One main concern about spider veins is whether they can return after treatment. The short answer is yes, newer spider veins may show up in the same area. Spider veins mainly occur due to hereditary or genetic issues. So, after treatment, chances are that new spider veins may start to develop.
However, spider veins are easy to manage with treatments and lifestyle changes such as increased exercise. This guide will clarify what causes the spider veins to come back and what you can do when they return.
What Causes Spider Veins To Develop?
Spider veins are small, damaged veins that appear on the legs or face. In the legs, spider veins occur when the valves inside them get destroyed.
Veins carry blood into the heart. Valves close up once the blood passes so that the blood does not flow backward. When one of the valves weakens, blood struggles to move in the right direction and often results in a pool outside the valve. Over time, the overflow causes a burst, which is known as a spider vein.
Most spider veins in the face occur when tiny blood vessels burst. The burst may happen as a result of sun damage or increased pressure.
Genetics is a leading risk factor, as 90% of patients have a family history of spider veins. Here are other risk factors for spider veins:
- Pregnancy. Extra fetus weight pressures the leg veins and causes spider veins.
- Being female. Women are more vulnerable to spider veins than men.
- Age. Valves weaken with time, so older adults are more prone to spider veins.
- Sun damage. Excess UV rays can damage the face’s blood vessels and cause spider veins.
- Previous accident. If an accident causes blood clots or vein damage, the valves may become less effective and result in spider veins.
What Are the Different Treatment Options for Spider Veins?
Spider veins are harmless, but they can sometimes be itchy or painful. You might be wondering how spider vein treatments work. Here are three treatment options if spider veins worry you.
Sclerotherapy
In this procedure, a doctor injects a chemical solution into the affected vein directly. The vein scars and closes, causing the blood to reroute into healthier veins. After four to five weeks, the treated vein fades, and this heals the spider vein.
One injection can be enough for people with less severe spider veins. However, some people may need multiple injections for the spider veins to fade completely. Sclerotherapy does not require anesthesia because the procedure is not painful. The notable side effects include itching, skin color change, and swelling for a few hours in the treated area.
Laser Ablation/Laser Therapy
Laser therapy works best for spider veins that are close to the skin or small (less than 3 millimeters). A laser is an intense beam of light that causes the spider vein to dry up or clot.
Usually, a doctor holds the laser and directs the beam to the exact location of the damaged veins. The intense burst of light makes the affected vein fade slowly or disappear. Sometimes the doctor can use radiofrequency energy instead of light for the procedure.
Laser ablation does not involve the use of needles. After the process, the patient should return for a checkup and a possible repeat of the process if there are no visible results
When compared to sclerotherapy, laser ablation is less effective when the spider veins are large. The possible side effects include redness, itching, or bruising in the area.
VeinWave
VeinWave is a revolutionary technique that complements sclerotherapy to treat smaller veins. This method uses an ultra-fine insulated needle that penetrates the skin. The doctor then applies high-frequency microwaves to destroy the veins through a thermal lesion. The use of insulated needles makes the procedure more accurate and protects the skin and tissues around the spider veins.
VeinWave is a painless procedure, and the doctor can apply the technique to any part of the body, including the knees and ankles. There are no bandages and no pigmentation, and you can resume your daily working activities within two weeks. The treatment area can be a little sore, but you don’t need to avoid the sun, like with laser treatment.
How Can You Prevent Spider Veins?
Certain lifestyle and health care tips can help prevent the appearance of spider veins. These include:
- Wear sunscreen to protect your face from direct sun rays.
- Maintain a healthy weight to avoid excessive pressure on your legs.
- Avoid tight clothing, which can restrict the smooth flow of blood in the veins.
- Don’t overuse saunas and hot tubs because extreme heat can increase the risk of spider veins.
- See a dermatologist more often if you have a family history of spider veins.
Why Do Spider Veins Return After Treatment?
The number of spider vein treatments that are necessary depends on the individual and requires careful planning and preparation. The veins form a complex system in the body, and the doctor may carry out an imaging test to monitor your blood flow.
If you don’t get properly tested and treated, the spider veins may return. Here are other possible reasons why spider veins may return:
- Your condition may be progressive due to a strong genetic predisposition.
- You could have unresolved risk factors such as pregnancy or obesity.
The return of spider veins can be disheartening. If this happens to you, be sure to consult your dermatologist for advice and help.
What To Do if Spider Veins Return
Spider veins may recur after the first treatment, but there’s no specific time period during which this may happen. Sometimes the veins may take years to reoccur, or you may never see them again.
To be on the safe side, you can maintain a healthy lifestyle to slow down the occurrence of spider veins. You should also seek professional health guidance to stay safe.
Medicus Vein Care offers minimally invasive treatment for spider veins, with zero downtime. We use the latest technology and devices to effectively perform sclerotherapy, laser treatment, and VeinWave. We also offer combined treatments to some patients, depending on the level of severity. Contact us today to learn more and get the help you need to maintain your beautiful look.
