Are Spider Veins Harmful to the Body?

Many people find the appearance of spider veins (also called varicose veins) troublesome and seek ways to reduce their visibility. Luckily, laser vein removal treatment can address these blue or purple veins and diminish their appearance.

At Devine Aesthetic Solutions in Arlington, TX, internal medicine specialist Dr. Jeanine Thomas uses the Harmony XL PRO laser to remove spider veins and restore patients' confidence. Dr. Thomas serves patients in Arlington, TX and the Dallas/Fort Worth area, including Garland, Plano, Southlake, TX, the Mid-Cities, and HEB.

Keep reading to find out what spider veins are and whether they indicate health problems, especially if left untreated.

What are spider veins?

Spider veins are small blood vessels that look red, blue, or purple through the skin's surface. They can be caused by genetics, age, or weight gain.

The blood vessels are visible because they are abnormally twisted and tangled beneath the skin. Over time, these veins constrict, and blood can get trapped in the area, making them more visible. This can even cause them to bulge.

Are spider veins harmful?

Despite a potentially unsightly appearance, spider veins are typically not harmful. In fact, they're quite common.

Sometimes, the sudden appearance of spider or varicose veins can indicate a health problem like a circulation or cardiac issue, so it's wise to consult a doctor.

While self-care that encourages blood circulation (such as reducing sedentary behavior) may help reduce the appearance of veins early on, many require the intervention of a specialist like Dr. Thomas.

How can you get rid of spider veins?

If self-care and compression stockings don't reduce the appearance of your spider veins, you typically have two more options. In the past, most people chose sclerotherapy, which involves injecting a chemical into the wall of the veins to cause them to stick together and reduce or stop blood flow. After 3 – 4 months, they can disappear.

Now, there's an even more effective way to remove the appearance of spider veins — laser vein removal with Harmony XL PRO. This outpatient procedure uses heat created by concentrated laser energy to destroy the veins. After just 4 – 6 weeks, veins will typically collapse and be absorbed naturally by your body.

How effective is laser treatment for spider veins?

While spider and varicose veins typically do not pose a health threat, many people avoid wearing clothing that reveals their legs or other areas of the body where they're visible. Laser vein treatment can help restore a person's confidence.

While laser vein removal may cause swelling, redness, and bruising, the side effects typically subside in 7 – 10 days. Compression garments can improve your healing and help your blood circulation as well, making the treatment more effective and faster.

Laser vein treatment is effective, but the final results will differ for each patient and depend on their overall health and the condition of their veins. Dr. Thomas will discuss your expectations and the likely results before your treatment.

Many patients see improvement right away, although new spider veins can develop over time. Luckily, patients can get maintenance treatments every few years to diminish the appearance of spider and varicose veins when they start to appear.

Get laser vein removal treatment for spider veins in Arlington, TX

If you avoid baring your legs in the summer or are otherwise inconvenienced or self-conscious about the appearance of varicose or spider veins, Devine Aesthetic Solutions offers an effective resolution.

Patients who want to learn if they are a good candidate for laser vein treatment and live in Arlington, TX, the Dallas/Fort Worth area, or areas such as Garland, Plano, Southlake, TX, the Mid-Cities, and HEB, can schedule a consultation with internal medicine specialist Dr. Jeanine Thomas to get started.