Spider veins are tiny, delicate veins that form just below the skin's surface on your lower extremities and sometimes the other parts of your body. They are often red or purple in color. 

However, spider veins are more than just a minor aesthetic issue. In the worst case, they can serious pain, itchiness, or be otherwise uncomfortable. They may also be more likely to bleed based on where they are and the type of your skin, especially if you shave your legs. Of course, if left unaddressed, they'll multiply and become more obvious and unsightly. Spider veins are a significant problem for a lot of people, and they need to be treated effectively. 

Here are the four typical procedures you can expect your vein doctor to recommend for the successful treatment of your condition. 

1. VenaSeal

VenaSeal is one of the most commonly used treatment options for spider veins. The vein is sealed off during this minimally invasive procedure using a medical adhesive. The procedure takes less than an hour to complete and involves applying the adhesive through a very small incision. This treatment requires very little downtime, and most patients are back at work or engaging in other activities in just a couple of days.

2. Radiofrequency ablation

Spider veins can be treated non-invasively with radiofrequency ablation (RFA). This procedure entails delivering radiofrequency energy to the vein using a specific device.

The vein is heated and destroyed by this energy, which causes it to burst and vanish. Most people can resume their regular activities in a few days after the quick and relatively painless RFA procedure.

RFA is essential because it can be used for treating deep veins that may not be suitable for the VenaSeal procedure and do not require surgery. Another treatment option for spider veins is sclerotherapy, but RFA has a higher success rate.

3. Laser therapy

Spider veins can be treated with laser therapy, which uses precise laser pulses to eliminate the affected blood vessel. The whole treatment takes very little time and is minimally invasive.

Laser therapy is the recommended way of treating facial spider veins. It may also be used on other parts of the body. However, spider vein laser treatment is rarely used for legs.

4. Sclerotherapy

Spider veins can also be treated with sclerotherapy. This procedure entails injecting a specific solution into the blood vessel. The blood vessel then disintegrates and vanishes as a result of this. Most patients can resume their regular activities in a matter of days after undergoing sclerotherapy, which is a quick, easy, and relatively painless procedure.

When there are spider veins, there are frequently underlying issues present, such as hypertension. Sclerotherapy is essential because it lowers the likelihood of blood clot formation and helps with pain management. 

Although this treatment does not address the underlying cause of the spider veins, it is a viable solution for individuals who are at risk of developing severe vein conditions. There are additional treatments for spider veins that could help address underlying health risks in addition to eliminating spider veins brought on by high blood pressure.

The bottom line

Many people may experience severe problems with spider veins. Whether they are unsightly or uncomfortable, spider veins need to be treated properly. The health of your veins as a whole is improved by treating spider veins. Regular vascular disease screenings and prompt treatment can help to avoid significant and perhaps lethal consequences. Finding a trustworthy spider veins specialist is a good idea because they are the people to provide the right diagnosis and treatment.