Spider Veins Specialist in Georgia
Radiesse Filler in Athens, Gainesville, & Lake Oconee, GA
Spider Vein Removal in Athens, Lake Oconee, & Gainesville, GA
Spider veins are damaged blood vessels that have become dilated and appear on the skin’s surface as red, blue, or purple squiggles resembling spiderwebs. They are most common on the legs but can occur anywhere on the body. While they are generally harmless, Georgia Skin Cancer & Aesthetic Dermatology offers cosmetic treatment options if they become unsightly or uncomfortable.
What Causes Spider Veins?
The exact cause of spider veins is unknown, but changes in hormones, such as during pregnancy or a family history, are thought to play a role, as well as age and gender. Women are more likely to develop spider veins than men. Weakening or malfunction of the valves within the veins leads to blood pooling in the affected blood vessels, causing increased pressure and creating the appearance of spider veins. Sitting or standing for long periods, weight gain, and smoking can increase the chances of developing spider veins as well.Â
What Treatments Are Available for Spider Veins?
Though spider veins generally aren’t harmful, simple non-surgical treatments are available for those who don’t like the look of them. There are two main treatments to remove spider veins. The most common treatment for spider veins is sclerotherapy. This involves an injection of saline into the vein with a very small needle, which causes the vessel to close or collapse, greatly reducing or eliminating its appearance. Sclerotherapy may require multiple treatments to remove all of the veins, but you should see a difference in 3 to 6 weeks.
Another option for spider vein removal is laser therapy. This is often used for spider veins on the face, as there is no chemical solution or injections involved. The laser uses targeted heat to collapse the veins. Smaller veins may only take one session to treat, while months of treatment may be necessary for larger ones. Contact us to learn more about which treatment might be right for you.
How Can I Prevent Spider Veins
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent spider veins, there are self-care methods you can adopt that will limit their occurrence. These include:
- Avoid tight clothing as it can interfere with blood flow
- Don’t sit for too long; get up and move after 30 minutes
- Don’t stand for too long; sit down after 30 minutes
- Regular exercise, such as a 30-minute walk, will increase blood flow to your legs.
- Maintaining a healthy weight can limit pressure on your veins
- Compression stockings can be worn to improve blood flow in your legs
If you’re prone to spider veins, your provider can suggest which lifestyle modifications may work best for you. If you have had spider veins removed, these easy changes can help stop more from forming.
Best Spider Vein Doctors in Georgia
While spider veins might not be visually appealing, they’re harmless, and treatments are quick and straightforward. To discuss which treatment to remove spider veins is best for you, call Georgia Skin Cancer & Aesthetic Dermatology at (706) 287-5617 to schedule a consultation or use our convenient online booking form.
