If you have varicose or spider veins, you are hardly alone. Approximately 30-60 percent of American adults suffer from one or both of these conditions. But knowing that others are experiencing the same problem doesn’t fix the pain and embarrassment you feel because of these unsightly and uncomfortable problems. While your vulnerability to developing spider or varicose veins is largely a factor of age and genetics, you can take steps to reduce their growth. If they have already become a problem for you, the even better news is that there are safe and effective treatments that can make them a thing of the past.

What Are Spider Veins and What Causes Them?

Typically appearing on the legs and face, spider veins appear and are easily visible as small, red, purple and blue blood vessels that twist and turn. Varicose veins are similar, but large and raised in appearance and usually limited to the legs.

In addition to genetic factors, constant stress on the legs, such as from long periods of standing throughout the day, can contribute to spider veins. Unsightly veins can also come from factors such as:

• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Menopause
• Puberty
• Birth control
• Hormonal replacement therapy
• Blood clots

Given many of the foregoing contributors to the development of spider veins, preventative steps to keep them at bay include:

• Regular exercise to improve your leg and vein strength as well as circulation
• Controlling your weight to prevent too much pressure on your legs
• Elevating your legs when resting 
• Avoid standing for long periods of time, taking regular breaks if you need to be on your feet for multiple hours

Spider Vein Treatments That Can Kick Your Spider Veins Away

At Dr. Mariano Busso’s Miami aesthetic dermatology clinic, we offer treatments that have relieved thousands of people from the embarrassment of spider veins. Our two most popular and effective treatments are:

Sclerotherapy

Time-tested, perennially popular, and highly effective, sclerotherapy is the go-to varicose and spider vein treatment for millions of people every year. Sclerotherapy involves treating unsightly leg veins by injecting a sclerosant solution into the damaged veins, which causes the veins to collapse and become absorbed into the bloodstream eventually. This safe procedure can be performed in your doctor’s office and takes less than an hour.

After sclerotherapy, most patients can immediately return work and other day-to-day activities the very same day. Exercise and other strenuous activities, however, should be avoided for 7 to 10 days. Compression bandages may need to be worn for a few days after the procedure, and some patients may experience mild bruising and pigmentation following sclerotherapy; these side effects usually subside within a few days.

The results of sclerotherapy are usually fully visible after 3 to 6 weeks. Most patients are satisfied with the results. To preserve the results of sclerotherapy, patients should maintain an active, healthy life after the procedure.

Ellipse Laser Therapy

Ellipse Laser treatment effectively minimizes veins and venous lakes, which appear as small pools of blood trapped beneath the skin.

To decrease leg veins, the Ellipse Laser sends energy into the blood and vessel walls, leading to complete or partial collapse of the unwanted vein, the same process that occurs in sclerotherapy. The constricted vessel then degenerates, and visible leg veins reduce.

Get Rid of Spider Veins! Call Dr. Busso Today to Schedule a Sclerotherapy or Laster Treatment Consultation

Dr. Mariano Busso is an acclaimed expert on a wide range of cosmetic and dermatological treatments, including sclerotherapy and the use of laser therapy to reduce and eliminate spider veins. Call our Miami clinic today at 305-857-0144 to schedule your consultation.