What are Spider Veins?
Spider veins are just tiny versions of open blood vessels on your face or body that create ‘web like’ or ‘starburst’ patterns on the skin. Sometimes called telangietasia, typically they can be caused by sun damage, smoking, heredity, hormones or steroid therapy.
How can I get rid of them?
In the past, removal has involved Diathermy, which is painful, lengthy and may leave you with scarring. Injections of saline solution has also used, and in some cases still is. However, when spider veins are injected today, aethoxysclerol is the drug of choice for leg vessels.
Today, laser treatment for spider veins to the face and neck has greatly improved both the results and safety. The Genesis is one of the newest and most effective vascular lasers available for the removal of spider veins (open blood vessels).
The Genesis also removes congenital blemishes such as Portwine Stain and Strawberry Haemangioma and acquired blemishes such as Facial Telangiectasia (broken capillaries), Poikiloderma (small blood vessels on the neck), Rosacea, Campbell-de-Morgan spots, Spider Naevi and Red Scars.
Can I go to work the next day?
In most cases, yes you can go to work. Sometimes the face can look a little ‘puffy’ or have fine scabbing but it is usually for only 24-48 hrs and make up can be worn to cover it.
In rare cases, the face can become very swollen and you may not want to be seen until the swelling settles.
When considering any treatment it is best Not to have any social engagements within one week.
Spider Veins on my legs
Superficial veins on the legs are often referred to as ‘varicose veins’ or ‘spider veins’. Blood vessels on the legs are not as successfully treated with laser therapy. However they do respond very well to Sclerotherapy, a treatment which involves injecting a diluted solution of Aethoxysclerol into the small veins using a very fine needle. The solution irritates the vessel wall and causes the vein to shut down, thus making it appear less obvious or disappear completely. Compression stockings are worn for 72 hours post treatment. See Sclerotherapy for more information.
If you would like to find out more about removing spider veins or blood vessels contact us for a cosmetic surgery consultation with one of our specialist cosmetic nurses on 03 9500 9500
