Spider veins are tiny, twisted blood vessels you can see through your skin. They appear as red, purple, or blue in the form of webs or branches. Spider veins commonly develop on the legs but also occur on the face. In most people, they do not cause harm, but you may treat them for aesthetic purposes. Spider veins New York develop when the valves in your veins become weak or damaged. Valve damage makes blood not flow back to the heart and pools in your vein, causing spider veins. There are many myths and misconceptions about spider veins, and here are some.
Spider veins only develop in your old age
Although older age increases the chances of developing spider veins, it is not the only cause of the condition. Hereditary is the primary cause of vein issues. You can develop spider veins at your younger age, as early as twenty years. Being a female, pregnancy, lifestyle habits, being obese, and history of leg trauma are other risk factors for spider veins.
Surgery is the only treatment technique for spider veins
There are many treatment options for spider veins. You can use non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures to treat vein problems that help you resume your routine within a short time. Compression stocking or socks, sclerotherapy, and radiofrequency ablation are the main treatments for spider veins. Surgery is recommended in large veins.
Spider veins treatment is painful
In the past, vein surgical procedures used to be painful and involved general anesthesia and long, difficult recovery periods. Recently the medical field has developed new treatment methods that are less invasive or non-invasive. They cause less or no pain and involve little recovery times. You can use compression stockings that do not cause any pain.
Spider veins are similar to varicose veins
Varicose veins are large, raised, swollen blood vessels that primarily develop on your legs, and you can feel them through the skin. Spider veins are smaller than varicose veins and form below your skin. They are commonly visible on your face and legs and feel flat when you touch them. The term spider vein is related to their nature because they appear as a spider web.
Spider veins are just a cosmetic issue
Spider veins being purely cosmetic is the leading myth. They are not considered a severe health problem, but you should not ignore their appearance. Spider veins can cause swelling, discomfort, and pain. Left untreated, they can sometimes cause severe complications like blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, and poor blood circulation.
Spider veins only affect women
Spider veins can affect any gender. You can inherit spider veins from any parent regardless of your gender. Women are more prone to spider veins as the body goes through various physical and hormonal changes. Both genders can develop spider veins due to lifestyle habits like sitting or standing in one position for a prolonged period and being overweight.
Myths and misconceptions about spider veins can make you make wrong decisions about your condition. Ensure you consult your doctor about them to differentiate the facts and the myths. Schedule an appointment at Upper East Side Cardiology for spider veins treatment to improve your facial and leg appearance.
