Spider veins, or telangiectasias, most commonly appear on the legs and face, although they can occur anywhere on the body. Usually they do not cause discomfort to the patient. This is more of an aesthetic problem, although it may indicate a malfunction in the body, and therefore requires careful diagnosis.
Today, plastic surgery has a number of techniques for the effective removal of spider veins, their use depends on the location of telangiectasias, the patient's health status.
Telangiectasia – these are inherently dilated blood vessels that may appear due to problems in the work of one or several systems of the human body at once. Spider veins can be found on any part of the skin, but most often – on the legs, in the area of the legs and thighs, as well as on the face. Outwardly, they resemble a cobweb of red or purple color, sometimes with a clear center, hence their names – «asterisks» and «mesh».
Teleangiectasias of the legs may indicate varicose veins, which are sometimes accompanied by spasms and cramps in the legs, swelling and pain when walking. Expansion of blood vessels on the face (nose and cheeks) is called rosacea.
Causes of spider veins and their types
Various factors can lead to the appearance of spider veins:
- heredity;
- hormonal disorders (pregnancy, menopause);
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system;
- overweight;
- constant overuse of the legs;
- prolonged wearing of uncomfortable shoes, high heels;
- constant or strong one-time temperature fluctuations (for example, excessive passion for the sauna);
- ultraviolet radiation.
Depending on the type of vessels that have undergone pathology, telangiectasias are divided into the following types:
- arterial;
- venous;
- capillary.
- By type of visual manifestations on the skin:
- spot;
- linear;
- arachnids;
- tree.
Treatment of spider veins, preventive precautions
Purely cosmetic treatment of spider veins does not give a pronounced result, a complete cure is possible only with the elimination of its cause. That is why treatment should be started only after receiving the results of a comprehensive examination and consulting a phlebologist in order to choose the optimal method of therapy.
The most popular methods for removing telangiectasias
- Sclerotherapy. This method is considered the safest and most effective in the treatment of vascular networks. The principle of operation is based on "gluing" damaged vein, or, in other words, exclude it from the bloodstream. To do this, use a special substance – A sclerosant, which is injected with a thin needle into a diseased vein, blocking it. To glue the walls of the vessel, it is necessary to squeeze the damaged area with an elastic bandage or compression underwear. The vein becomes inaccessible to blood flow and eventually disappears completely. The procedure is relatively painless and takes 30 to 60 minutes.
- Laser therapy. It is usually used in areas where sclerotherapy is not available, for example, to eliminate telangiectasias on the back, neck, face. The laser beam heats the walls of the vessel until the latter ceases to function. In some cases, several sessions with an interval of about 2 months may be required. The procedure is not too painful and does not leave scars. A small swelling may appear at the site of its conduction, which disappears after a while. Unlike the previous method, no compression stockings are required.
- Electrocoagulation. Damaged vessels are removed using a high frequency current. This procedure takes much less time than laser therapy, but has a significant disadvantage: a crust forms on the surface of the skin, after the convergence of which scars can remain, especially if the damage is extensive. Electrocoagulation is used in cases where there are contraindications for laser therapy.
- Ozone therapy. It is used in the presence of small vascular networks. This method is similar to sclerotherapy, but instead of a sclerosant, ozone is injected into the damaged vessel, which destroys it.
- Venotonics. Preparations for strengthening the walls of blood vessels (ointments, gels) are used for preventive purposes, including after the procedure for removing spider veins to prevent the appearance of new ones. They help to improve blood circulation and relieve the feeling of heaviness in the legs.
To prevent the occurrence of new telangiectasias, the following warnings should be listed to the patient after treatment:
- reduce stress on the feet, wear comfortable shoes;
- refuse to visit the solarium, sauna and aggressive cosmetic procedures;
- to reduce the use of alcohol and especially nicotine to a minimum;
- Regularly use special gels and creams on areas prone to spider veins.
- In addition, after laser therapy, direct sunlight should be avoided with the treated skin areas.
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