Treatments for Spider Veins
Spider veins are not to be confused with varicose veins. These are instead dilated or stretched out blood vessels that have a sort of branching pattern to them, or a spider web pattern since they are aptly named spider veins. Spider veins are most commonly found in the arms, thighs and legs, but sometimes they can also be found on the face as well. These are progressive in nature and tend to increase regarding viability over time, and as you get older because of this, they may need to be treated if they become too unsightly. Below, we will be talking about the best time to start treatment for Spider veins as well as the different options available to you.
When Is The Best Time For Treatment?
Spider veins for the most part are not painful but they can become ugly or uncomfortable for you regarding looks. In rare instances, they can cause swelling which can trigger other symptoms like throbbing and in worst case scenarios restless legs syndrome. All in all, though, a majority of the cases are more about vanity rather than pain when it comes to spider veins and treatment to get rid of them.
Reasons to consider treatment:
- Your spider veins have become unsightly, and you are feeling self-conscious because of them.
- Your spider veins are appearing on your face, and you would like a way to conceal them.
- You have spider veins, and you feel that they are a sign of aging and would like to eliminate them.
These are all valid reasons. Spider veins can get pretty visible, and they range from reddish to greenish so if you feel uncomfortable having them, or you feel like your self-esteem has lowered since developing them, OR they are painful it might be a good idea to look into finding a surgeon that can get rid of them for you and offer a treatment plan specifically for your needs.
Choosing A Surgeon
You want to choose someone who is experienced in their field, specifically with vein diseases and issues like varicose veins and spider veins. However, you also want to find someone that has top tier training, and education, as well as someone who is certified. Lastly, its important that you choose someone who you are comfortable with; whether it be a man or a woman, young or old. You will most likely need a board certified plastic surgeon to help get rid of your spider veins. A quality surgeon should have/be; Board Certified, have an ASAPS membership, have experience in this field, have reliable references, is thorough, has good rapport and bed manners, and someone that also offers follow-up care to ensure that everything with your surgery went smoothly, and you aren’t feeling any discomfort after the initial healing period.
Types Of Treatment Available
For spider veins, you have to main options available to you; Sclerotherapy and laser vein treatment.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a procedure used to treat blood vessels or blood vessel malformations (vascular malformations) and also those of the lymphatic system. A medicine is injected into the vessels, which makes them shrink. It is used for children and young adults with vascular or lymphatic malformations. In adults, Sclerotherapy is often used to treat spider veins, smaller varicose veins, and hemorrhoids. This therapy is the best option for medium sized veins greater than three mm in diameter. Afterward, there is very little downtime needed and little to no discomfort and pain will happen.
Laser Vein Treatment
Telangiectasias on the face are often treated with a laser. Laser therapy uses a light beam that is pulsed onto the veins to seal them off, causing them to dissolve. These light-based treatments require adequate heating of the veins. This treatment is more for people that have spider veins on the face. Your eyes will be covered while getting this type of treatment so that your eyes will not be damaged during the therapy. With this treatment, there will also be very little downtime. However, you will need to protect the treated areas with an SPF to keep it protected from sun exposure.
When Is The Best Time For Treatment?
Spider veins for the most part are not painful but they can become ugly or uncomfortable for you regarding looks. In rare instances, they can cause swelling which can trigger other symptoms like throbbing and in worst case scenarios restless legs syndrome. All in all, though, a majority of the cases are more about vanity rather than pain when it comes to spider veins and treatment to get rid of them.
Reasons to consider treatment:
- Your spider veins have become unsightly, and you are feeling self-conscious because of them.
- Your spider veins are appearing on your face, and you would like a way to conceal them.
- You have spider veins, and you feel that they are a sign of aging and would like to eliminate them.
These are all valid reasons. Spider veins can get pretty visible, and they range from reddish to greenish so if you feel uncomfortable having them, or you feel like your self-esteem has lowered since developing them, OR they are painful it might be a good idea to look into finding a surgeon that can get rid of them for you and offer a treatment plan specifically for your needs.
Choosing A Surgeon
You want to choose someone who is experienced in their field, specifically with vein diseases and issues like varicose veins and spider veins. However, you also want to find someone that has top tier training, and education, as well as someone who is certified. Lastly, its important that you choose someone who you are comfortable with; whether it be a man or a woman, young or old. You will most likely need a board certified plastic surgeon to help get rid of your spider veins. A quality surgeon should have/be; Board Certified, have an ASAPS membership, have experience in this field, have reliable references, is thorough, has good rapport and bed manners, and someone that also offers follow-up care to ensure that everything with your surgery went smoothly, and you aren’t feeling any discomfort after the initial healing period.
Types Of Treatment Available
For spider veins, you have to main options available to you; Sclerotherapy and laser vein treatment.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a procedure used to treat blood vessels or blood vessel malformations (vascular malformations) and also those of the lymphatic system. A medicine is injected into the vessels, which makes them shrink. It is used for children and young adults with vascular or lymphatic malformations. In adults, Sclerotherapy is often used to treat spider veins, smaller varicose veins, and hemorrhoids. This therapy is the best option for medium sized veins greater than three mm in diameter. Afterward, there is very little downtime needed and little to no discomfort and pain will happen.
Laser Vein Treatment
Telangiectasias on the face are often treated with a laser. Laser therapy uses a light beam that is pulsed onto the veins to seal them off, causing them to dissolve. These light-based treatments require adequate heating of the veins. This treatment is more for people that have spider veins on the face. Your eyes will be covered while getting this type of treatment so that your eyes will not be damaged during the therapy. With this treatment, there will also be very little downtime. However, you will need to protect the treated areas with an SPF to keep it protected from sun exposure.