From signs and symptoms, to possible causes and customized skin treatment options, here is everything you need to know about spider veins and spider vein therapy.
Spider veins are a group of dilated veins that appear very close to the surface of the skin. They can develop anywhere, although they are most commonly found on the face and legs.
While they often cause no symptoms other than an undesirable cosmetic appearance, some people with spider/varicose veins may experience:
- An itchy rash
- Swelling
- Pain after sitting or standing for a long time
- A heavy or achy feeling in the legs
Customized Spider Vein Therapy in Kelowna
Our skin specialists offer customized spider vein therapy to our Kelowna patients. Using the advanced VISIA Digital Analysis System, we can create a personalized skin treatment plan designed for your unique needs and lifestyle, to ensure you have the beautiful, clear complexion you’ve always desired.
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Causes of Spider Veins
Spider veins are dilated superficial blood vessels, similar to varicose veins, but smaller and closer to the skin, appearing as red or blue lines, most often on your legs or face. While ageing is one of the most common culprits of spider veins, other causes include:
- Pregnancy
- Hormonal shifts
- Occupations that require prolonged sitting or standing
- Weight fluctuations
- Heredity
Lower your risk of spider veins
While you might not be able to completely prevent spider veins from appearing, there are some steps you can take to try and lower your risk. This includes:
- Keep your blood flowing by exercising to increase leg circulation and strengthen your leg muscles.
- Relieve some pressure by keeping your weight down and avoid standing or sitting for long periods. Experts recommend taking a short walk every 30 minutes.
- Get support from wearing a lightweight compression stocking. This can go a long way to preventing and managing spider vein symptoms, including swelling.
- Prop up your feet. Your legs must be elevated higher than your heart for the best effect.
- Use sunscreen. If you have light skin, sun exposure can lead to spider veins on your cheeks or nose, so make sure to wear sunscreen to minimize any damage!
- Have any varicose veins treated. Getting any varicose veins you have treated will reduce pressure in the legs and prevent the development of additional spider veins.
V-Beam Therapy For Spider Veins
An innovative spider vein therapy option, V-Beam is a pulse-dye laser that works by delivering pulses of gentle yellow light to be absorbed by the blood vessels. The blood then coagulates and is reabsorbed into the body as part of the natural healing process.
Benefits of this skin treatment
Compared to many other vascular lasers, the V-Beam offers a safer, more powerful and effective treatment option to rejuvenate your skin for a clearer, smoother complexion. It has many benefits, including:
- Shorter treatment times
- Less bruising and fewer side effects
- Built-in cooling system soothes skin during the prodecure
- No downtime required
- Dramatic cosmetic improvement after just 2-4 skin treatments
Am I a Candidate for V-Beam Spider Vein Therapy?
V-Beam laser therapy is an extremely versatile cosmetic treatment, safe for most skin types and for patients of all ages. However, it is NOT RECOMMENDED for patients who:
- Are darkly pigmented
- Have vessels which are more than 1.5mm deep
- Have skin infections at the treatment site
- Are pregnant
- Are currently using Accutane therapy
Before considering any skin treatment, it’s advisable to discuss your concerns and therapy options with a specialist as they can assess your skin type, aesthetic goals and medical history to determine which cosmetic treatment is right for you.
Want to know if V-Beam is the right spider vein therapy for you?
Call Today
To find out more about the costs and benefits of our customized V-Beam treatments, or to know how our specialists can improve the appearance of your skin, contact our Kelowna clinic at 250-868-9099 or fill in our online contact form.