Only boys under age seven want to be referred to as “Spiderman”, and you certainly don’t want that nickname if it’s purely because of the tiny purplish spider veins that have broken out on your face and legs. Although the appearance of thread veins, or spider veins, becomes increasingly common with age, it’s not that difficult to get rid of them – if you know how.
Elevating your legs (without crossing them) is one way to reduce the amount of spider veins you have.
It’s estimated that at least half of all people over age 50 have thread veins, which are simply enlarged blood vessels which are visible through the skin, in several places: knees, ankles, legs and parts of the face, especially on the cheeks and around the nose. Although they are most common among women, they also afflict men – even though some say they appear due to the prevalence of the female hormone, estrogen. Most people start getting them between the ages of 30 - 60, although is some cases they appear when an individual is still in his or her teens.
Luckily, several treatments now exist to treat the veins, which in medical parlance are called telangiectasia or “sunburst varicosities” - a lovely name for an unattractive sight! While they cause no physical harm, they can be ugly and cause undue emotional distress. Before having them removed, however, check with your doctor to make sure they are not the result of an underlying vascular condition.
Why We Get Veins
We get spider veins because we’re human. The human skin is a fragile thing, and veins can appear due to a number of causes, including a backup or pooling of blood in an area, excessive alcohol consumption, trauma, age, genetics, hormones, pregnancy, taking certain medications and exposure to the sun.
A variety of treatments are available to get rid of spider veins. Be aware that some thread veins are actually connected to varicose veins, which is why it’s important to have an ultrasound first before having any treatment to remove them. This is to stop them from reappearing.
If your spider veins measure more than 3mm, it might be a good idea to have them removed surgically. Most of the treatments listed below are only for smaller veins. It is recommended that around five treatments on average will be required to achieve the look you want, but every case is different - so talk things over in detail with your physician or qualified practitioner before you begin.
Treatments Available
Microsclerotherapy. A bit sticky, this one. Your veins will be injected with a fluid that makes the vein walls stick together, which stops blood from flowing to the area and prevents them from reoccurring. Don’t worry that your legs will be full of blood afterwards: the veins eventually will be absorbed by the body completely. However, as the vein must be large enough to accommodate a needle, this treatment is best for large or medium-sized veins.
Pros: It’s estimated that most patients see an improvement anywhere from 50 to 90 percent.
Cons: Good for the legs but not great for delicate parts of the body such as ankles or face. Is not always successful first time around, so follow-up treatments may be necessary for maximum effect.
Laser Treatment: Strong bursts of light are directed at the veins, which eventually fade away and disappear. About two to five treatments are necessary, with each treatment lasting up to one hour. Be aware that large spider veins usually respond better to sclerotherapy (see above) than laser treatment. Also, the veins will appear bigger and darker immediately after treatment, before they begin to fade. This is the treatment of choice for facial veins.
Pros: Considered the most effective treatment on the market today.
Cons: You can experience burns and scars if this technique is not carried out properly.
Veinwave: This thermo-coagulation technique destroys veins by heating them, using microwave technology. A fine needle is introduced over the veins, making them disappear almost instantly.
Pros: It’s not very painful, compared to other treatments, and can be used to treat either face, legs or both.
Cons: In some cases scarring may occur.
PhotoDerm: Intense pulsed light therapy reduces the melanin in your skin, making the veins fade away. Reddening may occur short-term, and several sessions may be necessary.
Pros: Can also be used to treat other skin conditions, such as port wine stains and rosacea.
Cons: Can only be used on the face.
Ways to Prevent Spider Veins
There is no fool-proof way to prevent all spider veins from occurring. But there are ways to minimize the number of veins you have. They include:
- Always wear sunscreen and minimize exposure to the sun.
- Elevate your legs when resting, don’t cross them
- Watch your weight and eat a diet low in salt and high in fiber.
- Get different parents!
Expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $500 on up per session to remove spider veins, depending on the treatment you choose and the severity of the problem. You may also pay more if you choose to have a physician perform the technique rather than a qualified technician. Whoever you choose, make sure they are qualified and experienced, and that they have performed the technique countless times before.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate medical professional.
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