Applying pressure on the veins in the lower legs can improve blood flow and prevent more spider veins from appearing. Compression also lowers the risk of blood clots and may help relieve swelling.
Compression socks and stockings vary by the amount of pressure they apply. Prescription compression stockings are usually the tightest, and therefore apply the most pressure to the legs and feet. These are only available with a prescription and come in different sizes, strengths, and footless varieties.
Gradient compression stockings provide a medium amount of pressure around the calves, ankles, and feet. These are available for purchase online and at specialist pharmacies. The lightest compression stockings are support pantyhose, which are widely available online and in retail stores.
Lasers can treat spider veins that are small (less than 3mm) and closer to the skin’s surface. A healthcare professional uses a specially focused beam of light to induce clotting in the spider vein, which causes it to dry up. This is the least invasive outpatient treatment for spider veins.
Sclerotherapy entails injecting a substance to irritate the walls of the veins. Irritated vein walls will clump together, preventing blood flow to that area.
This slightly invasive procedure gets rid of swelling and shrinks the vein over time. Eventually, the vein fades or disappears altogether. Sclerotherapy may take multiple treatments to produce favorable results.
The vein closure system is similar to sclerotherapy, but instead of an irritant, a sticky substance is injected into the veins. The substance closes off the vein, blocking off blood flow. Eventually, the vein fades off or disappears. Just as in sclerotherapy, vein closure may take multiple treatments to take effect.
Sclerotherapy and vein closure can be performed by trained nurses, cosmetic surgeons, dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and vein specialists. The procedure is simple enough to conduct in the healthcare professional’s office, and it usually doesn’t require anesthesia.
Following the procedure, the patient is required to wear compression stockings for days or weeks. The entire process may take up to six weeks to succeed.
The number of treatments needed to remove spider veins successfully depends on their severity.
EVLT is a new medical procedure for treating small varicose veins and spider veins. It involves opening up the affected vein with a small incision and then inserting a laser fiber that directly applies heat to the vein.
With time, the vein collapses, and after several months or even years, it fades away. EVLT is slightly invasive, so it requires the use of local anesthesia.
Raising your legs will stop blood from pooling downwards, and therefore prevents spider veins.
