What's the Best Spider Vein Treatment if I Have Little to No Downtime?

Spider vein treatments only require an hour out of your day, but you’ll feel relief for a lifetime.

Like varicose veins, spider veins indicate a breakdown in your blood circulation. Inside your leg veins are tiny valves that move blood upward against gravity. When these valves weaken, blood pools inside the vein, causing the vein to emerge from under the skin. Spider veins usually appear as thin clusters of blue, purple, or red lines.

Varicose veins, on the other hand, are much larger, usually three millimeters or more in diameter. They also bulge and twist. Meanwhile, spider veins are flatter and typically only one millimeter in size. Although spider veins are mostly asymptomatic, most patients wish to seek treatment for cosmetic reasons. The good news is that today’s spider vein treatments require little to no downtime! Let’s explore how these spider vein treatments can fit into your busy schedule.

The quickest spider vein treatments

Spider veins are quite common, particularly among women. The Cleveland Clinic estimates more than 50 percent of women will have spider veins at some point. Spider veins typically form on the legs but can also develop on the face.

Fortunately, treating spider veins doesn’t involve an invasive operation. Current spider vein surgical procedures are minimally invasive and use little to no local anesthesia. Treatment takes place during an office visit and typically requires no more than an hour. You’ll be able to walk out and resume your routine with only a few restrictions. For example, you should probably avoid strenuous activities for a day or two.

While you may see advertisements on the Internet touting miracle cures for spider veins, don’t fall for their false promises! The only proven and effective method to eliminate spider veins is through these minimally invasive surgical procedures:

Visual sclerotherapy. After visually locating the spider vein, the vein doctor will inject a safe, saline solution called sclerosant into the vein. The solution scars and collapses the vein walls. Blood can no longer flow through the treated vein and diverts to healthy veins. The treated vein will fade over time.

Foam sclerotherapy. Guided by ultrasound imagery, the vein specialist will administer a foam sclerosant into the spider vein. The vein collapses and is eventually reabsorbed into the body.

Laser treatment. Another popular option is laser therapy. During this non-invasive procedure, an intense light destroys the vein. The session may take 20 minutes.

While these treatments don’t usually take more than an hour, you may need multiple sessions, depending on the number of spider veins you need to treat. Besides slight bruising, complications are rare, minimal, and short-lived. Your vein specialist will give you detailed after-care instructions.

How to prevent spider veins

Although spider veins and varicose veins run in families, you can take measures to prevent them. These tips will improve your circulation, so blood has less chance to pool in the veins.

Exercise. Give your veins the extra help they need to pump blood with exercises that engage the calf muscles. Walking, biking, and swimming are all recommended activities.

Manage your weight. Excess pounds restrict blood flow in the veins. Take that pressure off by maintaining your weight at a healthy level.

Wear compression stockings. Compression stockings gently squeeze the leg veins to keep the blood moving. Compression stockings come in different styles and strengths. Ask your doctor for a recommendation or prescription.

Avoid high heels. High heels may be fashionable, but they also tighten the calf muscles and inhibit circulation. Try to wear high heels only occasionally. Opt for comfortable, flat shoes with good arch support for everyday wear.

Get spider vein treatment today

Spider veins are more than just unsightly. They are red flags for vein issues. The physicians at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) have treated thousands of patients and helped rid them of painful and unattractive spider and varicose veins. We can guide you through surgery and after-care and help you with at-home methods to prevent future spider veins.

Contact your nearest CVR location today to schedule a consultation or speak to a representative. You may also schedule online at your convenience.