FYI Cosmetics

Telangiectasias, more commonly known as spider veins, are the small thin clusters of blue, red or purple veins that reside close to the surface of the skin and commonly appear on the legs and face. While spider veins are connected to the deep venous system, these surface veins are of no benefit to those who have them. There are many causes of telangiectasias, the most common of which are heredity, hormones, weight gain, trauma, prolonged standing and certain medications. Spider veins can come in several forms, they can appear as a true spider shape—dark in the center surrounded by smaller vessels radiating out from it, as tiny branch like shapes or as simple linear lines. Symptoms associated with spider veins range from aching and burning to swelling and cramping; these symptoms are most often experienced at night.

Because telangiectasias are so common among individuals (it is estimated that over 50% of females have some form of spider veins) several treatments have been developed to help combat them. Before undergoing treatment however, it is important to know there is no cure for spider veins and there is no way to prevent new ones from appearing—these treatments are specifically designed to treat the already existing spider veins. However, by treating existing spider veins patients will have assistance with both the visible signs of telangiectasias as well as the symptoms associated with it. This will allow patients to relieve symptoms and experience spider vein free skin.

For spider veins, removal can be done in one of three ways: with sclerotherapy, IPL (intense pulsed light) treatments or laser vein removal treatments. Some surgical vein procedures may also eliminate spider veins however this is secondary to the removal of a larger varicose or feeder vein and would not be performed to treat telangiectasias alone.

Sclerotherapy – Sclerotherapy is a popular method that is used to help eliminate spider veins. This treatment involves a very small needle being injected superficially into the spider vein followed by a small amount of an irritant solution. The solution results in an internal swelling of the vein, which causes it to shut itself down; once shut down the body eliminates it naturally. Several treatments can be required to remove all present veins. Side effects can include redness swelling, bruising, scabs, scarring and skin ulcerations in the treatment area as well as allergic reaction to treatment solutions.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) – IPL treatments for spider veins utilize pulsed laser light to reach and treat problem veins. The laser energy penetrates though the outer layers of skin to target the veins below. Pulsed light technology reaches and treats veins at multiple levels; the heat from the light cauterizes veins so that they may be cut off from the blood supply. Once cut off from the blood supply, it will be naturally absorbed and eradicated by the body.

Laser Spider Vein Removal – Laser spider vein removal is similar to IPL but differs in that true lasers utilize one continuous light wavelength that penetrates the skin at one specific depth. The light intensity light energy used by the laser can be accurately directed toward the problem veins. The heated vein is effectively cauterized which cuts off its blood supply. With no blood to supply the vein, the body then breaks down the vessel and eradicates it naturally through the lymphatic system.

Before undergoing telangiectasias or spider vein removal, be sure to do adequate research in order to determine the right course of treatment for you.