Leave the Spiders to the Movies, Not Your Legs
As we age, we all have them — those small red, purple, and blue blood vessels that show through the skin on our legs, chest, and face. Their name comes from their twisting, turning paths — spider veins. And, while spiders make good fodder for comic books and movies, even Peter Parker will want to get rid of his spider veins when he gets a little older.
Fortunately for you, Dr. Reichel is well versed in schlerotherapy, a fancy word for the treatment and ultimate removal of spider veins. The treatment will let you show off your legs again and lighten your makeup needs on your face.
What contributes to the development of spider veins?
There are a variety of factors that contribute to a person developing spider veins:
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Heredity
- Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, puberty, and menopause
- Occupations that require a good deal of standing
- Obesity
- Use of birth control pills
- A history of blood clots
- Tight clothing around the abdomen
- Constipation
Treating spider veins
The standard approach to treating spider veins hasn’t changed since the 1930s. High-concentration salt solution (Dr. Reichel also uses Asclera) is injected directly into the targeted spider vein. This sclerosing solution irritates the lining of the veins, causing them to close off and turn into scar tissue. This eventually fades away and the vein is no longer visible. The procedure is fast, but usually requires from two to four treatments to remove the veins you seek to eliminate. Dr. Reichel also has her patients wear compression stockings for 24 hours after a schlerotherapy session.
Want to get rid of your spider veins? Give us a call at 206-859-5777 to make an appointment.
