You just stepped out of the shower and are about to begin your nightly (or morning) routine when you notice something on your leg: a series of blue, red, or purple-ish lines resembling rivers on a map.
Your first thought is that you accidentally spilled ink on yourself, but taking a closer look, you realize it’s spider veins, also known as telangiectasias — visible networks of damaged blood vessels that sit right below the skin’s surface, often resembling tree branches or the web of spider, hence the name.
While spider veins are almost never a cause for concern and generally won’t cause any physical pain, many people dislike how they look and want to restore a healthier, more youthful appearance.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone and treatment does exist. Continue reading to learn more about what spider veins are, where they come from, and how to prevent and/or treat them.
Spider Veins vs. Varicose Veins: What’s the Difference?
Contrary to popular belief, spider veins and varicose veins are two different conditions with two entirely different prognoses. Understanding that difference is paramount to understanding your condition.
So, let’s start with the basics – blood vessels.
Blood vessels are channels that carry blood throughout your body. They’re a part of the cardiovascular system and play a major role in ensuring organs and tissues get the nutrients needed to function properly.
There are three main types of blood vessels in the body: arteries, veins, and capillaries.
Arteries carry blood from the heart to the organs, veins return blood to the heart from the organs, and capillaries (smaller blood vessels) help connect the arteries and veins, aiding in the transfer of nutrients.
Think of it like a map or a network of water channels. Arteries and veins are like rivers, while capillaries are like streams and canals.
But what does this have to do with spider veins and varicose veins?
Believe it or not, spider veins aren’t damaged veins at all. They’re actually damaged capillaries, venules, and arterioles – meaning they’re smaller blood vessels that connect with larger blood vessels in the body.
Varicose veins are damaged veins. They’re almost always larger, more noticeable and tend to bulge outward from the skin. They also result in far more complications and side effects, whereas spider veins typically cause no symptoms other than their appearance.
In other words, varicose veins are more of a medical issue, while spider veins are a cosmetic issue.
How to Prevent Spider Veins From Developing or Worsening
Spider veins are more common than you’d think and can be caused by a number of factors, including hormones, genetics, prolonged periods of standing or sitting, and sun exposure.
Likewise, anything that can weaken or damage your blood vessels will result in blood pooling in the blood vessels, which could increase your risk of developing varicose or spider veins.
But here are some things you can start doing today to prevent spider veins:
- Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time (more than 30 minutes)
- Avoid wearing tight clothes that might interfere with blood circulation
- Maintain a regular exercise routine, even if it’s just a walk around the block
- Move your feet around and flex your ankles when in a seated position
- Maintain a healthy body weight to reduce pressure on your blood vessels
- Elevate your legs for 30 minutes at least a few times per day
- Talk to your doctor about wearing compression stockings
While these things will certainly help reduce your risk of developing spider veins, there’s no real way to fully prevent them, and some people might notice them despite taking all the necessary precautions. If you’re bothered by the appearance of spider veins, Believe Image can help.
Asclera®: Treating Spider Veins With Sclerotherapy
While spider veins aren’t particularly harmful or dangerous, they can be a cosmetic nuisance. If you have spider veins, you might find yourself hiding your legs under pants or long skirts, even in hot weather. Spider vein treatments can help eliminate networks of visible blood vessels to restore your confidence and help you achieve a healthier, more youthful appearance.
One of the most effective treatments for spider veins is sclerotherapy, a non-surgical option that uses a sclerosant solution to irritate affected blood vessels, causing them to swell and close shut before eventually collapsing. After a few weeks, treated veins are absorbed by the body so they’re no longer visible, and blood is rerouted through healthier veins or capillaries.
From start to finish, the procedure takes less than an hour (usually 30-45 minutes) to complete and results in little to no downtime. Following your appointment, you’ll be able to return home and resume your normal routine with few activity restrictions.
At Believe Image, we use a sclerosant solution called Asclera®, which is the only FDA-approved liquid polidocanol in the US – meaning it offers higher-quality, regulated ingredients, and superior results.
Believe Image: Say Goodbye to Those Pesky Spider Veins
If you’re bothered by spider veins and wish they would disappear, you’ve come to the right place. At Believe Image, we’ve helped countless men and women in the Greenville community learn to love their skin again.
Spider veins affect between 30% and 60% of all Americans (and roughly 50% of all women), but that doesn’t have to be the case – at least not with our talented team of skincare experts by your side.
Contact us today at (864) 400-2727 or schedule an appointment online to learn more about Asclera®.