Spider veins can be a painful problem to solve, but there are effective treatment options available. In this guide, we’re taking a closer look at what these options are and which may be right for you.
There are many different kinds of spider vein treatment available to both reduce existing veins and keep new ones from forming.
This will typically be one of the earliest recommendations. These stockings apply steady pressure, moving any pooled blood in the veins back up to the heart. This reduces swelling in the lower legs and the risk of getting a blood clot.
If you need compression stockings, an expert can examine you so that you get the proper size and amount of pressure.
Sclerotherapy is a very common treatment, typically very safe, with good results. It’s often recommended to treat spider and small varicose veins.
First, the expert injects a chemical into the vein, which irritates the vein’s wall. This is targeted to different parts of the vein. After a massage, a compression stocking is then placed on each leg. After a short observation, you’ll be able to return home.
To prevent any possible side effects, take daily walks and wear compression stockings as directed. This usually is required for 2 to 3 weeks, but you can typically return to work or most activities the next day.
Typically, spider veins will disappear in 3 to 6 weeks. In some cases, multiple treatments may be required.
Laser light treatments can be used to treat spider veins, as well. During laser treatment, the specialist will shine the light directly on the vein. Smaller spider veins should reduce immediately after treatment. Larger ones may darken and may require 1 to 3 months to clear up. Complete clearing may require 3 or more treatments.
Most patients can return to work and most other normal activities the next day. You may be asked to wear compression stockings afterward. You may also be asked to avoid exposing the affected area to sunlight for 3 to 4 weeks. This will prevent dark spots from developing, as well as help prevent new spider veins or skin cancer.
Endovenous Laser Therapy (or EVLT) works within the vein itself to destroy it. It often replaces the need for surgical removal of the vein.
The procedure starts by receiving a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area. Then a small incision is made, and a laser fiber is inserted. The laser fiber is activated, heating the interior of the vein, causing it to seal shut. This doesn’t damage the surrounding area.
After treatment, a compression stocking is placed on each leg. After a short observation, you’ll be sent home. You’ll most likely be asked to take daily walks and wear compression stockings. However, you should be able to return to work and most activities the next day.
Veins treated with EVLT take about 1 year to disappear completely. The best results may require more than one treatment.
The first step how to get rid of spider veins is keeping them from developing in the first place. This prevention starts with effective self-care at home. These kinds of self-care tips can help prevent new spider veins from developing. However, they won’t get rid of any existing veins.
In addition to the other mental and physical benefits regular exercise offer, they keep the vascular and circulatory systems active. This helps slow any weakening that already is happening and even potentially strengthen other parts.
As the veins weaken, they begin to lose against gravity in pumping blood. This leads to blood pooling and the development of spider veins. By regularly elevating the legs, this action will be reduced.
Inactivity is one of the principal causes of vascular weakness that leads to spider veins. Try and get up and walk around every 30 minutes or so. Even this amount of regular activity will help keep the veins in regular working order.
Avoid soaking in hot baths for long periods of time. It may feel pleasant at the moment, but after a certain duration, the excess heat can damage the veins further. Keep your hot baths short, or soak in lukewarm or cool water if possible.
Ask your dermatologist or vascular specialist for other tips like this.
After reading this guide, you should be ready to consider some of the spider vein treatment options available to you. If you live in the South Bay and need help with treating your spider veins, South Valley Vascular is the best choice.
They know the specialized techniques required to treat spider veins or varicose veins. Call or schedule an appointment today with one of their friendly, knowledgeable vascular experts.
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