Spider and varicose veins are different types of the same medical condition known venous insufficiency. More than 40% of women — and many men as well — have spider veins, which usually develop due to weakened or damaged valves in the veins. They’re usually small and painless, and they’re most often seen in the face and legs.
Robert Mirabile, MD, Vivian Hsu, MD, and the staff at Best Impression Med Spa have decades of experience treating these unsightly veins. Read on to learn how sclerotherapy can banish your spider veins for good.
Spider veins are tiny, discolored veins that are close to the surface of the skin. They can be barely visible or very noticeable, but they’re usually harmless. And they’re usually located on the legs and face.
A spider vein usually develops when a valve in the vein stops working properly. If the valve weakens, it may slow down blood flow and cause the vein to bulge and branch out. This results in the discolored veins we see. They can also be caused by:
They don’t generally cause any symptoms other than their discolored look, but in rare cases they can cause mild discomfort or even a burning sensation. Left untreated, they can appear for a few months or stay permanently.
With sclerotherapy, a salt solution is injected into the affected veins. This irritates the vein and causes it to collapse. The body then naturally eliminates the vein and reroutes the blood to healthier veins. Occasionally, a foam solution is used for larger veins.
You’ll likely wear a compression stocking or bandage for a couple of weeks after your procedure to help with healing. You should avoid strenuous exercise and sun exposure for a couple of weeks as well. You should be able to see results in 3-6 weeks. The treatment is effective and safe and has been around for many years.
When summertime comes, you’ll want to enjoy the sun and warm weather. This usually means throwing on shorts or a bathing suit to splash around in the water or kick up some sand. If you treat your spider veins in the fall or winter, you could be free of the unsightly blood vessels by the time the weather warms up.
To get rid of your spider veins, book an appointment online or over the phone with Best Impression Med Spa today.
