Spider veins are a common cosmetic concern for many people. These small, damaged veins appear just beneath the surface of the skin and look similar to a spider web, which is where they get their name.
Spider veins can occur anywhere on the body, but they commonly form on the legs, calves, and thighs. Because of this, people often seek treatment before or during the summer, when they’re more likely to wear clothes that show off their legs.
At Zarcone Vein & Aesthetics, which serves residents of the Gold Coast of Long Island, including Port Washington and Staten Island, New York, John Zarcone, MD, FACS, FACPh, RVT, offers several types of vein treatment, including sclerotherapy and laser therapy.
Sclerotherapy and laser therapy both offer a safe, minimally invasive way to treat spider veins. Here’s a closer look at how they differ:
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a medical-grade solution called a sclerant into one or more specific spider veins. Once the solution enters your body, it irritates the vein lining, causing the vein to collapse and eventually disappear.
This process doesn’t cut off your circulation because your blood is rerouted through healthier veins.
Sclerotherapy is considered a first-line spider vein treatment. However, it’s typically used to treat moderate to large spider veins on the legs.
Laser treatment uses targeted light energy to heat and damage a spider vein. Similar to sclerotherapy, this process causes treated veins to collapse and eventually disappear, while your blood is rerouted elsewhere.
We typically recommend this approach for small, cosmetic spider veins, especially those appearing on the cheeks or other sensitive areas.
Anyone with spider veins can benefit from professional vein treatment. But the approach that’s right for you will depend on the location and size of your spider veins and your treatment goals.
After reviewing your health history and examining your veins, Dr. Zarcone develops a personalized treatment plan. Every plan is unique because several factors, including your skin tone and the location of your veins, influence the decision.
Dr. Zarcone typically recommends sclerotherapy to people with moderate to large spider veins on their legs and good circulation.
However, if the spider veins are small and located on your face, or you have a medical condition that prevents you from receiving injections, he recommends laser therapy.
Both treatments offer similar results.
Both sclerotherapy and laser therapy are safe and typically well-tolerated. Following your procedure, it’s normal to experience mild swelling, bruising, and redness at or near each treatment site. However, these symptoms typically begin improving within a few days.*
Partnering with a qualified vein specialist, like Dr. Zarcone, can help lower the risk of side effects and ensure positive results.
If spider veins on your legs or face make you feel self-conscious, professional treatment can improve their appearance and support healthy and vibrant skin.
To learn more about your treatment options, contact us to schedule an appointment. Call the nearest office in Port Washington or Staten Island, New York, or book online today.
*Individual results may vary.
