| Dr. Julie A. Hodge is a member of American Academy of Dermatology. Here the Doctor has answered some of the common questions bizymoms visitors have about Cosmetic Dermatology.
Q. What causes spider veins on face and legs?
A. The tendency to get varicose veins appears to be genetic. There are weaknesses in the valves between the deep system of veins and the superficial system causing the proliferation of more superficial veins. Spider veins are the smallest caliber veins which are closer to the surface and appear red. Facial veins seem to be stimulated by sun exposure and are more common in fair skinned individuals.
Q. How does laser treatment help treat facial and spider veins?
A. Veins on the face are generally small caliber red veins and can be treated by laser or intense pulsed light (IPL). The number of treatments varies on the size and number of the vessels. I feel that veins on the legs are best treated by sclerotherapy which is the injection of a solution, often hypertonic saline, which irritates and ultimately closes the vein. The solution can travel better among the varying size of blood vessels than most laser systems.
Q. How many laser treatments are required to effectively treat facial and spider veins ?
A. Facial blood vessels treated with laser or IPL generally resolve immediately or in 1-2 weeks but sometimes reopen. Often several treatments are needed.
Q. Are there any side effects of using laser treatment for facial and spider veins?
A. For sclerotherapy, improvement is gradual and noticeable over 4-6 weeks. Occasionally there can be increased pigmentation at the site of the veins. This fades over time. Sometimes smaller red vessels may appear at the injection site. This is called telangiectatic matting and will generally resolve on its own over several months or can be re-treated.
Q. Are the effects permanent?
A. You may make new blood vessels and additional treatments over the years may be necessary. Good sun protection for the face helps prevent this. |
