How to Get Rid of Bothersome Spider Veins

Spider veins are small, red veins that can be found on the legs or the face. They can be embarrassing and cause considerable self-esteem issues for those who get them. Still, more than half the female population will experience spider veins.

But what can you do about them? Sure, there are a number of at-home remedies and other treatments, but do they really work? Actually, your best option is to visit a dermatologist for IPL therapy. 

At our dermatology office, Peter Malouf, DO — along with his associates Amanda Miller, FNP-C, and Haylee Terry, PA-C — offers a number of safe, effective treatments for a host of skin problems, including spider veins. In no time, this bothersome issue will be a thing of the past. 

Spider veins 101

Many people want to know what causes spider veins. Of course, certain things — like having a job that requires lots of standing, using birth control pills, and pregnancy — can lead to spider veins. But in some cases, they are hereditary or can’t really be avoided.

It’s important to be able to distinguish spider veins from varicose veins, which is a different problem. The latter are larger and cause the skin to bulge while the former are smaller and look like tree branches or spider webs (hence, the name). 

If you think you have spider veins, there are treatments to help diminish the look of them. At our office, we highly recommend IPL therapy.

IPL therapy for spider veins

IPL stands for intense pulsed light. This procedure is similar to laser therapy, with which you may already be familiar. But unlike laser therapy, which uses just one wavelength of light, IPL uses a spectrum.

This light spectrum helps your dermatologist treat spider veins more easily because it includes a wavelength to which the reddish-blue tinge of spider veins best respond. In addition, IPL wavelengths can be changed mid-procedure, so other issues can be taken care of at the same time as your spider veins. 

Why choose IPL to get rid of your spider veins 

We recommend IPL therapy as the best treatment when it comes to diminishing discolored areas of the face and creating an overall smoother look to your skin. As previously mentioned, it treats spider veins better than laser therapy and can treat multiple issues in the same session. 

IPL is also a fantastic option for those who have spider veins on their face rather than their legs, ruling out the need for more invasive treatments like sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy utilizes needles, and many people are uncomfortable with needles near their faces. 

Finally, IPL has very few possible side effects, which include redness, swelling, and bruising. Many people return to their daily activities after the treatment, and you will only need to avoid hot water on the treated area until your skin heals, which only takes a few days. 

Get rid of your spider veins today

Let us help you remove those spider veins so you can start feeling like yourself again. IPL is affordable, quick, painless, and noninvasive — and we recommend it for a host of other issues like age spots, rosacea, melasma, and more.

Call our Dallas, Fort Worth, or Cleburne, Texas office today to make an appointment, or simply visit us online to book. We’re excited to help you on your skin care journey!