Is It Healthy To Close Up An Unsightly Vein?
Many people experience spider veins or are beginning to notice their appearance on their legs. Spider veins can be unsightly and cause one to feel self-conscious about showing his or her legs in the summertime. For those who are concerned about Spider veins and are seeking out treatment, Physicians Vein Clinics offers treatment for both varicose veins and spider veins.
The Difference Between Spider Veins vs. Varicose Veins
It is easy to confuse a spider vein with a varicose vein. The difference is that a spider vein is smaller, less than 1 mm and is a superficial vein. Varicose veins can go deeper in the leg and other times will bulge out of the skin, looking bigger than a spider vein. Varicose veins can actually cause pain and discomfort while spider veins are mostly superficial.
There are many factors that contribute to the appearance of spider veins. Genetics, injuries, small repetitive trauma, varicose veins, and hormones can contribute to their development. They appear as red, purple or blue lines on the legs, and it is usually not medically necessary to treat a spider vein, unlike a varicose vein, which will most likely get worse over time.
Spider Vein Treatment
Cosmetic Sclerotherapy is the treatment of choice for spider veins. A vein doctor injects a special solution, sclerosant, into the veins. The sclerosant will cause the vein to close up so that blood can no longer flow through those veins.
When blood is forced to flow through healthier veins rather than varicose veins or spider veins, it is actually healthier for your body. Efficient and healthier blood flow is restored after unhealthy veins are closed up.
Once the unhealthy vein is closed up, it will no longer be as visible on the surface because blood will no longer be flowing through it. Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment with little to no downtime.
The typical side effects will sometimes include itching, swelling, and discolored skin. You may experience bruising in the area in which the doctor made the injection.
Find a Vein Center Near Me
Our vein clinics have 12 vein locations across South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota. Our vein physicians are board-certified and highly skilled in treating varicose veins, spider veins, and other vein-related symptoms.