Although spider veins on the legs are harmless in most cases, they are aesthetically disturbing because they are visible to the naked eye from a distance of two meters. They are especially visible in summer or on the beach. However, now is not the right time for a treatment, because after the treatment it usually looks worse at first and you have to keep strict sun abstinence. Classic sclerotherapy or modern laser treatment can provide very good aesthetic results without scars with a short treatment time. Often both methods are also used in combination. If you are interested in a treatment against spider veins then please wait until the fall to start therapy, as lower temperatures and low sun exposure provide the ideal time for treatment.
Spider veins are fine, mostly blue-red veins that appear tree-like on the legs. They are a subtype of varicose veins and are easily visible from the outside, as the veins are located in the uppermost layer of the skin. They are caused by blood stasis or pressure effects in the leg veins, causing the veins to wear out and become discolored. Most spider veins are harmless and have no pathological value, yet they could be the first signs of a serious vein disease.
There are different risk factors that favor the development of spider veins. Females suffer more often from the annoying veins than males because they have a weaker connective tissue, which favors the formation and expansion of spider veins. The reason for the loose connective tissue is the female sex hormone estrogen. Other risk factors are overweight, pregnancy or nicotine and alcohol consumption.
Treatment options for spider veins have made great strides in recent years, making them readily treatable. Treatment of spider veins should be preceded by a medical examination, as the association with larger reticular varicose veins (varicose veins) may influence the therapy. Between October and Easter is the ideal time for treatment thanks to lower temperatures and low sun exposure. So you can soon show your legs again without worries.
In our practice we offer both laser treatment and classical sclerotherapy. The procedure is chosen depending on the shape and size of the spider veins, and they can also be combined.
For the Laser treatment we use the Clarity laser from Lutronic with the wavelength 1064nm, with which the vessels can be virtually obliterated from the outside without damaging the skin. The treatment is painful for a short time, therefore we cool intensively with air. If you wish, you can receive pain drops before the treatment. No pain is expected after the treatment.
At the classical sclerotherapy a sclerosing agent is injected into the vessel, which glues the spider veins together. Subsequently, the vein dies and is broken down by the body. The process may cause a slight burning sensation. Redness, swelling and hardening are possible.
With both methods, the legs unfortunately look worse than before for a few days, sometimes weeks, as the resorption process takes time. During these first six weeks after treatment, you must consistently avoid sun exposure, which is why autumn and winter are the optimal time for treatment. Compression stockings can be worn for prophylaxis, but are not mandatory. Plan your treatment in autumn already now!