What Are Spider Veins and How Do I Remove Them?

Information may not be reliable

Spider veins are a type of varicose veins. They are made up of capillaries, which are the smallest type of blood vessels. Lying just beneath the skin, these capillaries have collapsed and allowed blood to pool in them. Because of this, they appear as webs of red or blue threads, which gives them their name.

Spider veins are also called telangiectasia. They can be found anywhere on the body, but are most common in the legs, especially behind the knees.

The problem with spider veins is mostly cosmetic, but they are so unsightly that any normal person would want to be rid of them.

What Causes Spider Veins?

Spider veins are caused when there's too much pressure put on the veins. Doctors believe that they are at least partially hereditary, and they're more commonly seen in people who have to stand up all day at work, like cashiers or nurses.

Signs and Symptoms of Spider Veins

Sometimes, the unappealing tangle of tiny veins is the only sign of telangiectasia. Other people may find that their legs are swollen or feel heavy, or that their legs tire easily.

How Can Spider Veins Be Treated?

The staff at any medi spa in Los Angeles will offer one of both of two main treatments for spider veins. They are:

Sclerotherapy

In this treatment, the veins are injected with a sclerotizing agent. This destroys the veins and stops their blood flow. The veins collapse into scar tissue that the body absorbs after a short time. Other veins take over the job of pumping blood toward the heart.

Lasers

Lasers are used on the very smallest veins, because it is somewhat difficult to inject them with the solution. The veins are destroyed by bursts of light.

The side effects of these treatments include redness, burning, itching and changes in the skin color, but most of these side effects fade after time. New spider veins may come back to the area later on, but these can also be treated.

Prevention

Spider veins can be prevented or their incidence reduced. People who are prone to them should avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time and take walking around breaks every half hour or so. Exercise also improves blood flow to the legs.

Some people also prevent spider veins by wearing compression stockings. Though they can be bought over the counter at a drug store, it is best that they be fitted and that the patient speak to their doctor first before buying them.

About the Company:

Dr. Berkley Skin + Body is a medspa center situated in Studio City, CA. They are dedicated to provide beautiful skin with effectual laser hair removal, facials, skin tightening service in Los Angeles, CA & so many other treatments with the finest medical grade skin care products in Los Angeles, CA.