If you have spider veins, you’re not alone. Millions of people in the US have some sort of vein problem, including spider veins. In 2015, 314,629 women and 7,541 men had spider vein treatment in the US, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Spider vein removal at a vein clinic has many benefits, among them getting rid of those unwanted veins. Another benefit is a boost in your confidence. But before you rush out to schedule your treatment, it helps to look at the procedures available from all angles and to really understand the positives and negatives involved.
Spider Vein Removal: The Good and the Bad
Pro: Say Good-Bye to Unsightly Veins
One of the main reasons to consider spider vein treatment is that the procedures, such as sclerotherapy, usually work very well and effectively eliminate the unwanted veins. In the case of sclerotherapy, the vein doctor injects the veins with a special chemical solution. The solution destroys the veins, so that they collapse and disappear from view.
Con: You Might Need Multiple Treatments
A drawback of sclerotherapy and other spider vein removal treatments is that occasionally, you need more than one treatment to get the results you want. Often, the treatments are spaced a few weeks to a month apart.
Pro: There’s No Downtime
Although you might need multiple spider vein treatments to get the full results, you won’t have to really disrupt your life between or after treatments. Usually, no recovery or downtime is needed after treatment. You’ll be able to get back to work or your regular activities immediately afterwards. You might have to wait a week or so before you start working out again, though.
Additionally, preparation before the treatment is minimal and the process is usually very quick, so its overall impact on your schedule should be minimal.
Con: Hello, Compression Stockings
While you don’t have to set aside time off from work following a spider vein treatment, your doctor will most likely advise you to wear compression stockings for a few days or weeks afterwards. Wearing the stockings helps improve your results. They put pressure on the treated area, so that the veins fade away and collapse more easily. The downside is that compression stockings can seriously cramp your style. It’s best to think of them as a temporary setback on the road to looking better and feeling more confident. You can always cover them up with a pair of pants or a long skirt.
For many patients, the pros of spider vein removal far outweigh the cons. If you have more questions about your treatment options or would like to learn more about sclerotherapy, talk to Dr. Ken Stevens at Premier Heart and Vein Care today. Call 1-805-979-4777 to schedule an appointment.
