Spider Veins
Spider veins, or “starbursts,” are tiny veins just beneath the skin and often radiate out from a central point, reminiscent of the shape of a spider. They may also appear as fine, separate lines, as a web-like maze, or as “branches” from a single “trunk” of a tree-shaped form. Spider veins can develop on any part of the body, including the face, thighs, calves, and ankles.
Although their exact cause is unknown, it is known that spider veins are related to abnormal blood flow in the affected veins. Any condition or activity that puts pressure on leg veins (e.g., gaining weight and sitting or standing for long periods of time), can contribute to their development. In women, spider veins often appear during pregnancy. Other contributing factors include sustaining an injury in the affected area, taking medications that affect hormones, such as birth control pills, advanced age, and a family history of spider veins. Spider veins on the nose or face, which typically appear as unsightly red or pink clusters, may also be related to overexposure to the sun. Maryland Cosmetic Laser Institute uses lasers to remove these types of veins.
Laser Vein removal uses brief intense, emissions of light from the laser to remove the superficial blood vessels at precisely controlled levels of penetration. You may undergo an initial calibration session, where several settings of the laser are tried on very small portions of the skin. In this case, you’ll return a few days to a week later to determine which setting worked best for you. The optimal setting will then be used for your first full session. As the laser works, you may hear it zapping, and smell smoke. Afterward, a cool compress and an ointment will be applied to the treated area to eliminate any surface redness and/or burning. If necessary, an antibiotic ointment may be applied. You may feel a slight burning or stinging sensation as the laser penetrates your skin. However, pain is minimal and no anesthesia is required. Many patients have described the feeling "like a rubber band snap" on the skin. The amount of time varies depending on the size of the area being treated, as well as the severity of the problem. Usually, more than one treatment is needed to achieve the desired results.