Spider-vein removal targets the visible vein clusters that appear on the legs or face. The two most common removal methods are sclerotherapy injections and laser treatments.

What are spider veins?

Spider veins are small clusters of blue, red, or purple veins. They are caused by a variety of factors, from heredity to obesity to occupations that involve a lot of standing.

Why would you get this done?

Most people remove spider veins for aesthetic reasons. For some, spider veins can be painful or itchy.

What is the process?

There are two ways that spider veins are commonly treated.

• Sclerotherapy: A licensed professional injects a sclerosing solution into the spider veins to irritate the interior of the vein. This causes the vein to eventually collapse and fade from view.
• Laser treatment: An intense beam of light penetrates the spider veins to destroy them. The veins eventually collapse and fade from view. No incisions or needles are used. According to the Mayo Clinic, laser treatments are often less effective than sclerotherapy, particularly for larger veins.

Is there any downtime?

There is no downtime, but some people may experience brownish discoloration (hyperpigmentation) in the area during the healing process. This should fade, too, but it may take several months. Other side effects may include bruising, redness, itching, swelling, scarring, and permanent skin-tone changes.

Are results instant?

No, the blood vessels fade over the course of several months. A month after the first treatment, spider veins are typically lighter yet still a bit visible.

Is this a permanent solution?

Though the spider veins will fade, they may not disappear completely. Plus, new spider veins can develop in the same area.

How many treatments do I need to see results?

Multiple spider veins require multiple treatments, but how many depends on the person.

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