Spider veins are damaged veins, typically small and twisty, that form close to the surface of the skin. They appear in colors of red, purple, or blue, and are most often found on the face or legs. They don’t necessarily indicate the presence of associated health issues, but they can create a cosmetic problem that many people find unsightly.
What Causes Spider Veins?
Spider veins occur when the normal blood flow within veins gets disrupted, and blood begins to pool instead of flowing smoothly.
This disruption is typically caused when the one-way valves inside our veins, which normally prevent blood flowing backward, become weak or damaged. When blood starts to collect instead of flow, the local blood pressure rises, which weakens the blood vessel walls and eventually causes the walls to bulge. The end result is blood vessels forming the twisty patterns that characterize spider veins.
The risk of developing spider veins increases with age, excessive weight, pregnancy, trauma, or even after some types of surgeries. Some people, especially women, are simply more likely to develop spider veins.
Other causes include spending a lot of time sitting or standing up. Even wearing high heels, which cause calf muscles to remain contracted for extended periods, can lead to spider veins. Facial spider veins may also be caused by excess sun exposure, or even something as simple as vigorous coughing or sneezing.
How to Prevent or Minimize the Appearance of Spider Veins?
Obviously trying to prevent or minimize the various potential causes of spider veins will reduce the chance of them developing. However, once you see veins start to develop, there are a few ways to treat them:
- Losing weight and exercising will improve blood circulation and may lower your risk of worsening of spider veins.
- Support pantyhose, compression stockings or socks can be used to apply pressure to the areas with spider veins. This compression helps improve blood flow and prevent spider veins from continuing to develop.
- Sclerotherapy is a non-invasive treatment that involves injecting a solution into damaged veins which causes them to collapse. Eventually, the treated vein will get absorbed by the body, resulting in the discolored areas fading or even disappearing. Sclerotherapy is a simple, virtually painless procedure that produces excellent results.
- Non-invasive laser vein therapy uses focused pulses of laser light to remove the broken or damaged blood vessels associated with spider veins. Laser vein therapy is a fast and effective way to treat spider veins, especially very fine veins. It is typically applied with anesthetic and/or cooling pads to reduce any discomfort.
Vein Therapy in Los Angeles
If you suffer from spider veins, contact Your Laser Skin Care at (323) 525-1516 or schedule a consultation online. We will be happy to explain how Sclerotherapy and laser vein therapy could help you resolve your vein problems.
