Though much of the country may be starting to think about crisp fall days with long pants and sweaters, those of us in California are still enjoying warm weather and the skirts and shorts that go with it—except when it comes to unsightly spider veins. Fortunately, treatment is available to help your legs look smoother and clearer.
Dr. Carmelo Plateroti and our highly skilled staff at Plateroti Dermatology in Templeton, California, combine effective Western medicine with successfully proven holistic methods in an integrative approach to all our aesthetic and dermatological treatments. Whether you're looking to remedy a problem like spider veins or acne or are seeking a refresh to your appearance by reducing wrinkles, sagging, and more, we provide personalized care for the best possible results.
Also known as thread veins, spider veins are the result of damaged blood vessels that are visible just under the skin's surface. They can appear blue, purple or red and in the shape of spider webs or tree branches. This condition occurs when the valves that prevent blood in the veins from flowing back to the heart become weakened or damaged, which allows the blood to pool in the vein.
Spider veins are common and affect more than half of women. They are typically not harmful and tend to be more of a cosmetic issue though some people may experience discomfort associated with them as well.
A number of factors put a person at risk for this condition, including genetics, aging, and sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time. Hormonal birth control and treatments for menopause, pregnancy, and carrying extra weight can also contribute to the development of spider veins.
Sclerotherapy is a proven treatment for spider veins that has been performed by medical professionals for more than 70 years. During the procedure, we inject a specialized salt solution into the vein using a very thin needle. This solution closes off the vein by irritating the blood vessels and causing them to break down and the blood to clot. Eventually they turn into scar tissue and after a period of time fade under the skin.
Though the exact treatment time depends on the individual and the number of spider veins, typically the procedure takes just 15-30 minutes. The success rate is high with about 80 percent of treated veins fading after just one session. Most people are good candidates as long as they are not pregnant and have not had problems with blood clotting.
Whether you want to get rid of your spider veins to catch the tail end of summer or are already thinking ahead to next year, sclerotherapy is a great option to consider. Click our request button, or call us at 805-434-2526 today to make an appointment.
