Laser - Spider Veins
Spider veins, also known as telangiectasias, are small, visible blood vessels that appear just beneath the skin's surface. They commonly develop on the face and legs, often resembling thin tree branches or spider webs. While usually a cosmetic concern, spider veins can sometimes cause discomfort, including aching, burning, swelling, and leg cramps.
These veins are quite common, affecting almost half of the adult population in the United States. Many people, particularly when spider veins appear in visible areas like the legs or face, seek treatment to eliminate them. Fortunately, several highly effective and minimally invasive therapies are available, offering aesthetically pleasing results with minimal to no downtime.
Causes of and Risk Factors for Spider Veins
Spider veins develop from a backflow of blood in the veins. This condition, which results from damaged valves in the veins, is called "venous reflux." As blood collects in these veins, their walls distend. This increases the size of the veins and makes them visible under the skin's surface. Risk factors for developing spider veins include the following:
Increasing age
Hormonal changes
Pregnancy
Obesity
Lack of exercise
Sun exposure
A family history of spider veins is also a risk factor for developing them.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Spider Veins
Spider veins are diagnosed with a physical exam, a look at your symptoms, and sometimes an ultrasound. They can be treated with a few simple procedures.
Compression Stockings
The easiest way to help spider veins is to wear compression stockings. These stockings squeeze the veins and help blood flow back to your heart. This helps with the symptoms, but it doesn't get rid of the spider veins.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a treatment where a doctor injects medicine into the spider veins to make them disappear. It's done in the doctor's office and takes about an hour. Most people need two to four treatments.
Endovenous Laser Treatment
Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT), also called "laser ablation," consists of inserting a catheter with a laser probe attached to it directly into the vein. The laser heat seals off the damaged vein and diverts blood flow to healthier vessels.
The above treatments have fewer side effects, cause less pain, and have shorter recovery times than traditional surgical vein removal procedures.
Prevention of Spider Veins
While there's no guaranteed way to completely prevent spider veins, certain lifestyle modifications can help minimize the risk of developing them. These include maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular exercise, and wearing compression stockings, as well as choosing comfortable, flat shoes. It's also important to promote healthy circulation by frequently moving your legs, particularly if you spend extended periods sitting or standing still.