What are they?
Vascular spiders or telangiectasias aren’t a health problem, but they can cause unpleasant sensations and aesthetic problems. They are characterized by being dilations of the blood vessels more superficial and that are located immediately under the skin. They usually appear in the legs due to the pressure of the body weight, but they can also arise in the face and neckline, as well as in other parts of the body.
Who does it affect?
Mainly, women (30-40%) are more prone to vascular problems than men (5-15%).
Causes
Lower extremities
When there is a valve disorder in the lower extremities, there is an increase in local pressure, causing the capillaries to dilate, to load more blood and can be see through the skin.
The main causes are:
- Genetic heritage
- Overweight
- Pass of the time
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Sun exposure
- Hormonal alterations (pregnancy, menopause, puberty)
- Oral contraceptives
Facial
The main causes are:
- Skin types (white)
- Pregnancy
- Sun exposure
Treatment
What does it consist of?
To treat spider veins there are two main types of treatments: sclerotherapy and laser therapy.
Depending on the diameter, one treatment or another will be used.
- Diameter <5mm:
Due to its effectiveness and safety, we recommend the using of vascular lasers. These emit a light energy that is absorbed by the hemoglobin and once absorbed, the wall of the capillary is closed by thermal effect.
Depending on the diameter and depth of the vessels, we use different types of lasers:
- Ktp laser: superficial spider veins less than 1 millimeter in diameter.
- Nd laser: yag: very useful for treating varicose veins up to 4 mm in diameter and deeper.
- Diameter > 5mm:
In these cases, it’s recommended to use the sclerotherapy or the intravascular lasers or surgery.
It‘s painful?
Lasers by having a cooled head minimize any possible nuisance.
How many sessions are needed?
In the case of spider veins in the lower limbs, it’s required a minimum of three spaced sessions every 4-6 weeks and in the facials one, maximum two.
How long does the treatment last?
Current treatments have a very high success rate, although others may emerge. To avoid its appearance we recommend a healthy lifestyle, as well as the use of compression stockings in the people most likely to suffer from them.
Pre-treatment advice
- Essential perform out an eco scan – doppler to determine how the vascular tree of the lower extremities is.
- If there is mild or moderate limb insufficiency do two sessions of presotherapy before performing the first session of laser.
Post-treatment advice
- Use moderate compression stockings.
- Lead a healthy lifestyle.
- Doing physical activity.
- Not to expose to sun radiation.
- If there are no major venous problems, two sessions of pressure therapy are recommended.