Summer is here, and that means the time has come to swap out the long pants for shorts, bikinis, and other warm-weather wear. Unfortunately, for many people who live with spider veins, summertime can be a period of self-consciousness, as these veins become more visible when skin is exposed.
The good news is that there are a number of different treatments for spider veins. At Sinai Laser Vein Center, our experienced varicose veins treatment doctors want our patients to know about all of the options available to them! Here's some information to help you understand spider veins and all the treatment options we provide:
Understanding Spider Veins: Causes & Symptoms
Spider veins(opens in a new tab) are small, twisted veins that can be seen just under the surface of the skin. They are usually blue or purple in color and most commonly appear on the legs and ankles. While they are not dangerous, spider veins can be painful and cause discomfort. In addition, they can be unsightly, leading many people to want them gone.
- Heredity: If your family has a history of spider veins, you may be more likely to develop them.
- Obesity: Carrying excess weight can put additional pressure on your veins and lead to spider veins.
- Pregnancy: The increased weight and hormonal changes that come with pregnancy can cause spider veins.
- Prolonged Standing: Standing or sitting for long periods of time can put pressure on your veins and cause spider veins.
- Trauma: An injury to the skin can damage the veins and lead to spider vein formation.
The symptoms of spider veins vary from person to person. Some people experience no symptoms at all, while others may experience pain, swelling, cramping, or fatigue.
Compression Therapy
Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins
Sclerotherapy is one of the most popular and effective treatments for spider veins. This minimally-invasive procedure involves injecting a solution directly into the vein. The solution is made of saline and a chemical called sclerosant, which is completely harmless and transparent. As the solution enters the vein, it causes the vein walls to swell and stick together. This effectively closes off the vein, preventing blood from flowing through it. Over time, the treated vein will fade away.
Sclerotherapy is a relatively quick and easy procedure with minimal side effects. Multiple sessions may be necessary to achieve desired results. However, sclerotherapy is generally very effective, with most patients seeing a significant improvement in the appearance of their spider veins.
Endovenous Laser Ablation
Like sclerotherapy, you may need multiple sessions of laser ablation to achieve the results you're looking for. However, laser ablation has been used since the 1990s and has been proven to be a safe and effective treatment for spider veins.
Endovenous laser ablation is another minimally-invasive treatment for spider veins. Laser ablation uses high-frequency sound waves to generate heat. This heat is then applied to the vein using a laser fiber. The heat causes the vein walls to collapse and seal shut. This effectively closes off the vein, preventing blood from flowing through it.
Compression Therapy
Compression therapy is often used in conjunction with other treatments for spider veins. This treatment involves wearing special stockings or socks that apply gentle pressure to the veins. This pressure helps to improve blood flow and prevent the formation of new spider veins. Compression therapy is safe and effective, and it can be used on its own or in combination with other treatments.
Varithena Treatment for Spider Veins
Varithena is an exciting new FDA-approved treatment for spider veins that we offer at Sinai Laser Vein Center. This minimally-invasive procedure involves injecting a special solution into the vein known as polidocanol, which is made up of two harmless chemicals: polium and docanol. The solution works by damaging the vein walls and causing them to collapse and seal shut. This effectively closes off the vein, preventing blood from flowing through it. As with other treatments, Varithena causes the treated vein to fade away over time.
Varithena is a quick and easy procedure that can be done in our office in just minutes. It is minimally invasive, with few side effects. Most patients see a significant improvement in the appearance of their spider veins after just one treatment.
If you're concerned about the appearance of spider veins, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with the team at Sinai Laser Vein Center(opens in a new tab). We’re experienced in providing some of the best spider vein treatment NYC has to offer, and we will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs and goals.
Ready to be confident in your skin and find relief from spider veins? Schedule your appointment with the best vein specialist near you today.
