Unsightly leg and facial spider veins – those small,
unsightly clusters of red or purple veins that usually
appear on the thighs, calves, ankles and occasionally
the face, can be a problem for millions of men and women
the world over. The problem affects a wide range of age
groups, skin types and lifestyles. While they may not be
medical emergencies, most would rather be rid of these
unattractive distractions to their natural beauty.
Spider veins are small, thin superficial capillaries that lie
close to the surface of the skin. They can look like tree
branches or a spider web with their short jagged lines.
They are connected to the larger venous system though
they are not an essential part of it as they do not actually
carry blood to the heart. Spider veins can be found on both
the legs and the face and can cover both very small and
very large areas of skin.
Spider veins form when excess blood backs up in the blood
stream. The excess blood creates pressure. The body
releases the pressure by creating new veins on the skin's
surface. The primary problem with spider veins is their
unsightly appearance, but they can also cause aching,
swelling, burning.
No one knows exactly the cause of spider veins, but several
factors including heredity are believed to cause a person to
be more likely to develop them. Oral contraceptives,
hormone changes and therapy, sun exposure and the
natural aging process also may contribute to their
development. Spider veins may also be related to
rosacea, and other trauma to the skin or may be heredity.
Light and laser technology offer excellent results in reducing spider veins and facial redness.
There are two options for eliminating spider veins and flushing of the face:
- Laser Treatment: Lasers are an excellent modality for spot treating larger facial veins.
Our laser delivers precise dosages of energy to each vein, with minimal risk to
surrounding the skin. During treatment, light energy is delivered through a special
hand piece directly to the targeted vein. This energy is absorbed, causing thermal
coagulation of the blood vessel. Over a short period of time the vessel is then
absorbed by the body. One treatment is sometimes sufficient, but multiple treatments
may be necessary. - Intense Pulsed Light Therapy: Also known as IPL or Photo Facial, this treatment offers
superior results when treating a whole network of tiny facial veins and the associated
flushed look of the skin. There is usually no downtime with this procedure, and it
typically requires 4 to 6 treatments. People with mild to severe rosacea really
appreciate the outcome, noting an 80 to 90% overall reduction in facial redness.
Most experience little if any discomfort at the treatment site. The sensation and the degree of
discomfort varies with each person. When pulses of light are delivered some patients feel a
mild pinching or stinging sensation. Similar to the light snap of a rubber band. No local
anesthesia or pain medication is typically required, however some patients may prefer to use
a topical anesthetic when sensitive areas are treated.
Typically, 3 to 6 treatments offer the best results; Depending on severity, clients usually notice
significant improvement within one to two treatments. Potential for maximum long-term
resolutions increases after another 1 – 2 sessions.
Once a vein or vessel has been destroyed, it will not return. However the treatment is not able
to stop the development of more veins in the future. Patients who have had laser or IPL could
certainly see new facial veins over time, especially those who continue on with unprotected
sun exposure. Sunscreen is recommended for everyone, and it can be preventative for people
prone to facial veins.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us.
