Spider veins are web-like formations you might notice on your ankles or legs. Regardless of their intimidating look, there is nothing to be scared of. Studies show that about 40 to 45% of men and 55% of women get spider veins during their lives. These are curable either with medical help or by following home remedies.
This write-up solely focuses on various treatment procedures one can follow if they notice signs of the said vein issue. We can understand that even though spider veins are harmless, they can create physical discomfort and self-consciousness. Therefore, in this article, we have thoroughly discussed the condition and how one can get rid of them.
What are Spider Veins?
Spider veins are tiny blood vessels that are either broken or twisted and may appear inside the skin of any body part. They are named so because they look similar to a spider web, and are either blue or red. The damaged valves that cause the backflow of blood cause spider veins, but they do not impose any health risk. However, some might experience slight pain or burning sensation, making them reluctant to get rid of them.
Getting rid of Spiders: The available treatment options
Several options are available that help getting rid of spider veins. If you have any of the symptoms, some of the treatment options are as follows:
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is an effective procedure used to treat spider veins. If you are suffering from the said condition, you can consult some of the best spider veins doctor in NY for sclerotherapy.
In this procedure, the doctor injects a combination of medicines into the affected lymph or blood vessels, causing them to shrink. The infused fluid causes no harm to the body in any dosage. Also, it causes the vein to close off the blood flow. Sclerotherapy causes temporary side-effects like stinging, general discomfort, bruising, or swollen ankles or feet. The procedure fades spider veins within a few weeks.
Skin creams
Skin creams like retinol can help with fading spider veins. The presence of vitamin A effectively contributes to reducing the appearance of swollen veins by forming a layer of collagen in the dermis. You can refer to your doctor to find the right balance of using topical substances such as retinol cream on your skin to achieve desired results.
Laser treatment
Laser treatment is an ideal solution to get rid of spider veins. Doctors prefer this treatment as it helps to remove every cell of the enlarged veins. The laser is a strong beam of light that enables doctors to eliminate affected veins entirely.
Laser treatment is a less invasive one in contrast to sclerotherapy as it does not require injection. Laser treatment is an in-office treatment that works deeply on your body and is painless. The other point to note is this treatment does not have any side-effects.
Radiofrequency
In this procedure, the doctor inserts long, thin tubes called catheters into the affected veins and heats up their tips using either radiofrequency or laser energy. The doctor then pulls out the catheters, which causes the swollen veins to collapse and ultimately seal shut. This procedure of removing spider veins is generally performed when the affected veins are large in size.
Intense Pulsed Light
This treatment uses a light source that enables the skin to rejuvenate, and it helps to reduce the appearance of spider veins in your body. This procedure damages the blood vessel wall by applying heat to it. However, it is an effective treatment that helps to treat the skin’s lower layers. It takes up to 20 to 45 minutes. It relies on the size of the affected area. Intense pulsed light treatment or IPL is an effective way of getting rid of varicose veins and age spots, freckles, etc.
Endoscopic vein surgery
In advanced cases of spider veins, a doctor may advise endoscopic vein surgery if other methods of treating the condition have failed. In this surgical procedure, the surgeon inserts a video camera in the patient’s affected area for better visuals of the enlarged veins. The doctor then shuts the varicose veins and removes them from the body by making minor incisions. Performed on an outpatient basis, this procedure may cause minor discomfort for a few days after the surgery.
Conclusion
Since you are now aware of all the treatments that help you get rid of spider veins, don’t give yourself any reason to suffer one more day. The aforementioned procedures all come with their own set of pros and cons. Consult your doctor and choose the best method to get rid of spider veins.