Spider veins are small clusters of red or blue veins that discolor the skin. They aren’t usually painful, but they can be an esthetic concern. At South Lake Medical Spa in Clermont, FL, we use two spider vein removal techniques. Vasculaze and sclerotherapy are both highly effective, and they don’t require surgery, anesthesia, or a long recovery period. Read on to find out more about these methods.
How Effective Is Spider Vein Removal?
Not all beauty treatments are equally effective. Some creams, ointments, and gels promise to help patients achieve smooth, evenly toned skin, but the results are disappointing. Spider vein treatment is very different because the vast majority of candidates see the desired results. Various studies have shown that laser or chemical treatments are at least 90% effective.
At the clinic, we use two methods to help patients get rid of their spider veins. They are called Vasculaze and sclerotherapy. Both are extremely effective, and the preferred method depends on the patient’s medical background and personal preferences. People with very pronounced spider veins might benefit from a combination of these treatments.
Vasculaze
The Vasculaze device emits optical energy power that can address spider veins as well as other skin problems like port wine stains, angiomas, and hemangiomas. It is most effective at addressing veins up to 5 mm deep. When applied to the treatment site, the laser energy breaks up hemoglobin. Over time, the veins fade, and the skin becomes evenly toned once again.
This treatment is relatively new, but studies have shown that it’s highly effective at getting rid of spider veins. It doesn’t affect the surrounding tissues, so it’s safe for virtually everyone. Most patients need several sessions to experience the best results possible. When you come to the clinic, we’ll analyze your treatment site and come up with an appropriate plan.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is another highly effective spider vein treatment. This method involves injecting a sclerosing agent into the affected vein. The sclerosant causes a collapse of the vein walls, so blood can no longer flow through them. Over time, the body absorbs and breaks down the damaged vein. While patients with a small treatment area might only need one or two sessions, most people have to come to the clinic three to six times.
This treatment is effective for both spider and varicose veins. A single session can get rid of 50-80% of spider veins. Sclerotherapy is the preferred option for people who have had issues with their skin in the past or those who don’t want to expose the treatment site to laser energy. It is minimally invasive, so it doesn’t require a lengthy recovery time. Patients sometimes come to see us during their lunch break and go straight back to work.
Do Spider Veins Need to Be Treated?
Spider veins most commonly appear on the face or the legs, but they can also affect other body parts. They don’t typically cause any pain, so it’s up to you if you’d like to get them treated. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you feel self-conscious about the appearance of the affected area. We can help you to get rid of the veins so you can once again feel confident about your body.
Sometimes, patients ask us whether spider veins can lead to other medical conditions. This isn’t usually the case, but they can be an indication of a skin problem like rosacea. If we believe that you have a medical condition that needs to be addressed, we’ll refer you to a specialist.
Can Spider Veins Turn Into Varicose Veins?
People are often confused about the difference between spider and varicose veins. The two conditions are similar, but they aren’t directly related. Spider veins are damaged blood vessels close to the surface of the skin. They are very small in diameter, and they don’t affect the patient’s overall health. Varicose veins are much larger, bulging vessels that can sometimes cause itching, pain, swelling, cramps, and even ulcers.
It’s worth noting that people with large varicose veins are more likely to suffer from other conditions like a pulmonary embolism. This happens when a blood clot travels to the lungs and causes a blockage. It can be life-threatening. During your initial consultation, we’ll determine whether you have spider or varicose veins. If we believe that you suffer from the latter, we might ask you to see a doctor to rule out other cardiovascular issues.
Why Do I Have Spider Veins?
A large percentage of the population develop spider veins at some point in life. This condition isn’t unusual, and it isn’t an indicator of a problem. Many patients simply develop spider veins due to genetic factors. Patients who are 40 or older are more likely to experience damaged veins because the tissues weaken with age. The valves inside the blood vessels are no longer able to function as efficiently as before, so blood starts pooling in the veins.
Some lifestyle factors also affect the likelihood of a patient developing spider veins. They are more common in people who are sedentary or stand for long periods, those who are overweight or obese, and those who don’t take good care of their skin. To prevent excessive vein damage, we recommend that people always apply sunscreen when going out and avoid spending too much time in saunas and hot tubs.
What Does the Treatment Feel Like?
Most patients report that spider vein removal treatment isn’t painful. Before applying the Vasculaze energy or injecting sclerosant into the affected veins, we apply numbing cream. Each session only takes a few minutes, and patients are in and out of the clinic in under an hour. After the session, they can resume most of their activities, although they might not be able to participate in strenuous exercise for a few days.
Recovery Time
When you come to the clinic for your initial appointment, we’ll give you a list of activities you need to avoid after your session. They might include visiting a sauna or hot tub, taking certain blood-thinning substances, participating in high-impact sports, and taking very hot showers. We’ll also let you know how you can best take care of your treatment site.
Avoid exposing the affected area to direct sunlight for a few days. Use our recommended skincare products, and apply sunscreen whenever you go outside. If your legs were treated, wear compression stockings for several hours per day. Move around regularly to prevent your blood from pooling in your legs.
Expected Results
One of the best things about spider vein treatments is that they are considered permanent. Once your veins have been broken down by the body, they don’t come back. However, this doesn’t mean that you’ll never suffer from spider veins again. You might develop new ones due to genetic or lifestyle-related factors.
After your final appointment, take good care of your skin to keep your evenly toned complexion. Continue using recommended skincare products that suit your skin type. Drink plenty of water, and eat a healthy diet that provides your body with the nutrients it needs. Avoid sitting or standing still for many hours at a time because this could cause blood to pool in your legs.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Vasculaze and Sclerotherapy?
Both our spider vein treatments are minimally invasive, so people who aren’t in perfect health can take part. Although Vasculaze and sclerotherapy aren’t dangerous, we always check the patient’s medical records before allowing them to take part. We can’t treat anyone who isn’t able to move around because walking regularly is a big part of the recovery process.
We also don’t treat women who are currently pregnant. Although our methods aren’t likely to cause any problems, there isn’t enough evidence that they are safe. It’s best to wait until the baby is born.
Get Rid of Your Spider Veins Now
Spider vein removal helps patients to achieve smooth, evenly toned skin and boosts their confidence. At the clinic, we offer two highly effective methods called Vasculaze and sclerotherapy. Typically, only one of them is used on the affected area. However, patients with pronounced spider veins might benefit from both treatments. Get in touch with us at South Lake Medical Spa in Clermont, FL to get rid of your spider veins.