Varicose or spider veins are damaged veins. They develop when tiny, one-way valves inside the veins weaken. In healthy veins, these valves push blood in one direction – back to our heart. When these valves weaken, some blood flows backwards and accumulates in the vein and exerts pressure on the walls of the vein. This causes the vein walls to weaken and bulge and a varicose or spider vein appears.
Sclerotherapy
This is the most common treatment for leg veins. Over the years, dermatologists have improved Sclerotherapy to make it safer and give patients better results. Today, dermatologists use it to treat spider and small varicose veins. Read more about sclerotherapy here.
Laser treatments
During laser treatment, your dermatologist directs the laser light at the vein.
Small spider veins may disappear immediately after treatment. Larger spider veins and varicose veins will darken, and you’ll likely see them for 1 to 3 months before they disappear. Most patients can return to work and many of their normal activities the next day.
After each treatment, some patients need to wear compression stockings for a short time and will need to protect the treated area from the sun for 3 to 4 weeks. This helps to prevent dark spots from developing.