Spider veins are a common condition that affects adult women more often than men. They appear mostly on the legs but can form on the face as well. Spider veins are usually not painful or harmful, but for some people can cause discomfort. People who develop spider veins sometimes opt to treat them for cosmetic reasons since they can be quite unsightly.
Spider veins are small, damaged clusters of blood vessels that appear close to the surface of the skin. They are usually red, blue, or purple in color and resemble the appearance of a spiderweb, hence the name.
Spider veins vs. varicose veins: What’s the difference?
When the vein that carries the blood back to the heart from other parts of the body becomes problematic, spider veins and varicose veins can develop. The only safe and successful way to eliminate spider veins is to consult a medical professional. The spider vein treatments available require no hospitalization and minimal downtime.
How to Treat Spider Veins
- Sclerotherapy. This is a minimally invasive procedure where a solution is injected into the damaged veins causing them to collapse and be reabsorbed by the body. This will help to redirect the blood flow through the healthier vein. Sclerotherapy is performed in the doctor’s office and without incisions or anesthesia. It can take two to five treatment sessions to achieve the result and require follow-up maintenance visits if new veins appear.
- Laser therapy. This is a non-invasive procedure using an intense laser to heat the damaged veins causing them to shrink and scar over to be dissolved over time. Results are generally seen soon after the procedure is done but may take more than one treatment session to clear up.
After having sclerotherapy or laser therapy treatment, patients are encouraged to walk daily to promote circulation and prevent blood clots.
Regardless of which procedure is performed, patients will be instructed to wear compression stockings or socks for at least three to six weeks. This will help to heal and improve blood flow and can also help to ward off spider veins. Once spider veins are treated, they do not come back. Although, new ones might form.
Within A Week of Spider Vein Treatment Recovery:
- The treated site will appear bruised.
- Avoid squatting, heavy lifting, and running.
- Walk carefully on flat surfaces for at least twenty minutes twice a day.
- Do not sit or stand in one place for long periods of time, even if you are traveling.
- Elevate the legs above the heart for fifteen minutes twice a day. This will help to alleviate any swelling or bruising that may have occurred.
- Avoid hot baths or saunas for two weeks.
- Keep direct sunlight off the treated area for two weeks.
Within A Month of Spider Vein Treatment Recovery:
- Bruising at the treated sites will have lessened.
- You can resume most exercise activities.
- Avoid sitting or standing in one place for more than an hour or two at a time.
- You should feel more comfortable wearing compression stockings or socks.
- Spider veins will be obviously lighter yet somewhat visible.
How long does it take to fully recover from spider vein treatment?
After two months of recovery, your spider vein treatment should have completed its healing process. At this point, you and your doctor will decide if any additional treatment is necessary. Even though treatments may be fast and painless, it is vital that you follow the doctor’s recovery instructions to allow for the best healing possible.
If you are tired of feeling self-conscious about wearing shorts and hiding your spider veins, then it might be time to seek treatment. To learn more about spider vein treatments available in Lafayette, LA, schedule your appointment with CT Cardio.
Dr. Corwin A. Thomas is a cardiology specialist with extensive knowledge and experience in treating venous insufficiency. He has served the Acadiana area for two decades and provides top-notch care to all his patients.
If you are ready to get rid of your spider veins, contact us today!
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