Vein disease can appear in a variety of ways. The two most common forms of vein disease are varicose veins and spider veins. The causes of these vein issues are well known, and millions of Americans are impacted by them every year. While you may know how common these are you may not know all of the areas that spider veins and varicose veins can appear. Take a look at where spider veins and painful varicose veins can appear and what you can do to treat them:
Face
There is nothing more noticeable than having unsightly vein disease appear on your face. That’s right, vein disease is frequently seen on the face. The most common form of vein disease that will show up on the face is spider veins. This type of vein disease appears as thin lines or webs of blue, purple, and red veins. While spider veins are not directly harmful, they can mess with your overall appearance. You have two treatment options when it comes to treat spider veins. We specialize in VeinWave, an intense pulsed light treatment that is ideal for smaller veins such as spider veins. Laser energy eradicates veins just under the skin. A handheld device is directed over the face, making sure only the targeted area is treated. Most patients claim the sensation of the procedure is similar to a rubber band snap and little else. If you need to treat larger veins, then sclerotherapy will be recommended. This treatment uses an injectable solution, or sclerosant, into your veins that will cause them to break down and be absorbed back into the body.
Hands
Another common area for vein disease is your hand. While the face is more susceptible to spider veins, your hands are more prone to varicose veins. You may notice that as we age the veins in our hands will become more prominent. This appearance will only worsen if you develop varicose veins—bulging veins that appear ropelike. Varicose veins occur when your vein valves begin to weaken, causing blood flow to flow backwards. Fortunately, there are several treatment options for varicose veins to prevent any further health risks associated with them.
The first form of varicose vein treatment is Endovenous Laser Treatment. A small fiber is inserted into the damaged vein to deliver pulses of energy. This will cause your varicose vein to shut down and be absorbed by the body. Blood flow will be redirected to other veins we have in our hands. Varicose veins can also be treated with Radiofrequency Ablation. This procedure is similar to Endovenous Laser Treatment, but instead of shutting down the damaged vein with laser energy, this treatment uses radio frequency waves to treat the damaged vein.
Trunk
More severe forms of varicose veins can occur in an area of the body called the trunk. This vein type is the vein that runs from the trunk of the body up to your arms. Trunk varicose veins are common for men than for women. Trunk varicose veins are caused in similar ways to normal varicose veins when the vein valves stop working properly. Treatment for this type of varicose vein is similar to the hands but can be more difficult due to its location. Your cosmetic physician will walk you through which treatment option will be recommended for you.
Legs
Last but certainly not least of areas on the body that are prone to spider veins and varicose veins are the legs. This is where most varicose veins and spider veins will occur. Spider veins are especially common on the legs as weakened vein valves do not properly work. They can also occur in individuals who are experiencing cases of rosacea. We treat spider veins in the legs the same as the face; this can involve sclerotherapy for most spider vein treatments. Since the legs are a larger area, the procedure will be longer and may require more than one treatment. Sclerotherapy is a much more advanced form of spider vein treatment that makes vein stripping a procedure of the past.
The legs can also develop varicose veins. Similar to your hands, varicose veins will appear thick and ropelike. Most Endovenous Laser Ablation and Radiofrequency Ablation treatments can be completed in less than an hour. Treating your varicose veins in advance can prevent you from developing further complications such as blood clots that can lead to more severe and possibly lethal symptoms.
Your Vein Assistance at St. Louis Laser Veins
If you are experiencing spider veins or varicose veins on any of these areas, now is the time for your vein treatment. Call today for your free consultation that will make sure these treatments are right for you. You will be given a personal treatment plan every step of the way.
