Spider veins can have a devastating effect on your self-esteem and self-confidence. While they seldom create any health risks or produce symptoms, the aesthetic impact they can have is enough to interfere with many people’s quality of life. If you are in a situation such as this, you should look into the many benefits of spider vein treatment. There are a variety of non-surgical methods available at our office, and you are sure to find the one that works best for you.
Spider veins form because of a condition known as venous insufficiency. This is when the blood is not flowing through the vessels as it should. The result is a backing up of the blood inside the veins, causing them to enlarge. Spider veins are similar to varicose veins, but they develop in the smaller vessels that branch out from the larger ones. When they form, they often appear as interwoven lines that create a pattern similar to what you typically see when you look at the strands of a spider web. They can also remind you of the legs of a spider with their sharp and jagged turns.
When spider veins are visible through the skin, they are usually blue, red or purple. Since a single vein seldom appears in isolation, their presence is often very obvious. While spider veins are most commonly seen on the legs, they can also appear on the face (which makes the self-esteem issues they can cause even more significant). They are also sometimes seen on the chest and abdomen.
Of the non-surgical methods that are used for spider vein removal, the most common and effective treatment is sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy is most popular because of its success rate and low risk of complications. The treatment involves the injection of a special solution into the targeted vessels to make them close off. The solution is formulated to irritate the lining of the vessels, which initiates a cascade of events that leads to the eventual disappearance of the veins.
Sclerotherapy is an outpatient procedure that does not require a period of inactivity for recovery. In fact, walking immediately afterwards is usually encouraged to minimize the chances of complications.
Another treatment for spider veins is laser therapy. It is done when laser energy is focused onto the targeted vessels. It can be done from outside the skin in a way that impacts the vein without disturbing the surrounding tissue. The heat from the laser will safely destroy the vein.
Yet another treatment for spider veins is thermocoagulation through a tiny needle with a device known as VeinGogh. This treatment is particularly effective for small veins on the face.
Dr. Rayman at Beach Cities Vein and Laser Center can explain how these and other available therapies can be effective at removing those unwanted spider veins. Schedule a consultation at our office in El Segundo to learn more information. We happily serve men and women in the Los Angeles and surrounding areas. Contact us today to book a consultation for spider vein removal!