Spider veins are a bothersome aesthetic issue which can sometimes turn into an aching discomfort as well. Regardless of whether you want to get rid of the stinging or just want to have flawless skin again, you can easily get rid of these pesky afflictions. Discover how you can do that, what are the necessary costs, and what you should expect during and after the procedures.
What Are Spider Veins?
The simple definition is that spider veins are essentially gatherings of small, hair-thin marks on the skin. Colored red, blue, or purple, they usually show up on legs and ankles and they constitute an unsightly discomfort.
As for the causes, no one is really certain what exactly favors the apparition of spider veins. Some factors that have been observed over the time are:
- Heredity;
- Hormonal shifts;
- Occupations or activities that require prolonged sitting or standing;
- Pregnancy;
- Weight fluctuation.
Spider Veins Removal Procedures
There are two main methods through which you can get rid of spider veins, both of them being relatively quick and painless.
Sclerotherapy
Involving injections, this procedure has the doctor treat every vein individually. The expert injects a sclerosing substance into the troublesome vein. This causes it to “collapse,” leading to it closing down and disappearing from sight after a certain amount of time. The blood reroutes through the healthier veins, so you don’t end up disrupting your circulatory system either.
The method is efficient, though it may require repeated interventions for each to work. One certain spider vein may need more than one injection while for larger gatherings, you’ll definitely have to treat each one of them individually. Some side effects of this type of intervention include swelling, redness, and possible skin color changes in the affected area.
Laser Surgery
Newer and more modern, laser surgery makes use of a powerful beam of light which acts directly on the affected areas. The system is similar to sclerotherapy: the vein receives the treatment, it starts to “collapse” and close down, and then it eventually fades away completely. The benefit of this method as compared to the previous procedure is the lack of needles and injections, which is definitely a bonus for those trying to flee from them. However, it’s generally less effective, especially toward larger veins, and it may require even more interventions for proper results.
Expected Costs
Statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons in 2014 estimate that the average cost of a spider veins removal procedure is somewhere around $314. Of course, this number wildly varies according to a series of factors, such as the chosen method of intervention and the clinic that will perform it.
Surgeon’s fees and various post-surgery garments may pile up additional costs. Spider veins treatments are not covered by health insurance.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, you can have a smooth and beautiful looking skin again by adopting one of the previous methods that can help you pluck these pesky spider veins out. All you need is the money and the patience to stick with your treatment until the end.