Nobody likes spider veins. And even though millions of people have these blood vessels on their legs, face, and other parts of the body, no one actually wants to have those unattractive patches decorating their skin. Fortunately, there are relatively simple spider vein treatment procedures that can restore not just your beautiful skin, but your confidence as well.

What are Spider Veins?

Spider veins are blood vessels located near the surface of the skin that create unattractive red and blue veiny patches that spread across the skin. Spider veins are believed to be hereditary, and they tend to get worse with age. They don’t usually cause medical problems, but some people experience swelling, tiredness, or heaviness in the legs. This is especially true of people who spend most of the day on their feet, like nurses or teachers, thanks to added pressure on the legs.

Preventing the Spread of Spider Veins

Because they’re inherited, there’s unfortunately not much you can do to completely prevent the appearance and spread of spider veins. But there are a few simple actions you can take to lessen their appearance. If possible, stay off your feet to reduce the pressure on your legs. If that’s not an option, maintaining a healthy weight and taking frequent breaks may help. Regular exercise like walking or running can increase circulation in your legs as well. Some patients benefit from wearing compression stockings, which are available over-the-counter at most pharmacies.

Advanced Spider Vein Treatment

If spider veins are already a big problem for you, there are more advanced spider vein treatment options to consider. Sclerotherapy is a cosmetic procedure where your doctor injects a saline solution into your veins. The solution causes the veins to collapse and fade from view, offering results in as little as two weeks. The procedure is safe and, for most patients, can usually be completed in one session without the use of anesthesia. Laser treatment is also effective for minimizing the appearance of very small, fine spider veins that don’t respond as well to sclerotherapy.

If you’re fed up with unattractive spider veins and blood vessels on your body, contact us today to schedule a consultation with a doctor, and get ready to love your skin again!