Spider veins are known to be unattractive. In some cases, they can be connected to pain, swelling, ulcers, and other uncomfortable conditions. Thankfully, for the most part, spider veins do not pose a serious health risk for most people. But they can make it hard for people to wear shorts, a bathing suit, or any form of clothing that exposes the area that is affected. Spider veins look like thin red lines or like a network of veins. They are usually found on the legs and feet. If a person is concerned about their spider veins, there are a number of treatment options that are available.
Sclerotherapy is a popular spider vein treatment. During this treatment, your veins are injected with a solution that causes the veins to scar over and then collapse. When the treated veins collapse, your blood is rerouted through healthier veins. Within weeks of the treatment, the collapsed spider veins begin to fade away.
For many individuals, sclerotherapy is a one-time treatment. However, in some more stubborn cases, a vein may need to be injected more than once. When sclerotherapy is performed correctly, it is very effective.
Laser treatment can also be used to eliminate the appearance of spider veins. It is not designed to burn away the vein. Instead, short bursts of light are sent into the vein. This causes the vein to slowly fade away and eventually disappear.
Laser therapy is effective on smaller veins. However, it does not always produce the same effects as sclerotherapy if it is used on larger veins. The side effects of laser therapy are minimal, and the treatments are simple and convenient.
After laser therapy or sclerotherapy, the treated blood vessels start to fade away. In many cases, they completely disappear. In rare instances, they may not disappear completely. It all depends on the unique case.
Anyone can develop spider veins. There is nothing that you can do to completely prevent spider veins. However, if you have them, our specialists at Worcester Dermatology Associates and Chelmsford Dermatology Associates can treat them. Contact us today to book your appointment in Worcester or Chelmsford.