WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SPIDER VEINS AND VARICOSE VEINS?

Spider veins, also called telangiectasias, are tiny visible vessels within the skin. They develop most commonly on the face and legs. Varicose veins are distended veins beneath the skin. They may appear as bluish bumps and often cause discomfort. Those with unsightly varicose veins and aching pain often choose to have surgery to remove their varicose veins. Because varicose veins are no longer functional, their presence is not missed. If you have both varicose and spider veins, your varicose veins must be treated first. Treating spider veins first is generally futile because, in the presence of varicose veins, they are bound to return soon.

What causes Spider Veins?

Spider veins are formed when veins become dilated and swollen from abnormal blood flow. Pregnancy and hormonal variations may stimulate their appearance. Spider veins are more common in women but do occur in men as well.

How are Spider Veins Treated?

V beam laser therapy is a nonsurgical option to remove spider veins. Laser surgery and intense pulsed light therapy gets rid of these abnormal with high-intensity laser beams or intense pulsating light.

LASER TREATMENT OF SPIDER VEINS

During laser treatment, the laser is applied to the skin over your spider veins. Laser energy causes your spider veins to coagulate and shrink. Laser therapy is most effective for small and medium size spider veins. Large spider veins respond poorly and are best treated with sclerotherapy. Treatments are associated with mild discomfort, not unlike a small rubber band snapping against skin. Treatments usually do not require sedatives, pain medications, or injections of local anesthetic. Immediately following treatment, spider veins will be darker and more visible. Over two to six weeks, your spider veins usually fade. After each treatment, you will see a 70% to 80% improvement in the appearance of face spider veins and 30-40% improvement in leg spider veins. An average of three treatments will be required at three-month intervals.

Spider Veins of the Face

Laser therapy of facial spider veins is the treatment of choice. Laser treatment may cause minor bruising which usually improves within a week, but often, recovery is immediate. Two to four treatments may be required to achieve your desired result. Immediately following treatment, you may apply makeup and will be presentable.


If you have any questions about spider vein removal please feel free to schedule a consultation with Board Certified Dermatologist, Board Certified Dermatopathologist, Babar K. Rao, MD, FAAD at his Manhattan, New York or Fresno, California office.
 

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Board Certified Dermatologist, Board Certified Dermatopathologist, Manhattan, New York

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