Spider veins are clusters of tiny, enlarged blood vessels, which can appear near the surface of facial skin. These unsightly veins can also appear on the chest, legs and other areas. These broken capillaries can make your nasal area and cheeks appear red. Since the clusters appear like thin red, purple or blue branches, spider legs, or webs, they’ve become known as spider veins.
Although these web-like veins are generally considered harmless, you may find their appearance bothersome, especially in the facial area. Meet our vein physicians in New York. We offer a number of cosmetic options to treat your vein condition, one of which is minimally invasive sclerotherapy.
How Much Is Sclerotherapy?
The cost of sclerotherapy varies, depending upon the extent of your spider veins and the amount of treatment necessary to eliminate them. Health insurance typically doesn’t cover cosmetic vein treatment.
Even without insurance, most patients find that sclerotherapy provides value to them, and it’s worthwhile and affordable. Sclerotherapy, or other treatments for spider veins, can be a wise investment in your wellbeing.
Does Sclerotherapy Hurt?
Patients typically report little or no pain from the procedure. Sclerotherapy involves a tiny needle, takes only a few minutes to complete, and requires no anesthesia. Numbing cream or ice may be used to numb and desensitize the skin prior to your treatment.
During treatment, your NY vein specialist uses a very small needle to inject medication, which closes the “spiderweb” vein cluster. This allows the body to gradually remove the treated and closed vein so that they disappear. Although minimally invasive sclerotherapy may sometimes be called spider vein surgery, it has little in common with invasive plastic surgery or cosmetic surgery. Learn more about spider vein treatments.
What to Avoid After Sclerotherapy
You’ll find there is very little downtime needed after sclerotherapy vein treatment. There may be skin redness, but patients can typically return to work or normal daily activities immediately. Slight bruising is also a possibility.
Immediately after your sclerotherapy treatment, please avoid:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen.
- Vigorous exercise, like weight-lifting, jumping, jogging, basketball and tennis, which raise your blood pressure.
- UV rays (sun exposure).
- Hot showers or baths.
- Hot compresses on the treatment area(s).
- Saunas and hot tubs.
You may not be able to prevent the return of spider veins completely because they can be hereditary and affected by inevitable hormonal changes and aging. However, these tips can help you avoid future vein problems:
- Protect your skin from UV exposure: Wear sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen, even on overcast days, because sun exposure adds up throughout your life.
- Treat skin gently: People with sensitive skin may develop spider veins from harsh skin scrubbing.
- Ask about rosacea treatment: This condition causes the skin on the nose and cheeks to look red and oily. Rosacea makes you more likely to get spider veins on your face.
- Move throughout your day: Avoid sitting or standing in the same position for long periods of time, which can contribute to spider or varicose veins in the legs.
- Choose healthy lifestyle habits: Be sure to eat properly, exercise regularly, and limit alcohol. This helps maintain skin health and overall health.
Where to Get Spider Vein Treatment in New York
If spider veins are making your skin appear less than perfect, your local vein center offers many options in addition to sclerotherapy. Your experienced NY vein specialist can recommend the best cosmetic vein treatment for your specific condition. Our offices are conveniently located in NYC, Manhasset and Commack, NY.
Contact Schulman Vein & Laser Center for sclerotherapy and other spider vein treatments today.