Spider veins are dilated veins that appear in a web-like cluster just beneath the skin. They can be red, blue or purple. While they are most commonly seen on the legs or face, they can develop anywhere. Spider veins can occur by themselves or along with varicose veins. If you are in the Tulsa area and unhappy with the appearance of these veins, we can help you learn more about spider vein removal at our office.
When Should Someone See a Doctor?
Spider veins are generally harmless. A patient should, however, consider spider vein removal if any of the following are true:
• The veins are causing pain.
• The veins are warm and very tender to the touch.
• The veins bleed.
• The skin on the ankle or calf is getting thicker and changing color.
• The patient is developing ulcers, sores or rashes near the spider veins.
How are Spider Veins Treated?
Spider veins generally don’t need treatment. If the patient’s distress is mild, our specialist may first recommend compression stockings to relieve discomfort. The stockings put pressure on the veins.
The most common method of spider vein removal is sclerotherapy, a treatment in which the specialist injects a solution into an abnormal vein. The solution irritates the vein wall and eventually causes it to develop scars and collapse. The vein then seals shut and is absorbed by the body. The blood, in the meantime, is rerouted through a healthy vein.
Sclerotherapy is an outpatient procedure that usually doesn’t require an anesthetic. Depending on the number of veins being treated, a sclerotherapy session may take just minutes. Some patients need multiple treatments to get the desired results; however, it all depends on the unique case. Although sclerotherapy permanently destroys spider veins, it doesn’t prevent new ones from developing.
Lasers can also be used to treat spider veins, especially if the patient has a condition like diabetes that makes them a poor candidate for sclerotherapy. The laser passes harmlessly through the skin to heat up the targeted vein and constrict it. As with sclerotherapy, the blood is rerouted through healthy veins, as the abnormal vein is absorbed by the body.
Learn More About Your Treatment Options
To get started with spider vein removal, book an appointment with our expert team at Skin Renewal of Tulsa, located in Tulsa. Let us help you address your problematic veins with one of our non-surgical treatments. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!
