If you’re reading this, chances are you’re familiar with spider veins — those unsightly, purple or blue veins that seem to appear out of nowhere on your legs, face, or other parts of the body. Not only are they unattractive, but they can also cause discomfort and itchiness. The good news is that you’re not alone, and there are several options available for getting rid of spider veins. In this article, we’ll take a look at the best conservative and minimally invasive treatments for spider veins.
Conservative Treatments
The first line of defense against spider veins is usually conservative treatment. These are non-invasive options that you can try at home to reduce the appearance of spider veins or prevent them from getting worse. Conservative treatments and self-care measures won’t address the root cause of spider veins or remove them entirely, but they can prevent them from worsening.
Compression Stockings
Wearing compression stockings can improve circulation in your legs and reduce the appearance of spider veins. They work by applying gentle pressure to the affected area, which can prevent blood from pooling in your veins. It’s important to choose stockings that are the right size and provide the right amount of compression for your needs. Your vein doctor can determine the best type of compression stockings for you.
Exercise
Exercise is another great way to improve circulation in your legs and reduce the appearance of spider veins. Regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, can keep your blood flowing and prevent it from pooling in your leg veins. Aim to exercise for at least 30 minutes each day to see the best results.
Elevation
Elevating your legs can reduce the pressure in your veins and improve circulation. Try propping your legs up on a pillow or using a footstool when you’re sitting to keep your legs elevated. When you elevate your legs, gravity pushes some of the accumulated blood in your leg veins to the heart, thus preventing the condition from worsening.
Healthy Lifestyle Changes
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also reduce the appearance of spider veins. This includes eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, quitting smoking, and avoiding standing or sitting for long periods of time.
If conservative treatments haven’t helped, or you’re looking for a more permanent solution, there are several minimally invasive treatments that can effectively get rid of spider veins. Each minimally invasive procedure is suitable for different purposes. If you only have spider veins without underlying vein disease, you may only need sclerotherapy. But if your vein doctor diagnoses you with chronic venous insufficiency, you may also need endovenous laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation, or other such treatments before sclerotherapy.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a common treatment for spider veins that involves injecting a solution directly into the affected veins. The solution causes the veins to collapse and eventually disappear. After the procedure, you may experience some mild swelling, redness, or itching in the treated area, but these symptoms usually go away within a few days. Your vein doctor will provide you with aftercare instructions and recommend that you wear compression stockings for a few days to reduce swelling and improve circulation.
Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)
EVLT is a minimally invasive treatment that uses laser energy to close the affected veins. The procedure is done under local anesthesia and takes only 30 minutes to an hour. During the procedure, a small laser fiber is inserted into the affected vein, and laser energy is delivered to the vein wall. The heat from the laser causes the vein to collapse and eventually disappear. After the procedure, you may experience some mild discomfort, but you’ll be able to return to your normal activities the same day.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to close the affected veins. During the procedure, a small radiofrequency catheter is inserted into the affected vein, and radiofrequency energy is delivered to the vein wall. The heat from the radiofrequency energy causes the vein to collapse and eventually disappear. After the procedure, you may experience some mild discomfort, but you’ll be able to return to your normal activities the same day.
VenaSeal
VenaSeal is a minimally invasive treatment that uses a special adhesive to close the affected veins. During the procedure, a small catheter is inserted into the affected vein, and the adhesive is delivered through the catheter to the vein wall. The adhesive seals the diseased vein’s walls, turning it into a hardened scar tissue eventually metabolized by the body. The accumulated blood reroutes into healthier leg veins to restore optimal blood circulation.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Ambulatory phlebectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves removing the affected veins through small incisions in the skin. During the procedure, your doctor will make small incisions in the skin near the affected vein and use special instruments to remove the vein. This procedure is more suitable for larger varicose veins — not spider veins.
Visit Long Island Vein Treatment
If you’re looking for the best vein treatment options, visit Long Island Vein Treatment. Our medical centers are led by board-certified vein doctors who are dedicated to helping you achieve healthy, beautiful legs. With offices in West Islip, Jericho, Port Jefferson, and the Hamptons, we’re committed to providing top-quality vein care to patients throughout Long Island.
Whether you’re seeking cosmetic treatments like sclerotherapy or minimally invasive procedures like EVLT, our team of experts has the experience and expertise to help you get the results you want. If you’re in the Hampton, you can drive down to our medical center at 225 W Montauk Highway Suite 3. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.