If you are tired of hiding your legs because of spider veins, you may wish to consider a spider vein removal procedure.
If you have had spider veins or varicose veins for a while you have probably tried to keep your legs covered. Wearing pants, panty hose, leggings and long skirts can get old – especially in summer.
Cosmetic products to cover spider veins are certainly available but they don’t always work, can be expensive, tedious to apply and can wash or wear off at the most inconvenient time. If you are ready to show your legs again without someone staring at your legs, one of several options for spider vein removal could be for you.
Laser Vein Removal Treatment
One good option for the treatment of the weblike appearance of spider veins is laser treatment. A physician at a plastic surgery clinic can use a flow of highly focused light to destroy the tiny, swollen blood vessels. The beam of light focuses underneath the skin and causes the blood vessels to shrink.
This method of vein removal is generally painless but may require several visits to be effective. After the first treatment, the spider veins will appear to be darker but will gradually fade over the next few weeks.
Sclerotherapy
With this type of spider vein removal, a small amount of “sclerosing agent” such as concentrated saline will be injected into the veins. This medication will burn the surfaces of the inside of the vessels and will cause them to close. Though the vessels will no longer function, there is little risk to surrounding tissue once healing is complete as new, smaller, non swollen vessels will take over the function.
After the Sclerotherapy treatment, you will most likely be required to wear tightly wrapped pressure bandages or support hose for several days and be limited to light activity. Two or more sessions may be required for complete effect.
Varicose Vein Surgery
Most cases of spider veins only involve small vessels. Some people however, have larger lumpy blue vessels that protrude from the sides and backs of the legs. These more complex and severe problematic vessels may not respond to laser treatment or sclerosing therapy.
If the varicose veins are causing excessive discomfort or even pain, ligation and stripping by a certified plastic surgeon may be an answer. In this procedure, a small incision will be made at the top and the bottom of the troublesome vein. The vein will be tied off at the top and pulled from the body through the bottom incision.
This type of vein removal is only used for severe cases of spider veins and varicose veins and you should know that it is a major surgical procedure that will require anesthesia. Though it is very effective, recovery from vein removal surgery will take several months to be complete and you will need to be off of work for several days immediately following the surgery.
Whether you have just a few irritating spider veins or some larger varicose veins, rest assured. There is a spider vein removal procedure that will work for you and will allow you to stop hiding your legs. Just think….a short skirt or bathing suit without leg make-up and no one staring at you!
Spider Vein Removal Costs
The cost of spider vein removal varies depending on the treatment type, number of sessions, and the extent of the affected area. On average, laser vein removal costs between $300 and $600 per session, while sclerotherapy ranges from $350 to $700.
Surgical varicose vein removal is more expensive, with total costs ranging between $1,500 and $3,000. Many patients require multiple treatments for optimal results, and most cosmetic vein removal procedures are not covered by insurance since they are considered elective. However, if vein problems cause pain, swelling, or ulcers, your provider may help you apply for partial coverage.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery time depends on the chosen procedure. After laser vein removal, most people return to work immediately and notice visible improvement within 4 to 6 weeks.
Sclerotherapy patients are advised to wear compression stockings for several days and avoid strenuous exercise or direct sunlight on treated areas for about a week. For surgical varicose vein treatment, expect a longer recovery period of several weeks to months.
Regardless of the treatment type, maintaining circulation by walking regularly and keeping legs elevated when resting will promote faster healing and better long-term results.