Tiny twisted blood vessels visible just below the skin, popularly referred to as spider veins, can be of concern to many people. Understanding what you should do before and after is imperative whether for cosmetic purposes or discomfort. This extensive guide will let you know everything about the treatment of spider veins so that you get ideal results.
Understanding Spider Veins
What are spider veins?
One should know what they are before we start treating them. Mostly showing on legs and the face, these little enlarged blood vessels are reddish blue or purple. There is a possibility for them due to factors like genetic makeup; obesity; sitting or standing for long without breaks; hormonal changes etc. These blood vessels may only cause slight inconvenience in many cases but sometimes may also cause tingling, itching or burning sensation.
Common Treatments for Spider Veins
Spider veintreatment has several methods which vary from minimally invasive treatments to more intense ones. The following are the commonest:
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is among the most often used procedures for spider veins. Under this approach, a liquid solution is injected straight into the vein, which collapses and finally absorbs by your body.Short recovery time results from this operation working effectively without anesthetic.
Laser Therapy
To get rid of these lines laser therapy directs focussed light at them until they get obliterated completely. This kind requires no surgical operation because it’s non-invasive, thus minimizing side effects especially when targeting tiny facial capillaries.More than one appointment might be needed for perfect outcome.
Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)
EVLT seals off larger veins using laser energy while improving overall circulation and eliminating spider veins appearance through minimal invasiveness.These ones are usually done under anesthesia locally with fast recovery period within few days only.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Heat produced by radio waves shuts down these paths during radiofrequency ablation which is effective at treating larger veins and can also alleviate symptoms of vein disease.
Preparing for Spider Vein Treatment
Spider vein treatment requires proper preparation in order to be successful. Here are some important before-care tips:
Consultation with a Specialist
It is important to have a thorough consultation with your doctor who is experienced in veins before you proceed for any type of treatment so that he or she can analyze your condition and recommend what best suits you depending on factors like medical history.
Avoid Taking Blood Thinners
Unless explicitly directed by the physician, do not take blood thinners such as aspirin, ibuprofen etc., during the weeks leading up to your procedure. They make bleeding more likely during operation.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water prior to treatment aids in promoting one’s overall well-being and improving their vascular system condition.During the days preceding the procedure, drink lots of fluids especially water.
Wear Loose Clothing
Wearing loose clothes instead of tight garments when going for your appointment on this day will ease discomfort during treatment as well as its effectiveness because it interferes with its execution.
Aftercare Tips for Optimal Results
The course that comes after doing something should be considered with equal seriousness like doing it. The points below will assist you attain better outcome:
Wear Compression Stockings
Compression stockings may be advised by your surgeon after the surgery. They help improve blood flow while reducing swelling, bruising and pain resulting from these procedures.For how long they should be worn depends on the prescription given by the surgeon.
Avoid Too Much Exercise
Although you can keep your body moving gently to enhance blood circulation, take care not to engage in vigorous exercise or carry heavy things for a week after treatment to prevent unnecessary complications and ensure proper healing.
Keep The Area Treated Clean And Dry
Maintaining a clean and dry treated area will help to prevent infection. As advised by the doctor on wound care, avoid swimming or bathing for at least seven days.
Put Your Legs Up
If your spider veins were treated on your legs, it may be helpful to keep the leg lifted which helps reduce swelling and promote healing of wound. Try keeping your legs elevated most of time which should mostly be within first few days after the surgery is done.
Don’t Sunbathe Too Much
Prolonged direct sunlight exposure can lead to discoloration and slow down healing process. Put on protective clothing or apply broad spectrum sunscreen on the treated area so that you protect yourself from too much sunlight.
Talk To Your Doctor Again
Regular follow-up appointments with your doctor are very critical because they monitor your progress and answer any questions you may have about any concerns you might have regarding with this condition such as any complication that could arise out of this disease besides this treatment being effective.
Lifestyle Changes That Can Prevent Spider Veins
Besides undergoing treatment, other lifestyle changes can help prevent formation of new spider veins:
Manage a Healthy Weight
Your weight determines whether there will be increased pressure on the veins leading them into forming spider veins when it becomes excess; thus, you need to manage a healthy weight by observing balanced diet and doing exercises often.
Do Regular Physical Activities
By doing regular exercises, one increases his/her general circulation in his/her body hence preventing development of these veins through exercising every day for atleast thirty minutes say walking or cycling.
Avoid Prolonged Standing or Sitting
Long-term sitting or standing should be avoided if you want to prevent aggravation of the veins. If your work requires you to sit or stand for extended periods of time, make sure you take breaks frequently so as to walk and stretch your legs.
Put On Compression Garments
Compression garments such as: socks, stockings can help reduce the risk of spider veins in person who are highly exposed to the disease due to their genetics and jobs.
Put Your Legs Up
Elevating your lower extremities over 15-20 minutes about three times a day will facilitate venous blood flow rate and decrease pressure in superficial veins of calves.
Stay Away from Tight Clothes
Avoid wearing clothes that are too tight as they restrict blood circulation and may promote development of spider veins around abdomen, thighs as well as other body parts; instead go for loose fitting comfortable attires especially at those areas.
In Conclusion,
Treatment for spider veins can dramatically enhance the appearance of your skin while alleviating any discomfort caused by these vessels; thus it is important that you clearly understand various treatments available and follow some essential pre and post-treatment guidelines so that you can get optimal results possible; don’t forget that you cannot completely prevent new ones from appearing unless you modify lifestyle completely where necessary. Regular consultations with your doctor will help monitor progress made on this issue after which smoother looking skin will be achieved if proper care is taken care of.