If you suffer from spider veins, you know just how embarrassing this condition can be. Depending on the location of your spider veins, you may not be able to wear the clothes you like, or you may feel compelled to wear heavy makeup at all times in order to cover these unsightly veins. Fortunately, you can reduce or eliminate the appearance of spider veins with the right spider vein treatment.

About Spider Veins

Spider veins are abnormal blood vessels that may appear on the face, hands, chest or legs. They are easily visible through the skin, and they often appear twisted. Spider veins may be red, blue or purple in color. This condition tends to worsen with age.

What Causes Spider Veins?

Spider veins can develop as a result of a number of different factors. Some of the factors that may increase your risk of developing spider veins include:

• Heredity
• Use of hormone replacement therapy
• Use of birth control pills
• Spending too much time standing

What Treatment Options Are Available?

Some mild cases of spider veins may respond to at-home treatments. For example, spider veins that occur in the legs may be reduced if you wear compression stockings on a regular basis, especially when you are standing. For some people, weight loss or increased physical activity may also be helpful. However, even the best at-home treatments won’t be enough to completely eliminate the symptoms of spider veins for many patients with this condition.

If conservative treatments do not work for you, you can opt for medical intervention instead. One of the most common surgical treatment options for spider veins is sclerotherapy. This treatment method works by introducing a sclerosing solution into the spider veins using a thin needle. This solution irritates the walls of the vein and eventually causes the vein to collapse. The vein shrinks and is absorbed by the body over time. This procedure causes very little discomfort and can be performed under local anesthesia. In most cases, patients are able to resume their normal activities on the same day.

Keep in mind that the results of sclerotherapy are not immediate for most patients. Typically, results will appear within six weeks of treatment. However, in some cases, you may need more than one treatment in order to achieve the desired cosmetic result.

When to Seek Treatment for Spider Veins

If you are experiencing the symptoms of spider veins anywhere on your body and you have already tried conservative treatments at home with little or no success, it may be time to explore surgical treatment options. To find out more, please contact Tri-City Cardiology to schedule a consultation with a vascular surgeon.