What's the Best Way to Get Rid of Spider Veins?

Spider veins develop when the one-way valves in healthy veins become damaged from age, disease, or trauma. When the valves become damaged, it causes some blood to flow backward instead of only flowing one way to the heart. 

The pooling blood puts extra pressure upon the vein walls, causing spider veins. If the pressure continues over time, then varicose veins develop. Dr. David D. Shin, MD, RVT, RPVI, FACS, and the experienced team at Houston Vein Specialists in Houston, Texas, recommend the following treatments for removing spider veins. 

Best ways to remove spider veins

There are several treatment methods for removing spider veins, the most common being laser treatment, vein ablation, and sclerotherapy. 

Laser treatment

The first method available for treating spider veins is laser treatment, and it is best suited for veins close to the skin's surface. Laser treatment is less invasive than vein ablation or sclerotherapy. 

During the treatment, Dr. Shin aims focused beams of light at the vein causing it to clot and dry up. While it may be less invasive than other treatment methods, it is also less effective at reducing spider veins.

Vein ablation

Vein ablation, also known as endovenous ablation, involves placement of a needle and wire into the vein during the treatment of spider and varicose veins. Next, Dr. Shin inserts a small catheter into the vein, creating heat by pushing energy into the spider vein. The heat causes damage to the vein tissue, promoting healing of the damaged one-way valve that caused the spider vein. 

Sclerotherapy

One of the most common methods for treating smaller spider veins is sclerotherapy. During sclerotherapy, an irritant is injected directly into the spider vein to cause the veins to stick together and prevent blood from flowing. 

The swelling caused by pooling blood will lessen as the vein shrinks and returns to its healthy size. However, this is not an immediate process and may require multiple treatments to remove the spider veins thoroughly. 

Closure treatment

Like sclerotherapy, closure treatment uses a sticky substance to remove the spider veins instead of injecting an irritant. With closure treatment, your doctor will inject a substance that will adhere to the vein's walls, sealing it off. 

The spider vein will disappear without the additional blood flowing back into the vein. Closure treatment may also require multiple sessions to achieve the desired results. 

If you have spider veins, Dr. Shin offers treatment plans for curing them and restoring your skin to its previous state. Contact us today or schedule an appointment online at the Houston Vein Specialists in Houston, Texas.