Did you know that there are several treatments available for spider veins? This condition develops when small, thin veins appear on the skin’s surface. They develop due to faulty valves or a thinning of the blood vessel wall. Although they can appear anywhere on the body, they most frequently do so on the legs or the pelvic region. Dr. Atur Kasha El Paso can help design a customized treatment plan suited to your particular needs.
There are various causes of spider veins, including:
- Hormonal changes in the body: Your hormones can cause these veins to appear, especially during pregnancy or menopause.
- Prolonged sitting: Sitting in the same position for a long period can contribute to the appearance of spider veins.
- Standing for long periods: People who stand for prolonged periods are more likely to develop spider veins due to increased pressure on their veins.
- Hereditary: Genetics can also play a role in developing spider veins.
- Injury to the skin: Sun damage, poor nutrition, and other injuries to the skin can lead to spider veins.
- Excessive weight gain: Being overweight or obese can put increased pressure on veins, leading to the development of spider veins.
- Sun exposure: Too much sun exposure can cause spider veins to appear.
- Use of birth control pills: Hormonal birth control pills can increase the risk of developing spider veins.
The common symptoms of spider veins are:
- Burning or throbbing sensations throughout the area
- Swelling of the surrounding tissue
- Aching or heaviness in the legs
If you have spider veins, your doctor will likely recommend one of several treatments. These include:
Sclerotherapy
Varicose vein pain and discomfort can be treated with this procedure and can stop complications like ulcers and vein bleeding. Additionally, it can be used to enhance appearance merely. Sclerotherapy involves injecting a specially formulated detergent or a highly concentrated saline (salt) solution into the vein.
The chemical causes the vein’s anterior to become inflamed and scarred, causing the vein to collapse and gradually disappear over 3 to 6 weeks. The removal of larger veins could take six months.
Laser therapy
This treatment involves using laser energy to seal off the affected vein. It is often used in combination with sclerotherapy, typically requiring multiple treatments to achieve desired results. The process entails using a laser to heat the vein from the outside and seal it shut. The result is that the spider veins are eliminated or significantly reduced.
Endovenous ablation
This procedure uses radio frequency energy or lasers to create a controlled injury in the vein, causing it to collapse and be reabsorbed by your body. The procedure is typically done with local anesthesia and requires minimal recovery time.
Ambulatory phlebectomy
This procedure involves surgically removing the affected veins. It’s generally recommended for larger veins and can be done under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting. Recovery time is typically shorter than with endovenous ablation.
Exercise
Regular exercise can help improve circulation and reduce the appearance of spider veins. Talk to your doctor about an appropriate physical activity plan for you.
Compression Stockings
Wearing compression stockings can help reduce the appearance of spider veins by providing support and improving circulation in your legs. Get an appropriately fitted pair from your doctor or a specialist.
Talk to your doctor at Desert West Vein & Surgery Center about the best spider vein treatment.
