The likelihood of developing varicose and spider veins increases with age, but they are also hereditary. So what’s happening to make those veins more visible?
Basic Facts
Weak or damaged valves in veins make it difficult for the blood to be pumped efficiently back to the heart, thus allowing blood to pool in these weakened or enlarged areas. Spider veins can also be caused this way, but hormonal changes and sun exposure can also trigger the thin, web-like veins near the surface of the skin. Despite how it may sound, varicose and spider veins are usually not dangerous.
While they may not pose a threat, varicose and spider veins can be unsightly, or a source of embarrassment. Unfortunately, there’s little that can be done to prevent them from forming, and though there are many ways to avoid discomfort. One way to lessen the pain associated with varicose and spider veins is exercise, which gets blood circulation going in the body. Another viable option for dealing with the discomfort of varicose veins and spider veins is proper weight management. Weight management can relieve some of the pressure associated with varicose veins and can also increase blood circulation. While these approaches will manage some symptoms of varicose and spider veins the only way to remove them is with a professional dermatologist. Laser treatments and sclerotherapy, for more serious cases, are viable treatments with a high success rate.
Varicose Vein and Spider Vein Treatments
Sclerotherapy is a common cosmetic procedure to treat varicose and spider veins. Sclerotherapy call for a saline solution to be injected straight into the troublesome vein, causing it first to coagulate then disintegrate. Your body then absorbs the fallen vein, gradually forcing it away from the skin’s surface until it eventually disappears completely.
Simple laser treatments are also an option to help smaller varicose veins or as a second-step in treatment after larger varicose veins have undergone surgery or sclerotherapy. With laser treatment of varicose veins, the heat from the laser damages the vein, causing scar tissue to form. This scar tissue actually closes the vein and closed veins loses its blood source and dies. After a year or so the vein disappears
The most common laser used to treat spider veins is the Nd: YAG Laser system, a hand held device with a cooling tip to minimize discomfort during the procedure. The laser pierces the skin and penetrates the superficial blood vessel. The heat from the laser coagulates the blood inside causing it to collapse and seal. Over the next few weeks, the vessel eventually disappears. It may seem early to start thinking about summer legs, but laser treatment for varicose and spider veins may take a few sessions spaced over 6-12 weeks, allowing for full recovery time.
Looking for varicose and spider vein treatment in the Austin area? Contact Four Points Dermatology for the best Austin dermatology treatment.
