeder veins and will suggest treatment of these veins along with spider veins (how to prevent spider veins) for more permanent results. It is a common mistake to not treat reticular veins. They cannot be simply treated with laser therapy or even liquid sclerotherapy. 

RETICULAR VEIN SYMPTOMS

Reticular veins have similar symptoms to spider and varicose veins. They may cause pain, itching, redness or burning. In the presence of chronic venous insufficiency, more intense symptoms may be experienced and reticular veins serve as a reminder to investigate further.  A vein doctor will need to perform a thorough medical and physical examination to determine the signs and symptoms of venous insufficiency. Additional testing can include a Doppler ultrasound (DUS) to evaluate the vein and valve function underneath the skin.

RETICULAR VEIN TREATMENT

Fortunately, reticular veins can be treated, in many instances, this involves cosmetic treatments that will suffice. However, in the presence of symptoms, venous insufficiency will likely need to be treated first before addressing smaller veins such as reticular or spider veins to eliminate symptoms. 

The main form of reticular vein treatment is sclerotherapy. However, some veins are not likely to resolve with laser therapy (due to poor penetration) or liquid sclerotherapy (dilutional effect). This is where the role of a qualified, board-certified vein doctor is most important. Not only do they need to consider the best treatment for the surface (laser therapy, liquid sclerotherapy or foam-sclerotherapy with possible ultrasound guidance), the exclusion of underlying vein disease must also be considered. 

Reticular vein treatment with sclerotherapy is typically performed in the office during a 15 minute to 1-hour long session (depending on the nature and extent of veins). It uses ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy and will be more time consuming to be exact with the placement and delivery of effective medication. Most patients will need 1-3 sessions for a successful course of vein treatment. The cost of sclerotherapy for spider veins will depend on medication utilized, qualifications of the vein clinic and vein doctor, the extent and nature of vein disease.

article source: https://southjerseyveincenter.home.blog/2020/03/06/what-are-reticular-veins/