Spider Vein & Facial Vein Treatments

What are Spider Veins?

Spider veins are so named because these tiny veins just beneath the skin often radiate out from a central point, reminiscent of the shape of a spider. They may also appear as fine, separate lines, as a web-like maze, or as “branches” from a single “trunk” of a tree-shaped form.

Spider veins can develop on any part of the body, including the face, thighs, calves, and ankles. Although their exact cause is unknown, it is known that spider veins are related to abnormal blood flow in the affected veins. Any condition or activity that puts pressure on leg veins(e.g., gaining weight and sitting or standing for long periods of time), can contribute to their development. In women, spider veins often appear during pregnancy.

Other contributing factors include sustaining an injury in the affected area, taking medications that affect hormones, such as birth control pills, advanced age, and a family history of spider veins. Spider veins on the nose or face, which typically appear as unsightly red or pink clusters, may also be related to overexposure to the sun. Although many spider veins in other parts of the body are often removed through a process called sclerotherapy, facial veins are usually too small to be effectively treated in this way. When the veins are small and close to the skin’s surface, laser spider vein removal is often the most effective treatment.

How does Laser Therapy for Spider Veins work?

Laser spider vein removal differs significantly from the older, more traditional (and invasive) injection treatment – sclerotherapy. With the use of laser technology, there is no reason to pierce the skin in order to close off the small spider veins. The heat energy from the laser is able to penetrate under the skin and close the vein. The laser is able to collapse the spider vein by shrinking it due to precisely applied heat energy. This takes place of the alternative, which requires injecting the vein with a needle. Both, lasers and injections can effectively remove spider veins, but most patients elect the laser for several reasons: in a few instances, these individuals may have already tried sclerotherapy but found that it did not work. Others may choose the laser because they have an aversion to needles. Some have reported significant pain and discomfort from sclerotherapy, as well as purple and brown scars at the injection sites. Alternatively, the laser leaves no traces.

How much pain can I expect?
You may feel a slight burning or stinging sensation as the laser penetrates your skin. However, pain is usually minimal and no anesthesia is required. For those with low pain tollerance Tylenol or Ibuprofen may be used. Many patients liken the feeling to a rubber band snapping on the skin.

How many treatments will it take?

The actual veins treated usually only take one to two treatments. However treatment time is limited to 15- 30 min sessions so 2-4 treatments could be needed to treat them all if you have a bunch.

What is the recovery like?
You may experience some redness and swelling of the treated area, which should disappear within a few days. Generally, the veins will turn a purple to light violet color and sometimes may resemble a small bruise, and then gradually fade within the next several weeks. Ice packs are usually recommended to reduce the swelling. Frozen aloe vera gel is also commonly used. A second treatment may be needed on veins that did not completely disappear. This is done 6-8 weeks after the initial visit.

What are the long term results?
Although laser removal of spider veins may not erase all imperfections in the skin, most patients are satisfied with the results. After treatment, the unsightly red veins are significantly diminished and the skin is returned to a more natural, uniform state. It is important to remember, however, that laser removal does not deter the normal effects of aging and that treatment does not prevent the occurrence of new spider veins.

So if you’ve always wanted to get rid of spider veins, perhaps its time to discover the full benefits of laser spider vein removal. The best candidates for treatment are informed patients, so learn about your options.

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