Spider veins while not life threatening can be painful, both physically and emotionally. Spider veins are dilated small blood vessels located close to the surface of the skin that have a red or bluish color. Although they can appear anywhere on the body, spider veins typically occur on the legs and face. Women who are concerned with the appearance of their spider veins spend time masking their veins with clothing, cosmetics or in the worst case - a suntan.
There are however, some very successful treatments for spider veins. If you are concerned about the appearance of spider veins or are experiencing discomfort from those veins you may want to talk to a dermatologist about your options. While spider vein treatment for cosmetic purposes only may not be covered by most insurance plans, if there is pain involved it may be covered. You should always check with your insurance carrier.
- Vascular Lasers
Lasers are used primarily for facial veins, which are small, superficial and red. The legs have historically been difficult to treat with lasers because the skin is thicker and the blood vessels containing the leg veins are deeper than elsewhere on the body. In addition, patients with spider veins often tan their legs to help hide their condition - which not only increases their risk of developing skin cancer, but makes it harder to treat with lasers.With most lasers, penetrating through a tan or naturally pigmented skin is a risky procedure since the darker color absorbs most of the laser energy and can burn the skin. However, today's new infrared lasers can penetrate deep into the lower layer of skin, called the dermis, reaching the vascular tissue. Since the pigment does not absorb the infrared, the upper most layer of the skin, the epidermis, is protected from this light.
While some patients have found lasers to be more uncomfortable than sclerotherapy, the use of a topical anesthesia can lessen the discomfort of the laser. Ice or a cooling agent can be applied after the procedure to further protect the epidermis and reduce pain.
Typically, dermatologists prefer several sessions over a period of a few months. The patient must be diligent to avoid sun exposure for at least two weeks after treatment.
- Sclerotherapy
For the last sixty years, sclerotherapy has been the gold standard for the treatment of spider veins. Sclerotherapy involves the injection of special solutions into the unwanted veins. The solution irritates the lining of the vessel, causing it to swell and stick together and the blood to thicken. Over a period of weeks, the vessel turns into scar tissue that is absorbed, eventually becoming barely noticeable or invisible.After several treatments, most patients can expect a 50 percent to 90 percent improvement. However, fading is gradual, usually over months. Disappearance of spider veins is usually achieved, but similar veins may appear in the same general area.
Sclerotherapy is quicker, cost less and is generally less painful than laser therapy. Typically, several sessions over a period of a few months are necessary and follow-up care involves the use of compression stockings for at least two weeks after treatment.
You may find that summer once again becomes a pleasure.
