Are you feeling embarrassed about your spider veins? You’re not alone. Over half of American adults have these broken veins that show through the surface of their skin. In decades past, the only thing to do about spider veins was to inject harsh chemicals into your body or keep them covered.
Thanks to advances in medical technology, board-certified podiatrist Jennifer Tauber, DPM, and the team at New Canaan Podiatry in New Canaan, Connecticut, can treat your spider veins so you can feel confident about baring your legs and feet this summer. Here’s what you need to know:
Why do I have spider veins?
You get spider veins when the one-way valve that allows blood flow into a capillary wears out or gets stuck. When the valve stops working, blood pools in the vein. This makes it stand out through your skin as red, blue, or purple lines. They don’t usually cause any other symptoms.
Scientists are still researching why some people get spider veins while others do not. Certain factors are highly correlated with the development of spider veins, including pregnancy, injury/trauma, sun exposure, hormonal birth control, and weight gain. The condition also tends to run in families.
While there’s no way to stop spider veins from forming, you can take steps to reduce your risk, including:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise regularly
- Wear sunscreen
- Don’t sit with crossed legs
- Wear support stockings/leggings
- Avoid sitting or standing for long periods
- Elevate your legs when you can
You should also choose supportive shoes instead of high heels to avoid developing spider veins on your ankles, feet, and calves. Talk to Dr. Tauber for personalized advice on minimizing your chances of getting spider veins.
How can I make my spider veins disappear?
At New Canaan Podiatry, Dr. Tauber uses non-invasive laser ablation with the Fontana endovenous laser system to make your spider veins disappear. This treatment helps erase even the tiniest spider veins while keeping your skin and surrounding tissues safe.
The Fontana system uses long-pulse Nd: YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet) to heat the vein. The heat energy makes the vein walls, sealing the vein. As the walls fall, they seal the vein shut.
Over time, your body re-absorbs the treated veins, removing the dead cells with other cellular waste through your body’s lymphatic system. Remember that you may need more than one treatment session depending on how many spider veins you have.
Stop feeling embarrassed about your spider veins by scheduling an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Tauber at New Canaan Podiatry.