If you have noticed wispy spider veins crawling up your legs, you may have wondered what kind of potions or wizardly magic might help you banish them. However, before calling on the harvest moon for help, you should know that there are procedures to help you get rid of those pesky spider veins.
We’d like to offer you an insight into those troublesome veins as well as provide you with some effective treatment options.
What are spider veins?
Spider Veins are small red, purple, or blue blood vessels that twist and turn and are visible through the skin. They can appear as a single line or two, or even bursts of lines that form a web or tree-like branches radiating from a central point on your skin, hence their name.
They are often found on legs and ankles, but can appear anywhere on the body, including the face.
The discoloration is caused by blood pooling in the veins. As the blood deoxygenates it darkens, causing the veins to show through the skin.
What causes spider veins?
There was no witch’s curse that gave you those veins, we promise.
Over time, pressure on your veins can cause them to become weak, stretched out, and function improperly leading the development of spider veins.
Several factors can increase a person’s chance for developing spider veins including the following: age, heredity, hormonal changes, pregnancy, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and sun exposure.
Over time, the pressure on your veins can cause them to become weak, stretched out, and function improperly leading the development of spider veins.
Are they purely cosmetic or should I be concerned?
One of the biggest reasons not to ignore these veins is because the average person may not be able to tell the difference between spider and varicose veins.
Spider veins are often cosmetic and typically under the surface. However varicose veins bulge above the surface and may signify a more serious problem within the body’s circulatory system.
Your heart pumps blood throughout your entire body through blood vessels. The blood circulates out towards your extremities (your arms, legs, and head) through arteries and returns to the heart through your veins. Sometimes weak or damaged veins prevent the blood from returning to the heart and instead the blood remains backed up in your veins. The pressure causes the veins to become enlarged, making them more prominent on your skin’s surface.
Both spider and varicose veins can serve as early warning signs for restricted blood flow issues such as pooling and clotting. Clots are extremely hazardous and can reach the heart, lungs, or brain. Even if clots do not occur, over time one may develop vein disease if left untreated which is a lifelong health issue.
Spider veins and varicose veins are connected. Most people who have varicose veins almost always have spider veins, but not everyone who has spider veins will develop varicose veins.
If you spy some pesky veins, you should reach out to your provider to determine which type have and what treatment options are best for you.
Treatment Options
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is considered a golden standard when it comes to the treatment of spider veins. In this procedure, the doctor uses a microneedle to inject a solution into the problem vein. This solution then irritates the vein and causes it to scar and rupture. The vein closes, causing the blood to reroute through healthier veins.
Laser Treatment Therapy
If you want to tackle those areas without an invasive process, laser treatment is a great option. It is also an ideal treatment for facial veins. You may experience a slight tingling or stinging sensation, if you find this uncomfortable, a topical numbing cream can be applied.
Both treatments are considered a same-day procedure, enabling you to return to your day after treatment. The treatments cause the vein to collapse and diminish the visibility of the vein on the surface. As the fading process is gradual, it may take a few weeks to a few months for the vein to fade.
Depending on the size and the number of veins you may want to be treated, you may need multiple treatments for optimal results. Normally follow-up treatments are done four to six weeks apart.
It is important to note that this is not a permanent fix as it does not prevent similar veins from appearing in the same area despite treatment.
We are excited and more than happy to help you achieve your goal of clear skin. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact us at Dr. K’s Med Spa.