Spider Veins: What Are They And How To Get Rid Of Them

Spider veins are among the most prevalent forms of visible veins; although they are entirely normal, they do not affect everyone. Women are more likely than men to develop spider veins, and these veins become more common as one gets older. Adults with spider veins are estimated to account for 30 to 60 percent of the population.

The core cause of these veins is impaired blood valves. There are a number of variables that contribute to the likelihood of valves getting damaged, and any of those may be influenced by genetics. In this article, we share the common causes of spider veins, along with how you may reduce their appearance.

What are spider veins?

They are tiny, superficial veins that run between the skin’s outer and inner layers. Spider veins are often slender, web-like, and purple or blue in color. Although they are mostly found on an affected individual’s legs, they can arise elsewhere in the body depending on blood circulation – the fundamental cause of both varicose veins and visible veins. Spider veins may also be an early indicator of varicose veins, which may necessitate surgical intervention.

As mentioned, spider veins are simply the result of a faulty blood valve. As one might know: veins transport blood to the right side of the heart. When a valve becomes weaker or damaged, the blood falls downward and might pool, resulting in spider veins. Although visible veins are not usually a medical issue, they may be seen as unsightly for those affected.

Causes of spider veins

A variety of factors might put you at risk for spider veins. These are some examples:

• Genetics

Family history plays a significant role in whether you will acquire spider veins. According to the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 90 percent of those with a family history of spider veins will develop them. Hence, if your parents had them, the chances of you having them increase, which can be increased further by any contributing factors mentioned below.

• Exposure to the sun

UV radiation from the sun can cause skin damage and lead to damaged blood vessels and spider veins, especially on the nose and cheeks. This is caused by UV rays destroying the skin’s collagen and elastin proteins. Following that, it impairs the structure of the skin and blood vessels in the affected area. Spider veins appear as skin tissue degrades and blood vessels dilate.

• Excess fat leading to obesity

The excess fat buildup surrounding the midriff frequently indicates an increase in fat between the internal organs, ultimately putting force inside the abdomen. While blood strives to resist gravity and return from the feet to the heart, the increased force can develop a type of blockage. This causes an increased force to expand veins, resulting in blood pooling and the formation of unsightly spider veins.

• Hormones

Testosterone benefits soft tissue, which contributes to delayed indications of aging in men and a decreased chance of developing spider veins. Females are highly likely to form noticeable veins – more so than males – since they naturally have lower quantities of testosterone. They also have dramatic swings and greater natural fluctuations in progesterone and estrogen from adolescence, to pregnancy, and lastly, menopause. In comparison, men’s testosterone levels normally endure more mild, steady adjustments with age. These predominantly feminine hormones lead to tissue weakening, resulting in spider veins.

• Pregnancy

Pregnancy, similar to obesity, puts strain on the abdomen area, constricting veins and inhibiting proper blood circulation. Furthermore, increasing estrogen and progesterone levels soften the tissue. This makes veins more prone to stretching and weakening, leading to ineffective blood flow and, subsequently, the formation of spider veins.

Eliminate spider veins with Vbeam Laser

Like how hair loss can be treated with a hair transplant in Singapore, similarly, spider veins is treatable with the Vbeam laser treatment. At The Clifford Clinic, we employ the Vbeam laser to efficiently eliminate spider veins by using pulsed-dye light to damage the veins. This causes the pigment in the blood to coagulate, dry up, and collapse. The pigments are subsequently reabsorbed and cleansed by the body. Meanwhile, the veins slowly fade away over the course of a few days.

Vbeam laser is one of the finest therapies for ‘red’ skin disorders, such as the treatment of rosacea and acne scarring. This is because it operates at the ideal wavelength of 595 nm, targeting the red hue in oxyhemoglobin. With no scarring or downtime, patients can see a 50 to 75 percent reduction in the appearance of spider veins on their legs after just a few sessions.

Pain levels and side effects

There is always a possibility of side effects like pigmentation, scarring, and burning with every laser treatment. As a non-ablative laser, Vbeam laser’s technology exclusively treats the targeted redness, blood vessels, and hyperpigmentation regions. It does not burn, cut, or otherwise injure the skin.

Patients can expect some discomfort during the procedure. But since each laser pulse is accompanied by a specific cryogen burst to cool and protect the skin’s surface, the treatment is generally deemed tolerable for most patients.

Bid goodbye to spider veins @ The Clifford Clinic

Spider veins on your legs should not be the reason to feel any less attractive; it can be quickly remedied with a few treatment sessions. Rather than just focusing on improving the look of spider veins, The Clifford Clinic intends to address the problem internally as well. Our specialists at The Clifford Clinic have extensive expertise in treating spider veins and seek to tailor a treatment plan specifically for you.

Our doctors are highly trained to conduct the techniques that guarantee the most optimal wavelength is employed and that the least damage is done to the surrounding tissues. This allows us to achieve consistent outcomes, no matter the patient or their skin condition. Whether you are intending to get the Vbeam laser or acne scar treatment in Singapore, book an appointment with us today for reliable solutions and a new you!