While usually harmless, spider veins can diminish your self-esteem. If you’re unhappy with spider veins on your legs or face, the board-certified dermatologists at Redwood Empire Dermatology in Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, and Oakmont, California, provide safe, effective treatments for spider veins. Call Redwood Empire Dermatology today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about spider veins.
Spider veins are small, thin veins that appear just beneath the surface of your skin. While harmless, spider veins can be a cosmetic concern. These web-like veins are often purple, red, or blue. They can impact your confidence, appearing on your legs, chest, or face.
Some spider veins also accompany varicose veins. These large, twisted veins are more visible than spider veins. They can also leave your legs feeling heavy, cramped, and tired.
Spider veins are a sign of weakened or damaged valves inside your veins. Many conditions can increase your risk of developing spider veins, including:
When your valves become damaged, blood can’t flow back up to the heart properly. Instead, the blood pools downward, causing spider veins, varicose veins, or both.
The dermatologists at Redwood Empire Dermatology can create an individualized treatment plan to address your spider or varicose veins. After a comprehensive evaluation, your dermatologist may recommend:
Sclerotherapy is the most effective treatment for spider and varicose veins. This minimally invasive procedure involves injecting a saline solution into the damaged vein. The injection causes scar tissue to form inside the vein, ultimately cutting off its blood supply. Over time, the vein collapses and disappears. A vein treated with sclerotherapy can’t return once it vanishes.
Mild redness and bruising are common side effects of sclerotherapy that should subside within a few days. Some patients also notice new blood vessels in the treatment area, but these effects are temporary. You should avoid strenuous exercise during this time, but regular movement is essential to prevent blood clots, especially in your legs.
Depending on the size of your spider or varicose veins, your dermatologist may recommend wearing compression stockings or bandages for up to two weeks. Your veins can take up to three to six months to disappear.
Call Redwood Empire Dermatology or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about spider veins.