The majority of us have flaws, some we don’t mind and some we’d like to hide.
And with the high standards of beauty in these photo-centric times, looking our best has become a full-time job. Lasers have advanced in technology so greatly that they are the solution to many cosmetic adjustments.
Fine lines? Laser treatment
Wrinkles? Laser treatment
Acne Scars? Laser treatment
Uneven skin tone? Laser treatment
Sun damage? Laser treatment
Skin imperfections have various options when it comes to types of lasers and it just gets better. What about Spider Veins? Yes, you guessed it… laser treatment.
Spider veins are mostly harmless. Known more for being annoying eye sores on the surface of the skin. Some can be uncomfortable but more than anything, affect your appearance. It is not often but spider veins can be known to put you at risk for a complication like a blood clot.
But why do we get them? Varicose or spider veins are developed when tiny valves inside the veins are weakened. Healthy veins push blood back to the heart in one direction but when these valves weaken blood can flow backwards and accumulate in the vein.This continually puts pressure on the walls of the vein and can make the vein weak which causes them to bulge. This, in time, is where we see a varicose or spider vein.
They lie close to the surface as a red or purple hue. They can be short, unconnected lines or matted in a “sunburst” pattern, web-like, or branch-like in appearance. Normally found on legs, or face, but generally can be anywhere on the body.
If you have a relative with spider veins the chance of developing them later on are a lot higher. They can also be a result of hormonal changes, sunlight, or injury. But some of the most common reasons would include: pregnancy, oral contraception, trauma, weight gain, and genetic predisposition.
Common Home Practices To Avoid Future Spider Vein Development
There are a few practices that can help lessen the development of spider veins: avoid soaking in hot baths for long periods of time, if you’re standing for long – take breaks, if you’re sitting for long – take breaks, exercise and elevate your legs.
Although these can help prevent future development of spider veins, it does not cure existing ones.
Equally, buying compression stockings from a dermatologist can help apply pressure to help blood travel back to the heart and lessen the swelling in your legs. If you have visible spider veins.
Laser Treatments for Spider Veins
Laser technology has been deemed an effective way of treating spider veins. The laser is applied directly to the vein which takes heat to the blood cells. This creates a clotting effect that can close or collapse the vein. The body will recognize the collapsed veins throughout the healing process and therefore reduce the appearance of the spider veins.
There are various types of laser treatment to consider when setting up an appointment to remove your spider veins.
Laser treatments can be used as:
Surface Laser Treatment: This type of laser is fast and non-invasive. This laser produces heat on the skin’s surface which destroys unsightly veins.
Endovenous Laser Ablation: for this treatment – your healthcare provider creates a small incision and inserts a small laser fiber. This delivers a pulse of light which makes the vein collapse. This treatment needs only local anesthesia and done on an outpatient basis.
Radio Frequency Ablation: this treatment is more for severe cases. This procedure allows the doctor to place a probe into a catheter and deliver radio frequency energy into the vein. This causes the vein to seal off. Also, only local anesthetic. And noticeably great results.
Each patient’s protocol may vary. Depending on the severity and type of spider veins they’re dealing with, size and colors of the veins, session numbers can range to achieve optimal outcome. Usually treatments can be given and accomplished in a couple of sessions over the course of six to twelve weeks apart. All dependant on the severity of the veins and how effective the previous treatments are over time.
Normal activities can resume as usual post-treatment. Wearing sunblock to protect the skin from UV rays and medical stockings to help circulation and promote healing after treatment.
If you have unwanted spider veins and have reasonable expectations, laser treatment may be best for you. Talk to your doctor about laser technology for spider vein removal. Creating a treatment plan with your healthcare provider and possibly combining vein treatment options may be the best course of action to permanently eradicate unsightly veins for good.
Call Dr. Balshi at Balshi Dermatology In Delray Beach, FL Spider Vein Removal
If you’re looking to remove bothersome spider veins contact Balshi Dermatology, a board-certified dermatologist in Delray Beach, who can help remove spider or varicose veins with laser technology. Call us at (561) 272-6000 or send us a message on our Contact Page to set up your appointment.