Often, people seek treatment for unsightly broken veins, sometimes known as spider veins or telangiectasia. These small veins are located just beneath the skin’s surface and can become swollen or dilated. Most often, they appear on the legs, but can show up on other body areas such as the face.
While not generally considered a health risk, they can cause dull aches or burning. These broken veins are considered a milder version of varicose veins.
What Are the Symptoms of Broken Veins?
Spider or broken veins appear as web-like or twisted patterns that are purple or dark blue. As previously mentioned, they can also cause burning or pain. Varicose veins appear deeper in the legs, as they are a more severe case of spider veins. As such, spider veins are considered to be mainly a cosmetic issue.
Both spider and varicose veins are caused by weakened vein walls and weakened valves in the veins. Due to the weakness, blood that should be moving toward the heart pools inside the vein, causing it to enlarge. These conditions are caused when the pressure inside the leg increases or the vein valves are defective.
Broken Vein Treatments
Spider veins are usually considered a cosmetic issue. If you would like to improve the appearance of these veins, there are several different treatments available, such as:
Sclerotherapy – During this procedure, the spider veins will receive an injection of a sclerosant solution that will cause the veins to scar and close. Subsequently, the blood will start to flow through other nearby healthy veins. The veins will fade over the course of several weeks. While the procedure may show results after the first injection, more than one treatment will likely be needed.
Laser Therapy — Strong bursts of laser light or energy will be applied to the veins during this procedure. This laser energy will cause the veins to slowly disappear over time. This is a non-invasive technique that does not require any incisions or needles, and works best on smaller veins.
With either procedure, it can take several months for the veins to fade. Additionally, the veins may not completely fade or go away, and can often form again.
If you are interested in any of these or other treatments for spider or varicose veins, please contact us at Laser Lipo and Vein Center to set up a complimentary consultation where we can discuss your options.
