How Do You Get Rid Of Spider Veins?

Depending on who you ask, one of the hardest truths is that our skin constantly changes as we age. Things start to appear that weren’t there before — age spots start to pop up, blemishes, wrinkles and a whole array of other things depending on our lifestyle and the habits we developed. One of those things include spider veins.

Spider veins are small blood vessels that develop close to the surface of the skin and can appear in a variety of different colours including red, blue and purple. They take shape in a variety of different ways, some time in one singular line but most commonly in the form of a web, hence the name.

They typically appear on the legs or face, which is why they’re the source of a lot of self-consciousness to those who have them because they’re so visible. As people age, they tend to become even more visible at times which is why people may seek to remove them. They’re caused by a number of different factors including aging, prolonged periods of time standing or sitting, weight gain, genetics or hormonal changes to the body.

If you’re looking for ways to remove those pesky spider veins, there are two popular ways to do so and they include Pulsed Dye Laser or Sclerotherapy. To find out which one is right for you and what to expect during treatment, keep on reading!

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a non-laser method of treating spider veins. It’s an injectable that works by shrinking the blood vessels, helping spider veins disappear completely. Hypertonic saline is injected through a small needle which is what ultimately causes the vein to unclog itself, causing a bruise that will resolve in just under two weeks, taking the spider vein away with it. Patients will start to see definite results in about 3-6 weeks depending on the size of the vein they’re looking to treat. Larger spider veins may take longer to heal but most often than not, patients will require multiple treatment sessions in order to achieve the desired results.

Apart from treating spider veins, one of the great benefits of sclerotherapy is that it helps treat many symptoms associated with this ailment, including swelling, cramps and aches. Because of its versatility and simple treatment process, sclerotherapy is typically the go-to option when it comes to treating this condition.

Pulsed Dye Laser

An alternative method to remove spider veins is through the Pulsed Dye Laser which works by activating the protein in the vein walls to thicken. In time the damaged vein will repair itself back to brand new. Much like the sclerotherapy, the Pulsed Dye Laser will require multiple treatment sessions in order to effectively eliminate spider veins. While this treatment works well, it often times works better in conjunction with sclerotherapy.

When it comes to results, they’re not immediate for this laser treatment and will take anywhere from 2-6 weeks. Patients typically report seeing their spider veins go from dark blue to light red before they completely disappear. For optimal results, patients are encouraged to get multiple sessions done.

It’s important to note that while both treatments are effective at eliminating spider veins, they don’t prevent new ones from popping up. Veins that are treated rarely reappear again, but it’s possible, especially if you’re prone to them that other spider veins continue to appear. If that’s the case, don’t fret! When you spot a spider vein early on its development, they’re much smaller and easier to treat. That could mean fewer laser treatments or less saline solution needed in your sclerotherapy treatment.

Now, which spider vein treatment is right for you? The best way to find out is through a thorough consultation with your cosmetic physician. They’ll properly assess the current state of your spider veins and determine the best course of action for you in order to see the best results. No need to cover up your face or hide those legs any longer! The places that you used to hide, you’ll be flaunting again in no time.