Spider veins, named after their web-like appearance, are similar to varicose veins, although smaller in nature. These enlarged veins are usually found near the surface of the skin and may appear blue or red. There are a few causes of spider veins, although a backup of blood and poor circulation is the most common cause. Hormone changes, an injury, sun exposure and pregnancy are also common causes for spider veins and varicose veins. It's estimated that 50% of women and 40% of men have some sort of vein problem.
Fortunately, there are a number of spider vein treatments available. One popular option is surface laser treatment, which sends bursts of light into the skin and through the vein. This helps the vein fade over time, although it is not effective with all skin types. The advantage to laser treatments is no needles are involved, although it may be painful and expensive. Sclerotherapy is perhaps the best option for spider veins. With sclerotherapy, an injection of a bit of chemical into the vein with a needle is administered, which causes the walls of the vein to swell and stick together, sealing shut completely. This stops the blood flow to the area and the vein becomes scar tissue, fading over a matter of weeks. This procedure is popular because it can be performed in the comfort of our medical spa and is very effective with no recovery time needed. |
