What are Spider Veins?
Spider veins are a common cosmetic problem that can develop on your face and legs. If you have these networks of tiny veins creating blemishes on your skin, expert aesthetician Noreen Kamal-Mostafavi, MD, in Staten Island, New York, provides advanced forms of treatment that destroy these troublesome veins for good. For minimally invasive spider vein treatments that cause minimal discomfort, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.
Spider Vein Q&A
Spider veins are tiny blue, red, or purple lines that criss-cross areas of skin to create patterns that look like spiderwebs.
These webs of spider veins can appear anywhere, but they’re most likely to affect your face and legs. Women are more likely to get spider veins than men, and they’re more likely to develop as you get older.
In most cases, spider veins are a cosmetic concern, but they can cause itching or irritation sometimes.
Are spider veins something I need to worry about?
Spider veins aren’t anything to worry about; although you might well find them unsightly. However, spider veins can be related to varicose veins, which cause thick, twisted veins, mainly in your legs.
Varicose veins are a sign of circulatory problems like chronic venous insufficiency, where blood flows backward and causes veins to swell, distort, and discolor.
Spider veins could be an early sign of problems with your circulation, so it’s worth getting yourself assessed before it develops into something more serious. This is particularly important if your spider veins are causing any symptoms.
How are spider veins treated?
Initial treatments for spider veins could involve wearing compression stockings for spider veins in your legs to improve blood flow. Reducing the time you spend on your feet and following an exercise program can also help prevent new spider veins from forming.
These treatments can ease symptoms and improve circulation, but they won’t get rid of spider veins. However, Dr. Kamal-Mostafavi does have two effective, minimally invasive treatments available that can destroy spider veins.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy uses a chemical solution called a sclerosant to destroy spider veins. It’s the main choice for spider veins on your legs.
Dr. Kamal-Mostafavi injects the sclerosant into the affected veins, where it causes the veins to collapse. Blood can’t flow through the treated vein anymore, so your body reroutes it through healthy blood vessels. Over time, the treated spider veins break down and dissolve.
Laser therapy
Laser therapy is a noninvasive option that uses light energy to destroy spider veins. It’s the primary choice for treating spider veins on your face.
Laser energy uses a focused beam of light. The photons in the light generate heat and destroy the target veins. The treated spider veins then shrivel and disappear.
Sclerotherapy and laser therapy treatment sessions take around 45 minutes or less. You don’t need any downtime afterward. You might need more than one treatment session to achieve optimal results.
Call Noreen Kamal-Mostafavi, MD, today to arrange a consultation or book an appointment online.