Broken blood vessels on the face and legs can make you feel self-conscious and unattractive. At Unique Dermatology & Wellness Center, Dyan Harvey, DO, provides FDA-approved Cynosure laser treatments to reduce or eliminate the appearance of these spider veins quickly and safely. People who live in and around Valrico, Florida, can call the office or request online to learn more about the procedure to erase these bothersome veins.

What are spider veins?

Spider veins show up as reddish or purple lines that feather and twist, just like a spider web. These can develop on your face or legs and show up at just about any age, though they may proliferate as you age.

Spider veins are not often medically dangerous but can be aesthetically unappealing. Occasionally, spider veins can cause discomfort in your legs, making them feel heavy, swollen, and tired.

What causes spider veins?

Spider veins can develop on just about anyone but are more common in certain families. You may also experience them due to:

• Pregnancy
• Long-term alcohol consumption
• Rosacea
• Injuries or trauma

When you have spider veins on your legs, it’s usually due to faulty valves. Usually, the valves in your veins push blood back to the heart. In the case of spider veins, these valves fail to push the blood, so it pools and causes the visible discoloration. Spider veins are similar to varicose veins but are smaller and closer to the surface of the skin.

What is sclerotherapy treatment for spider veins?

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment for spider veins. Dr. Harvey may recommend sclerotherapy to minimize the appearance of spider veins in your legs.

During your treatment, Dr. Harvey injects a solution into the unwanted vein, causing it to scar and collapse. In time, your body absorbs the collapsed vein. You may notice an improvement in a few weeks, although results vary. In some cases, she may recommend more than one treatment.

How does a laser improve the appearance of spider veins?

Cynosure laser treatment can destroy the problematic veins. The Cynosure laser contains two laser systems: a 755 nm Alexandrite laser and a high-powered 1064 nm Nd: YAG laser. This combined technology provides safe and effective spider vein treatment for patients of all skin tones.

The light energy penetrates the outer layer of your skin without causing damage. The energy then heats up the walls of the unsightly blood vessel, causing it damage. With time, the spider vein collapses and disappears. Blood flow is directed to healthier nearby veins.

You end up with evenly toned, smoother skin that’s spider vein-free.

What is intense pulsed light therapy for spider veins?

For thread-like spider veins on your face, Dr. Harvey may recommend intense pulsed light (IPL). IPL works in much the same way as a laser but offers multiple wavelengths of light to treat a variety of skin concerns, along with spider veins.

If you have unwanted, visible veins on your face or legs, call the office or request an appointment using the online tool.