How to Treat Spider Veins Before Swimsuit Season
Spring Break is right around the corner, and you know what that means? Warmer weather! It is time to pull out the swimsuits, shorts, and skirts and show off our legs. Yet, some of us are a little self-conscious because of spider veins. These unsightly veins can ruin the smooth and flawless look we’re going for. Luckily, there are multiple treatment options that can get rid of your spider veins and get you into your favorite swimsuit in no time.
Understanding Spider Veins
Spider veins, also known as leg veins, is a condition in which the veins inside the legs are enlarged and become twisted and bent. They are typically found in the space behind the knee but can be visible all the way down to the calf, making wearing a swimsuit a no-go.
Spider veins are typically purple or blue and are raised under the skin, making them easily visible. This condition is the result of damaged veins that have become unable to properly transport blood as healthy veins do. Instead of the blood moving rapidly through the veins, blood pools inside the damaged veins causing them to become raised and misshapen.
Old age, pregnancy, obesity, and standing for long periods of time can contribute to the development of spider veins. Over time, some people may experience general aching and pain due to spider veins. It can also cause skin discoloration and itchiness.
Treating Spider Veins
You don’t have to toss away the swimsuits because of spider veins. The following treatments can help make your leg veins practically disappear just in time for spring break.
1. Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a common treatment option for spider veins. In this minimally invasive procedure, a vascular surgeon injects a particular type of medication into the enlarged veins. This medication causes the vessels to shrink significantly. After a while, the veins will dissolve and be reabsorbed by the body.
This is a minimally invasive procedure and takes about 10 minutes to perform. Patients may receive multiple treatments over a period of time until desired results are achieved.
2. Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is even less invasive than sclerotherapy. With this modern treatment option, laser light is sent to the affected area. This laser light transforms into heat after it passes the skin and interacts with the vessels. This heat causes the cells within the vessel’s walls to rupture. Once ruptured, the blood vessels will collapse, shrink, and eventually be reabsorbed by the body.
The great thing about laser therapies is that it doesn’t affect the skin. Therefore it is completely painless and has little to no side effects.
3. Removal
For more severe cases, doctors may recommend the removal of the veins. With this method, the main vein supplying blood to the smaller spider veins is tied off (ligated) and removed via incision. This method also ensures that the veins cannot grow back.
If you’re tired of your spider veins and want to get your legs right for Spring Break and summer, our experts at The Dermatology Group in Cincinnati, Ohio, can help you explore your best cosmetic treatment options and get you prepared for swimsuit season. Give our dermatologists a call today!