Facial spider veins can be a nuisance for many, keeping people from feeling and looking their best. While the simplest – albeit most temporary and largely ineffective – way to reduce the appearance of facial spider veins is to cover them up with makeup, this requires reapplication every day. The results vary from day to day and individuals with large spider veins find that makeup often doesn’t cover all imperfections. Is there a way to get rid of spider veins in the face without makeup?
What Are Spider Veins?
Spider veins are very thin, “spidery” looking veins that are actually capillaries that have become dilated, often due to abnormal blood flow. Traditionally, capillaries beneath the skin are so small they are unnoticeable. When they become dilated, they get closer to the surface of the skin and have a bluish or purplish tint to them. While spider veins can appear almost anywhere on the body, they are more common on the legs (along with varicose veins) and on the face.
Pregnancy, certain medications, injury, and a family history of spider veins can all be responsible for spider veins, but simply put, anyone can get them at any time. They are not harmful to a person’s health, but they can cause people to become very self-conscious about their appearance.
Laser Therapy for Spider Veins
Laser therapy is a simple, fast way to reduce the appearance of unsightly facial spider veins. During a laser therapy procedure, the laser light is directed towards the spider veins, which heats up the blood in the veins without damaging the surrounding facial tissue. This causes the blood cells in that area to clot and the vein begins to break down from within. The blood in these areas will be reabsorbed, eliminating the appearance of the spider vein.
But Aren’t Veins Necessary?
While spider veins do carry blood, they’re not necessary to your body like thicker veins and arteries. In fact, most spider veins are only the width of a few red blood cells, and unlike arteries they do not carry oxygen and nutrients to your skin so you needn’t worry that you’re cutting off the blood supply to any part of your body. The body is an amazing mechanism and will compensate on its own for the loss of these tiny veins.
What to Expect
A laser therapy session to reduce spider veins in the face can last between 15-20 minutes, and patients report feeling a warm sensation during the procedure. At the Elizabeth Roche MD MedSpa, our licensed nurse or Physician Assistant will help keep you comfortable during your treatment and will apply cooling techniques to the treated areas. While the skin may appear slightly red or irritated immediately after the procedure, you can be confident that this will subside in a short amount of time.
Laser therapy for facial spider veins isn’t recommended for everyone, including those with tanned skin or with spider veins larger than 3mm. However, the best way to find out if you are a candidate for the permanent removal of facial spider veins is to visit our office for a personalized consultation. We will evaluate your goals and desired results, and will help you find the right treatment for you. Call today for your one-on-one consultation at (201) 505-1020.