What Are the Best Treatments for Spider Veins in Your Legs?
Having spider veins usually doesn’t hurt, but it may make you self-conscious about the way your legs look and feel. It may also cause some discomfort in more severe cases, and mean that you aren’t sleeping as well as you could at night. Over time, a combination of those things can really get you down. With the right spider vein treatment, though, you can get back to feeling good about your legs, reducing or eliminating discomfort, and enjoying all the activities that you might have avoided due to your vein issues. There are several common treatments that can be good options for these types of veins.
Laser Surgery is a Common Option
Among the more commonly used spider vein treatment options is laser surgery. This involves bursts of light that are very strong. They are sent into the vein, which eventually fades until it disappears. Because there aren’t any needles used or incisions made, this is a non-invasive option that can work very well for most people. Side effects are also generally minor but can include things like swelling, redness, itching, bruising, and tenderness.
In some cases, there may also be permanent changes to the color of the skin. Not everyone finds this treatment option as effective as others, especially if the veins are larger. These bigger vessels may not disappear completely, or new spider vein issues may appear in that same area of the leg.
You May Want to Consider Sclerotherapy
For those who don’t choose laser surgery, sclerotherapy could be the right option. This treatment uses an injectable solution that goes right into the veins. It causes them to scar and close themselves off, rerouting the blood through other, nearby veins that are healthier. Over a few weeks’ time, the treated veins fade away. It’s possible that the vein will need another injection later, but when this treatment is done correctly it’s almost always successful. The good results it offers is why it’s used so frequently. There’s no anesthesia needed, and itching, swelling, and skin discoloration are the most common side effects.
Talking to Your Doctor About Vein Treatment Options
One of the most important things you can do when it comes to your vein health is to talk to your doctor about treatment options. That way you’ll be sure to get the kind of treatment that’s best for you, and that will provide you the solution you need. Your veins are important, and you want them to be healthy. But you also want to look good and feel comfortable in your own skin. If you don’t like the look or feel of your legs due to spider veins, working with your doctor to choose the right treatment can be the best way to get started on improvement.