Spider veins are tiny, thin veins that develop on the legs and feet. They don’t restrict blood flow, but they do cause the skin itself to look red or blue. This can be a real problem in terms of self-confidence. These veins can make you look old or unhealthy. Although spider veins aren’t a serious medical condition, it takes a professional dermatologist to deal with them effectively. In Atlanta and surrounding communities, Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta is known for expert spider vein treatment and cure. In most cases, sclerotherapy is the preferred method for removal of these veins, but sometimes we may suggest laser surgery instead. It really depends on the size of the vein and how deep below the skin it exists. You can benefit from our services and enjoy exposing your skin once more.
Causes of Spider Veins
Several factors cause spider vein development, but it’s usually hard to pin an exact cause for any one individual. Hormonal imbalances are known to cause these tiny veins to develop, and those who stand on their feet for long periods of time each day are also more prone to developing these near-surface blood vessels. Those with a family history of spider veins or varicose veins are also more likely to develop them at some point in their lives.
What Are They?
These little feeder veins don’t develop because blood flow is otherwise restricted. In other words, they aren’t there because the normal venous flow has been stopped and the body has produced new ones to correct a problem. Instead, they are merely branch veins collecting blood from capillaries and sending the blood to the larger veins.
They normally occur near the skin surface, and that’s why the purple or reddish hue is so visible. They can be treated either by collapsing of the vein walls or by cauterization by a laser beam.
About Sclerotherapy
This is a proven method for causing spider veins to deteriorate without harming the adjacent tissues. A strong saline solution is injected into the vein. The solution immediately begins to irritate the vein wall, causing it to expand. If the vein is rather large, a foam-style saline solution is used to ensure complete coverage of the vein wall.
Over the next few weeks, the vein is sealed off completely and become scar tissue. The blood flow is directed through the healthy veins instead. This procedure involves no surgery, meaning no scalpels and no scarring.
Laser Treatments
This type of spider vein treatment involves the use of a tiny laser beam that penetrates through the epidermis and cauterizes part of the vein wall. A clot forms and the blood flow is closed off. The vein will collapse and degrade over the next few weeks. The laser beam is so thin that scarring isn’t noticeable.
Which Treatment Is Best
That depends on the actual size, depth, and location of the vein. It also depends on the client’s medical history and whether other conditions prevent sclerotherapy. To learn more about your spider vein treatment options and how you can benefit, contact Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta. We’ll suggest the ideal treatment option and give you all the facts about how to eliminate spider veins for good. Schedule a consultation today!