Overview
Spider veins are small, superficial, dilated blood vessels that occur on the legs, ankles, face or other parts of the body. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) states that spider veins may appear as unconnected lines or take on a sunburst or spiderweb pattern. They are more common in women than in men and affect as many as 60 percent of all adults, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Treatment of spider veins focuses on improving symptoms and appearance and preventing complications, such as blood clots and vein inflammation.
Step 1
Massage your face. HealthGuidance states that facial massage can improve circulation to your face and help get rid of spider veins. Massage your face twice each day.
Step 2
Treat your spider veins with sclerotherapy. This procedure is the most common treatment for spider veins. During sclerotherapy, your doctor will inject a solution into your veins that causes them to swell and seal shut, stopping blood flow. Once the flow of blood is discontinued, the vein will die, become scar tissue and fade in several weeks. Sclerotherapy improves spider veins in as many as 90 percent of cases when performed correctly, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Step 3
Try laser surgery. If your spider veins fail to respond to sclerotherapy, consider having laser surgery. Laser therapy works by directing heat in order to destroy the dilated blood vessels. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, laser surgery is often the preferred method of spider vein removal for the face.
Step 4
Ask about photoderm. Talk to your doctor about this procedure, which involves the administration of intense pulsed light to the affected veins to damage or destroy them. The Cleveland Clinic states that this treatment option may take up to six sessions to be fully effective.
Step 5
Take preventive measures. Prevent new spider veins and encourage healing of existing veins by keeping your weight at a healthy level, exercising regularly to improve circulation and eating a diet rich in fiber. The AAD also recommends wearing sunscreen on your face to limit the number of unwanted blood vessels on your skin.
Tips and Warnings
- Spider veins that appear on the face, neck and chest during pregnancy will usually disappear following delivery, according to the American Pregnancy Association. They develop in response to the increased blood circulation associated with pregnancy.
About this Author
Sandra Ketcham is a freelance writer and editor with more than 15 years experience writing for both print and online publications. She specializes in health and wellness, business and travel articles and currently serves as an editor for various ezines and company newsletters. Ketcham is currently pursuing a degree in psychology.
