Also known as Telangiectasia, spider veins are small blood vessels in the skin that have become enlarged. They are frequently found on the legs and faces of adults; however, they can appear anywhere on the body.
Spider veins are not harmful to your health, but they may cause you aesthetic problems. They develop when there is a decrease in collagen within the skin. This leads to dilated blood vessels that are visible through the skin. They may also become more noticeable when vascular lasers are used due to the pulsing of blood in these veins at that time.
Usually, spider veins appear because of hormones or sun exposure. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and menopause can cause them.
This article looks at some of the most effective treatments for spider veins in New York. Read on for more.
- Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a standard treatment for removing spider veins. A needle containing an irritating solution is injected into the vein, causing it to collapse along with the surrounding tissue. Your body reabsorbs the collapsed vein over the next few weeks.
Usually, you need around three treatments for satisfactory results. Before each session, you should avoid aspirin or aspirin-containing drugs, as well as any anti-inflammatory medication.
- Laser Treatment
Laser treatment is another option for removing spider veins. A laser pulse causes the vein to collapse and fade from sight.
You can permanently remove more prominent spider veins through surgery. Your doctor makes a small incision near the vein site and removes it with forceps. The wound is then closed with stitches, which are removed within a week.
Scarring is always a risk with surgery, but modern techniques have reduced it significantly. The success of the operation will depend on how extensive your spider veins are. It is best to consult your doctor about your options if you are considering this treatment method.
- Surgery
This is the only treatment that can permanently remove spider veins. Sclerotherapy and laser treatments are repeated until your veins disappear, but this may take several years.
Although surgery is the most effective way to get rid of unsightly spider veins, it also carries a risk of scarring. As with any surgery, there’s no guarantee that you won’t have a scar afterward.
Once your veins disappear, it is unlikely that they will come back. However, pregnancy and the menopausal stage of your life can cause them to get worse again. Sun exposure can also make you more likely to develop new spider veins in the future.
- Compression Stockings
Some women use compression stockings to prevent the appearance of spider veins. They put pressure on your legs, preventing blood from pooling in your veins and increasing their visibility.
However, compression stockings also reduce the flow of blood in your veins, which may make it more difficult for you to get around. If you wear them to work or for an extended period, standing can be very tiring.
There is only limited evidence that compression stockings are effective at preventing spider veins. They may make your symptoms less noticeable in the short term but won’t get rid of them permanently.
In summary, spider veins are small blood vessels that appear below the skin, causing discolorations. They do not present any health risks. If you have spider veins, you can benefit from treatments such as sclerotherapy, compression stockings, and surgery.
