Spider Vein Treatment
As we get older, a side effect of aging blood vessels is the varicose veins and spider veins that can develop on your legs and ankles. Patients often ask Dr. M. Christine Lee, “How do you get rid of spider veins?” Fortunately, effective treatments exist to eliminate these unsightly and uncomfortable vascular issues. At The Skin and Laser Treatment Institute in Walnut Creek, CA, non-surgical laser treatment for spider veins is offered for patients suffering from these issues.
Spider veins: causes, symptoms, and treatments
Spider veins on the ankles and legs can be more than just embarrassing – they can cause several unpleasant symptoms, such as:
- A heavy, aching feeling
- Throbbing or burning
- Itching
- Discolored skin
- Pain that is worse after standing or sitting for long periods of time
Varicose and spider vein causes are primarily damaged or weak valves in your veins. Veins are the blood vessels that return blood from your body back to your heart, which means that the veins in your legs must fight against gravity to circulate the blood up to your heart. The way that they do this is through muscle contractions that occur in your legs that work as pumps against the vein walls, which are elastic. When the veins are pumped, small valves open in the veins to allow blood through, and then they rapidly close to prevent your blood from going backwards. In varicose and spider veins, these valves do not function correctly due to weakness or damage, which causes the blood to pool in your vein as it flows backward.
Many patients wonder how to prevent spider veins. While there is no complete way to prevent them, you can boost your blood circulation and muscle tone by regularly exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a healthy diet. Regularly changing your position from sitting to standing, avoiding crossing your legs for long periods, and avoiding tight hosiery and high heels can also help.
Laser therapy for spider and varicose veins
Varicose veins non-surgical treatment options typically involve the use of lasers or sclerotherapy. Dr. Lee received fellowship training at UCSF in advanced laser procedures and is an expert at using laser therapy to treat spider and varicose veins. Using strong bursts of specific light beams, lasers target the affected veins that slowly makes them disappear over time. A big benefit of laser therapy over sclerotherapy is that no needles, injections, chemicals, or incisions are needed. Instead, we simply harness the power of light energy. The sensation of the laser during treatment has been likened to a rubber band snapping on your skin, but most patients find it tolerable and don’t need any anesthetic prior to treatment.
Learn more in a consultation
Dr. M. Christine Lee understands the negative impact that spider veins and varicose veins have on your self-esteem and comfort. At The Skin and Laser Treatment Institute, several effective non-surgical treatment options are available. Take steps towards being able to confidently wear shorts and skirts again by calling our Walnut Creek, CA office today at (925) 528-0117!
