Maybe you noticed them while applying sunscreen at the beach last weekend or as you stretched out after a morning run. Whenever it happened, you completely freaked out: “Aren’t I too young for spider veins?” Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for women in their 30s, 20s, and even teens to discover a few of the unsightly squiggly lines beneath the skin on their face, ankles, and legs.
The good news is that spider veins don’t indicate any serious health issues, so there’s no reason to panic. However, that doesn’t make them any less embarrassing. If you’re significantly bothered by the appearance of spider veins on your face, ankles, and legs, you’ll be happy to know that there are two main non-surgical treatment options available to banish them for good. Yes, you read that right! You can treat spider veins safely and effectively without going under the knife. Here’s a brief overview of sclerotherapy and radiofrequency ablation.
Treating spider veins with sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a proven method for treating spider veins that has been in use since the 1930s. The procedure involves injecting a highly concentrated saline solution into spider veins to make them disappear from view. The solution causes irritation to the blood vessel, making it swell and causing the blood to clot. Over a period of three to six weeks, the blood vessel becomes scar tissue and fades away from view. The procedure is minimally invasive, fairly simple, and doesn’t require anesthesia. These factors make it an ideal treatment option for those who are hesitant to go under the knife.
Treating spider veins with radiofrequency ablation
With radiofrequency ablation (RFA), radiofrequency energy is directed through a thin catheter, which is inserted through a small incision in the vein. The energy heats up and damages the vein walls, sealing off the targeted blood vessel and forcing the body to re-direct blood flow to healthier adjacent veins. The ablated vein becomes scar tissue and is absorbed by the body, disappearing from view.
The big advantage of using radiofrequency ablation over sclerotherapy is that it targets spider veins more precisely. It also goes deep to take care of the underlying cause of spider veins, which helps prevent them from reappearing in the future. The procedure is minimally invasive and can be completed in under an hour. Downtime is virtually non-existent, and most patients can return to their normal daily activities within a day. Compression stockings are generally prescribed for a week or two following treatments.
Are you ready to banish spider veins for good?
At San Diego Varicose Vein Treatment Center, Dr. Taghizadeh goes beyond diagnosing and treating spider veins on a cosmetic level to target the source of the problem. We’re one of the only medical spas in San Diego that uses ultrasound to locate perforator veins. By eliminating the pressure that forces blood flow into varicose and spider veins, we can assure our clients that the problem won’t return.
If you’re embarrassed by unsightly spider veins on your face, ankles, or legs, our thorough approach to sclerotherapy and radiofrequency ablation present two safe and effective treatment options for restoring the smooth, youthful skin you desire. Give us a call today to schedule your consultation.