| Dr. Channing Barnett is a board certified dermatologist. 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. Varicose and spider veins are a very common problem and typically occur on the legs. Spider veins are small enlarged superficial blood vessels that appear at the skin surface as red or blue. These dilated blood vessels may be short, unconnected hair-like lines, or connected in a "sunburst" pattern. Sometimes, spider veins occur in a small area and aren’t very noticeable. Other times, they can cover a large area of skin and be very unattractive. Varicose veins are deeper and more dilated than spider veins and, depending on the severity, may need evaluation by a vascular surgeon. Ropey, bulging varicose veins typically develop after childbirth or with age.
Factors such as hormones, pregnancy, heredity, weight gain and standing contribute to the development of these veins. Prevention involves good support socks/hose to facilitate circulation back to the heart. Cosmetic treatments for varicose and spider veins include sclerotherapy which can be effective with multiple treatment sessions. Spider and facial veins can also be treated with laser therapy.
Broken (superficial)l blood vessels, also known as telangiectasia, can develop on almost any part of the body and appear as fine red lines. On the face, they commonly develop as a result of sun damage, rosacea, heredity, injury and aging. These broken blood vessels can be treated with both very light burning (electrodessication) and with lasers.
Q. How does laser treatment help treat facial and spider veins?
A. Facial and spider veins can be treated safely and effectively with lasers. While lasers have been used in medicine for over 30 years, there has been tremendous growth and development in laser technology over the last decade. As a result, there are several different lasers that can be used to treat facial and spider veins.
Essentially, lasers work by delivering a precise amount of energy in the form of heat to the targeted vessel sparing the surrounding, healthy skin. This, in turn, will cause the blood within the vessel to clot. In the four to six weeks following the treatment, the blood in the vein is reabsorbed by the body and the vein slowly disappears.
Q. How many laser treatments are required to effectively treat facial and spider veins?
A. The majority of the facial and spider veins will disappear with two to four treatments. The treatments should be spaced four to six weeks apart.
Q. Are there any side effects of using laser treatment for facial and spider veins?
A. During your treatment, you may feel a slight tingling or warm sensation as the laser pulses strikes the skin. A topical local anesthetic can be applied 20 to 30 minutes prior to the procedure to diminish these sensations; however, most patients do not find this necessary. As a result of the treatment, the skin overlying the veins can appear red, mildly bruised or as if it was gently scratched. This generally disappears over the first few days following the treatment.
Q. Are the effects permanent?
A. Although the technique of laser removal of facial and spider veins is still not perfect, most patients are very satisfied with the results. After the treatments, the veins are significantly diminished and the skin appears more refreshed and youthful. The results are usually permanent; rarely, a small vein or broken blood vessel may slowly reappear, especially if there is trauma or severe sun damage to that specific area. Additionally, laser treatment of facial and spider veins does not prevent the normal effects of aging on the skin, and therefore, laser treatment of veins does not prevent the appearance of new veins.
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