Spider veins are unsightly and uncomfortable. These damaged blood vessels and clots below the skin’s surface get their name from their web-like appearance, but they are actually not veins, but capillaries, venules, and arterioles. Whatever they are, they are not something you want, but the good news is that they can be treated! For spider vein removal, laser or injection techniques can be used, but which is the best option? Here, we will look at both treatment techniques, the pros and cons of each, and how to choose the best option for your spider veins.
Sometimes, small blood vessels under the skin weaken and expand, and this is what causes spider veins. They can occur anywhere on the body, but they’re most commonly seen on the face or the legs. The cause of spider veins is not completely understood, but some of the contributing factors include hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, injury, or connective tissue diseases. People are at higher risk for spider veins if they stand or sit for long stretches of time, are obese, are pregnant or on birth control, are always out in the sun, are current or former smokers, or have family members with spider veins or varicose veins. They can be uncomfortable and itchy, but people usually have them removed for cosmetic reasons.
The two primary treatments for spider veins use lasers or injections to accomplish essentially the same purpose- destroying the damaged veins. The treatment using an injection is called sclerotherapy, and it is designed to cause the blood vessel to collapse and dissolve into the body. Also called chemical ablation, it involves injecting a sclerosant agent into the damaged veins. These injections begin to work immediately, and patients see results as soon as they receive treatment. Laser therapy targets the pigments in the blood to heat up the vessel without affecting the surrounding tissues. It is safe and precise, but if the skin is exposed to sun, it can result in burns. It takes time for laser treatment to work, and results are not usually noticeable for a few days.
Choosing between treatments is a matter of personal preference, under the guidance of your doctor. For most people, sclerotherapy offers many advantages over spider veins. It can treat any size of spider veins and can even be used for varicose veins. Laser treatment, on the other hand, is most effective on veins that are shallow and sparse. Lasers only work on smaller veins, because light energy cannot target depths of more than a few millimeters without damaging the tissue around the vein. Laser treatments take more treatment sessions than sclerotherapy, making injection treatment more cost-effective. On the other hand, for people who are nervous about needles, laser treatment may be a better option. Another consideration is that some people are allergic to the chemicals used in sclerotherapy, in which case, lasers are a much safer form of treatment.
When you are looking for expert advice and care for the treatment of spider veins and other vascular conditions, the talented team of the top vein specialists at Twin Lakes Heart & Vein Center are here for you. Since 1993, we have been providing cardiovascular care for the community in Boca Raton, offering unparalleled care through a preventative, patient-centered approach. We are committed to building life-long relationships with our patients, helping them achieve a heart-healthy lifestyle. By adopting leading-edge technologies and taking a comprehensive heart health approach to heart disease, we are able to provide enhanced outcomes for a wide range of cardiovascular conditions. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us through our website.
