Capillaries are vital vessels, but they can often be ‘problematic’ and spoil the look of your skin. They are called thread veins once they appear in the form of a spider’s web. At first, they are only an aesthetic problem, but if neglected, they can cause serious health problems. You can find out more about this at this link.

There is a wide range of factors causing thread veins. From genetics and obesity to physical injuries, the reason behind this problem is usually disrupted collagen levels. Skin diseases like Rosacea can also trigger these. Spider veins can also appear after exposing your skin to the sun or irritation (for example, waxing).

A common misconception about thread veins is that there’s no cure. But there are many methods to treat these unsightly, irritating issues that can appear in various body areas. Some are permanent and need no further treatment. Others will ‘mask’ this aesthetic problem and prevent it from spreading.

In any case, these interventions should be done by a dermatologist or vein surgeon. They can discuss all options and help you choose the best one. Also, insurance may cover some or all of the procedures. Check that with your insurance provider before opting for a particular treatment.

Laser Treatment

People have had this issue before, but the methods for solving it have been ineffective and quite painful, with frequent complications such as scarring and pigmentation. For example, before the advent of lasers, doctors used the current to burn problematic veins. Another standard method was injecting liquid to stick capillaries and thus make them less visible.

Luckily, modern treatments are less invasive and entirely painless. Laser treatments are focused light beams that provide the best results on pale skin. They send energy to the red blood pigment in small vessels, making them darken or lighten before disappearing. Before the treatment, the practitioner applies a thin layer of gel, something like mild anesthetics. It will eventually fade away after a few weeks.

The rule of thumb is that darker skin and veins need several treatments. After the procedure, you may feel mild discomfort or rare side effects, like swelling and bruising. Also, the treated place may itch for a day or two. Capillaries don’t reappear, but there is a possibility of new ones. So it’s sometimes necessary to do one maintenance treatment, preferably once a year.

IPL Treatment

Another option is the use of IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), another form of non-invasive laser treatment for thread veins. This method is effective in smaller areas, such as the cheek, nostrils, or T-zone. That’s why IPL is widely used for facial skin treatments and may replace some more aggressive methods.

IPL treatment is more directed than laser. It attracts hemoglobin from the blood and encourages the damaged vein to seal up. These small vessels seal up and become less visible. They disappear entirely in a few days.

The IPL method affects a smaller area of healthy skin than laser therapy, so it causes less discoloration and scarring. Also, IPL tends to clear up faster than laser treatment. Yet, it works only on superficial vessels. Lasers are better for deep, blue capillaries. By combining these two methods, you’ll get the best results. Also, make some effort to find a reputable thread vein removal specialist and ensure the best and safest results.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a slightly invasive procedure that uses a solution to kill the spider veins. Compared to a similar method, this one doesn’t use liquid but active foam. Doctors inject it as a solution into damaged vessels. They also use ultrasound to monitor the procedure. That brings excellent results for tiny capillaries and deeper veins, which are not always clearly visible.

The procedure usually takes fifteen to thirty minutes. The patient lies on their back, and the doctor injects the solution directly into the vein. The solution causes the damaged vessels to collapse, forcing blood to reroute through healthier veins.

It takes several weeks for the treated vessels to fade and disappear. A single session can eliminate 50 to 80 percent of the problem. Yet, some people may require up to three or four sessions to remove their thread veins.

This procedure is safe but can leave a small scar. There are minor side effects, such as bruising or itching for a few days, but these should resolve quickly. Although rare, side effects can also include pigmentation and eczema. Sclerotherapy is often covered by insurance, but make sure to ask the practitioner about that.

Surgery

Thread vein treatments are usually cosmetic. Certified beauticians can perform them, although seeing a vascular surgeon or dermatologist is a way better idea. In most cases, they’ll suggest non-invasive treatments. But there are cases when surgery might be necessary.

If neglected, spider veins can become a worse problem than aesthetical. They can become swollen and twisted, causing you the feeling of weight, stiffness, and pain with every move. That can lead to even more severe health issues like the formation of blood clots. Having on-time surgery is the best way to prevent these problems.

Surgery is the only option for people with severe symptoms and conditions like ulcerations or skin changes. It involves making a small cut in the skin near the treated spot. The surgeon will then use a tiny camera attached to a thin tube to examine and close damaged vessels.

After the surgery, you should expect three to four weeks of recovery. You’ll wear support stockings to protect the area around your ankles from future damage. The procedure itself is quick and effective, but some complications are possible. You can expect some pain, bruising, and bleeding. But more severe issues like deep vein thrombosis and nerve damage are rare.

Thread veins can be unsightly and cosmetically bothersome. Timely removal will make you feel better about your skin look, but it will also prevent more severe health problems. Research available options and discuss them with experienced doctors to find the best solution for your situation.