Clinical Characteristics of 500 Consecutive Patients Presenting for Laser Removal of Lower Extremity Spider Veins

BACKGROUND: Laser treatment for removal of lower extremity spider veins is emerging as a modality of choice in patients with small spider veins, those who have previously undergone sclerotherapy or vein stripping, and those refusing sclerotherapy. OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical characteristics of patients presenting for laser treatment of leg veins. METHODS: The clinical characteristics of 500 patients presenting for laser treatment of spider veins were evaluated to investigate characteristics leading to their development, and to characterize the type of patients presenting for laser treatment. RESULTS: Patients presenting for treatment range widely in age and have had spider veins for an average of 14 years. Both pregnancy and previous sclerotherapy were factors that contributed to the development or exacerbation of spider veins. CONCLUSION: As laser treatment of spider veins improves, this modality will play an increasing role in the management of lower extremity telangiectasias.