How To Treat Spider Veins

What Are Spider Veins?

Spider veins are a form of superficial veins that look like a spider web underneath the surface of the skin. Unlike varicose veins that become swollen and protrude outward, spider veins do not protrude and usually do not cause any discomfort or pain. However, many people are self conscious about their appearance and seek remedies to get rid of the uneven colour and pigmentation.

Spider veins most commonly occur on the legs, but can also appear on the hands and face. They are also incredibly common, affecting many adults and tends to impact women more often than men.

What Causes Spider Veins?

Before we start discussing treatment options, it is important to understand the causes of spider veins.

Spider veins usually occur when the pressure in your veins increase. There are a variety of factors that can impact the chance of developing spider veins, which include prolonged periods of sitting or standing, aging, and family history.

How Can I Prevent Spider Veins?

If your general lifestyle requires you to remain standing for hours at a time, or someone who has a family history of spider veins, they may not be completely avoidable. However, you can reduce your risk of developing them by keeping the following tips in mind.

Relieve pressure on your legs. If you work in an office and remain seated for many hours at a time, you should try and take a break by walking around approximately every 30 minutes. Crossing your legs can cut off blood flow, so avoid doing this while seated.

If you are someone like a teacher or nurse who stands for many hours of the day, try to avoid standing in one place. You should also make an effort to take a walk every 30 minutes or so.

Wear compression stockings. Compression stockings have many benefits when it comes to improving your circulation and relieving pressure from the area affecting the veins. Support pantyhose can be purchased almost anywhere and provide pressure all over the leg instead of one targeted area.

Elevate your feet. A good way to ensure optimal circulation is to keep your feet at an elevated position. This will relieve pressure from the legs and limbs, improving your circulation and preventing the development of spider veins. While relaxing at home, keep your feet propped up or keep a pillow under your legs when sleeping to keep your blood flowing efficiently.

Exercise. Exercising is one of the best ways to relieve pressure from affected limbs, improve circulation, and strengthen your body. You can do this by taking regular walks and by incorporating resistance training with weights. Exercise that involves cardiovascular health, such as running and swimming also amps up blood flow and lowers your risk of developing spider veins.

KTP Diode Laser for Spider Veins

The KTP Diode Laser is one of the most effective laser treatments available on the market for the treatment of spider veins. Its highly effective green-light laser can specifically target and absorb oxyhemoglobin, which gives blood its signature red colour. Because of this, the KTP laser is highly effective in the removal of red pigmentation.

The blood vessels close to the surface of the skin is highly attracted to the green light beam emitted by the KTP Diode Laser and is gently heated, triggering the body’s natural healing process while not causing damage to surrounding cells and tissue.

The KTP Diode Laser can be used on many areas of the body, including the legs, hands, face, and arms. Immediately after your procedure, you will notice an improvement in the appearance of your blood vessels and your results will continue to improve over the course of 4 to 6 weeks.

To see if the KTP Diode Laser is right for you, schedule a free consultation with Dr. Jain to discuss your individual treatment options.