Once we get to a certain age, we all have them — those twisty, purple, blue, or red veins showing themselves under our skin on our legs, chest, and face. Their twisting path is the root of their name, not some comic book dude who was bitten by a radioactive spider. Spider veins, while not as painful or as large as varicose veins, are an unattractive addition, especially on the legs and face because they can be seen through the skin.
But you don’t have to be wary of showing your legs in public, or needing to layer the pancake makeup to cover them on your face, Dr. Lavey can get rid of those spider veins with sclerotherapy.
What causes spider veins to develop?
There are a variety of factors that contribute to a person developing spider veins:
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Obesity
- A history of blood clots
- Heredity
- Use of birth control pills
- Occupations that require a good deal of standing
- Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, puberty, and menopause
- Tight clothing around the abdomen
- Constipation
Treating spider veins
The standard approach to treating spider veins hasn’t changed since the 1930s. Salt solution is injected directly into the targeted spider vein. This sclerosing solution irritates the lining of the veins, causing them to close off and turn into scar tissue. This eventually fades away and the vein is no longer visible. The procedure is fast, but usually requires from two to four treatments to remove the veins you seek to eliminate.
But there is usually some bruising for a few months after a vein is treated, so Dr. Elliott recommends having sclerotherapy during the fall or winter months.
Call us to get rid of your spider veins, 925-820-3633.
No comments yet.