Spider veins have been known to make some people so self-conscious that they ban shorts and skirts from their closet forever. These twisty, turning thin purple-and-blue vessels can seem to simply jump out and be a huge distraction. But what causes them? And how do you get rid of them?
One of the first things to know about spider veins is that you don’t have to be “older” to get them. Girls as young as 13 can get them, and if left untreated, they unfortunately just get worse, bigger and multiply. (Fun Fact: women are 2 to 4 times more likely to develop them then men are.)
What causes spider veins?
High Heels
Our circulatory systems weren’t made for high heels. When you wear them, your calf muscles are constantly contracted, making it difficult for those muscles to “pull” blood away from your feet. This increases the chance that blood will pool in your veins and result in spider veins.
Weight and Pregnancy
Obesity adds excess pressure on the veins of the legs (as does pregnancy). Obesity can also cause high blood pressure, which often results in spider veins, as well as lack of exercise.
Genetics
You can thank you parents. If they have spider veins and you do too, it may be because of them.
Poor Circulation
Standing still for too long, sitting at a desk too long, crossing your legs—these are all culprits of poor circulation, which can result in spider veins.
Tanning
Sun exposure is one of the lesser-known causes of spider veins, but an important one to note if you love your beach trips and long days in the sun.
Smoking
Smoking is extremely connected to vein health. Nicotine causes arteries to harden and narrow, and studies have shown that a deep vein thrombosis is 50% more likely in someone who smokes.
Alcohol
Alcohol’s effect on your vein health isn’t talked about as much as other causes, but it’s still noteworthy. Alcohol increases your heart rate, causing it to pump blood faster than normal. This places extra stress on your veins—especially in the lower extremities such as the legs.
Birth Control
Birth control that contains the hormones progesterone and estrogen can cause a woman’s blood flow to slow down, causing them to develop varicose veins. These are the same hormones that can cause them to develop during pregnancy.
So, how do you get rid of your spider veins?
If your spider veins are bothering you, sclerotherapy is a great option to remove them. Sclerotherapy is a treatment in which a micro needle is used to administer a solution into the veins, which causes them to first collapse, then to disappear permanently.
Many people with spider veins have taken advantage of what sclerotherapy can do. If left untreated, the veins will get worse—but with sclerotherapy, they will never return.
If you’re interested in this treatment, please let us know. We’d love to answer any questions you may have. Contact us at Monterey Laser & Skin Care to find out more.
Summer is upon us but you don’t need to be self-conscious about your veins! Even though summer means shorts, skirts, and swimsuits, there’s no need to hide your skin. Sclerotherapy is a fantastic option if you’re having a “hate-hate” relationship with your unattractive (and perhaps painful) veins.
So, what is sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy has helped thousands of people feel confident showing off their legs again, and it also helps with the pain. Whether you have varicose veins or spider veins, sclerotherapy turns them into scar tissue, and they fade away and disappear. The result is beautiful skin sans ugly veins.
What is the process?
As with any cosmetic treatment, a specialist will talk with you about the areas that concern you the most, and he or she will focus on that specific part of your skin.
During the actual sclerotherapy procedure, the specialist will use a micro needle to inject medicine into the veins. This causes the lining of the blood vessels to collapse, which makes the vein shrink and eventually disappear.
At the end of your sclerotherapy session, depending on the severity of your vein situation, you’ll probably have about 30 needle pricks and light wrap on the treated area.
Normally, 2-4 sclerotherapy sessions are required, but if your veins are fairly mild, you may only require 1-2 sessions. You may have to have the same vein injected more than once.
Does it hurt?
It’s not a completely painless treatment. As mentioned above, sclerotherapy uses a micro needle, which can feel like a tiny sting, and many patients describe the pain as a series of “small burning sensations.” However, they also state that the pain goes away quickly and is very tolerable.
Is sclerotherapy safe?
Yes! When sclerotherapy is performed by a professional, it’s a very safe procedure. It’s extremely important to ensure that your specialist is a licensed professional who is careful and sensitive to you as a patient. Make sure they’re not only a medical professional but that you also feel very comfortable with the entire staff.
Is there recovery time?
Recovery time will depend on the type and the size your veins, and how much work was done; however, walking is recommended soon after the procedure. Some patients experience bruising and swelling at the treated areas but are able to return to their normal routine the next day.
Is sclerotherapy effective?
Yes. Once your veins disappear, they’re gone permanently. The difference can be noticed with 3-6 weeks, and you’ll have the same smooth skin that you used to—not to mention no more pain.
Sclerotherapy is a truly helpful treatment that gets significant results for patients who are unhappy with their visible veins. If you’re interested in this process and have questions for our sclerotherapy experts at Monterey Laser & Skin Care, please contact us to talk! We’re happy to answer all of your questions.