Spider veins are a cosmetic concern but, in severe cases, can lead to other issues such as blood clots. According to reports, spider veins on the lower limbs are prevalent and have been reported to be present in 41 percent of women over 50.
Spider veins are usually the result of damage to the inner lining of vein walls, which causes blood to pool there. As a result, these veins may be small but can have significant cosmetic effects if left untreated.
Spider vein treatment options vary depending on where they are located what type or size they are if you have other medical conditions.
The following article will explain each surgical treatment, like visual sclerotherapy, in detail.
1) Laser Surgery For Spider Veins
Laser surgery can be used for spider veins. Laser surgery uses light energy beams that target the vein walls and damage them to close blood flow.
Multiple lasers can be used, including pulsed dye lasers and Nd: YAG Lasers. Treatment typically takes 15 minutes per leg to complete, and the procedure only requires very light anesthesia.
The doctor will first clean the area and inject a numbing agent in this process. Next, they’ll use a laser to target and damage the vein walls. Finally, they’ll apply pressure on the treated area for several minutes to stop any bleeding or excess blood flow.
2) Visual Sclerotherapy
This treatment method is also known as micro sclerotherapy and is a more precise way of treating spider veins. Visual sclerotherapy uses tiny injections of a saline-based solution to damage the vein’s walls, causing them to collapse and leave it untreated.
The treatment takes 30 minutes per session and requires an injection every two to three centimeters. It is typically used on small and medium veins and can be repeated to ensure successful treatment.
You might have a better chance of achieving effective spider vein treatment if you opt for a minimally-invasive method instead of surgery. However, surgery is an option if the veins are more prominent or problematic enough to be obliterated.
Ideally, your doctor will help you determine which treatment option suits your needs and goals.
3) Endovenous Laser Treatment
Another laser surgery option, endovenous laser treatment, works by detaching the vein from the nearby tissue and then sealing it off to prevent blood flow.
The most common type of endovenous laser treatment is called radiofrequency ablation, which uses a special probe that emits radio waves to heat the lining of the blood vessels and causes it to close off.
Patients can return to normal activities after undergoing this type of treatment and may only need a light compression bandage on the treated area for a couple of days.
However, endovenous laser treatments do not work on all veins, particularly very large or problematic ones.
The method is typically only used on smaller veins and varicose veins.
4) Sclerotherapy With Foam Or Microfoam Sclerotherapy
Foam sclerotherapy uses a foam mixture to help treat spider veins. This option is highly effective and can be performed in an office under local anesthesia. After the area has been numbed, the doctor will inject a foam mixture under high pressure.
The foam works to close off the blood vessels and prevent further spider veins from forming and can be repeated as needed depending on your condition. The treatment process lasts about an hour per leg and usually only requires minimal recovery time after each session. However, you may need regular sessions over several months to achieve the best spider vein treatment results.
Microfoam sclerotherapy is a variant that uses a minimal amount of foam to minimize side effects and allow for more accurate injections.
5) Sclerotherapy With Ethanol Or Phosphatidylcholine
Ethanol sclerotherapy uses ethanol to damage the lining of spider veins and effectively close them off. A dermatologist typically performs this treatment option, and it can help address more significant problems like varicose veins.
Phosphatidylcholine sclerotherapy is another option that uses a phosphatidylcholine solution to seal off the vein. This method works quickly and is also effective for varicose veins.
Final Thoughts
Spider veins can be painful and frustrating. However, you don’t have to live with them if they’re not severe enough to require surgery.
If you’re experiencing any pain or discomfort, Queens vein doctor recommends talking to your specialist about the best treatment option for you. Whether you need laser surgery, foam injections, or something else altogether, there’s a solution that can work wonders on your spider veins.
You can prevent spider veins from getting worse and even restore them to their former glory with the proper treatment. The preventive measure includes staying hydrated, avoiding standing for long periods, and not smoking.
In addition, there are home remedies that can be done as preventive measures and treat the veins, such as applying Vitamin E cream over the veins or taking a break from wearing high heels.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
