Unlike varicose veins, which can be large and painful to deal with, spider veins typically do not cause much distress. Most people only want them removed for cosmetic reasons, and treatment is usually non-invasive.
Unsightly spider veins may be small and painless, but they can indicate a much bigger issue. These blue, purple, or red veins that appear underneath the skin’s surface will often appear when the valves inside our veins stop working as they should.
Our veins are designed to transport blood to the heart from other areas, such as our legs. To help prevent the blood from flowing in the wrong direction, the veins contain a one-way valve that closes after blood passes through it.
Over time, it’s common for the valves to become damaged or weak. That can make it difficult for blood to flow in the right direction, and then it begins to pool inside the vein. It will cause a bulge to form in the vein, which later branches out, causing spider veins to occur.
Spider veins can also appear on the face, although it is not as common. These are usually caused by small blood vessels bursting, increased pressure to the area, or sun damage.
Although they are usually not painful, spider veins have been known to cause some discomfort. That is why many people want to have them removed, while others may want spider veins removed for cosmetic reasons. Regardless of your reason, there are several treatment options for you to consider.
Wearing compression socks is a great way to treat spider veins on your own. These stockings place pressure on the veins in your lower legs. The pressure is known to improve blood flow and prevent any additional spider veins from occurring. These stockings are also beneficial with other vein conditions. They can help reduce leg swelling and help decrease your risk of developing blood clots in the legs.
With laser vein treatment, a specialist uses a laser to treat the spider veins that are close to the skin’s surface. The laser is a strong and focused beam of light that will cause the spider vein to clot and later dry up. It is a minimally invasive form of treatment because there is no injection needed.
Sclerotherapy is a more invasive form of treatment than laser therapy. It is often used when other methods fail to work. This method involves injecting a substance into the affected vein. The solution causes the walls of the vein to become irritated, and they stick together. It prevents the blood from flowing into the area.
Sclerotherapy reduces swelling and will cause the vein to shrink over time. Eventually, the vein will fade away or vanish.
Closure system treatment is another option that involves injecting a substance into the vein. The substance also closes the vein off from blood flow, making the spider fade disappear in time.
Endovenous laser therapy or EVLT is an innovative treatment that works for spider veins and smaller varicose veins. With this procedure, a specialist will make a small incision with the affected vein and then inserts a laser fiber inside. The fiber applies heat to the vein, which causes it to collapse. It can take several months for the vein to disappear eventually; however, the method is known to be highly effective.
If you are looking for a spider vein doctor in Walnut Creek, Brentwood, or Antioch, look no further than BASS Vein Center. We have several vein specialists on staff ready to assist you. Give us a call today for more details.
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