What are Spider Veins?
Spider veins are small, thin, twisted blood vessels that are seen through the skin as red, blue, or purple squiggly lines. As men and women age, they can begin to develop spider veins. In most cases, they are not painful or dangerous, but they do present cosmetic concerns for those worried about their appearance. Spider veins can appear alone or in clusters and are typically located on the face and lower body. Spider veins affect approximately 30 – 60% of adults and can continue to grow in numbers, darken, and become bothersome as time passes. At Snyder Dermatology in Austin, TX, our board-certified dermatologists are experts in vein removal and offer a number of treatments to successfully remove unwanted veins. We are proud to offer patients laser vein removal with the advanced Palomar 1064. The Palomar laser is one of the most effective lasers on the market, resulting in clear, vein-free skin.
What Causes Spider Veins?
Spider veins that occur in the lower body, such as the legs, may be caused by a number of reasons, including genetics, pregnancy, prolonged sitting or standing, injury, and trauma. Although for most people, spider veins occur in their legs, there are instances where fine veins in the face and nose area become enlarged and darker in color. For some, prominent facial veins are caused by rosacea. Rosacea is characterized by a large collection of red spider veins in the nose, cheeks, forehead, and chin and is sometimes accompanied by acne breakouts, making the face appear bright red. Prolonged sun exposure over the course of years can also cause spider veins. In some people with chronic allergies and inherited predisposition to vein conditions, repetitive sneezing and coughing can lead to enlargement of veins around the nose and below the nostrils. Keep in mind that there may be primary and contributing factors to spider veins, and these factors may not contribute equally to the vein conditions in different individuals. Patients who are good candidates for laser vein removal have visible veins on their bodies, which can be minimized or erased by laser vein therapy. Patients should be in good general health before the procedure and should tell their doctor if they have a history of blood clots or may be pregnant.
Laser Vein Removal Procedure
Before the treatment begins, our dermatologist will cover the patient’s eyes with protective eyewear. Once the patient is ready, the laser handpiece will gently glide over the areas of the face and body that have visible blood vessels. The Palomar laser system applies multiple wavelengths of light that are absorbed by the blood vessel, which destroys the spider vein for a smoother appearance to the skin.
CONTACT US
Have questions or want to schedule an appointment? Contact us today to speak with a member of the Snyder Dermatology team. We’re here to address your concerns with compassionate and effective care.
CONTACT
Dr. Parker has been my dermatologist for years, and she is terrific. She saw my 14-year-old for the first time yesterday yesterday, and was very thorough, knowledgeable, and kind. She guided her through a skin care routine, and gave her lots of tips about keeping her skin fresh. We feel so lucky to know Dr. Parker.
-Sarah K.
I’ve had two different doctors and have been going to this office since 2021. I’ve had nothing but great experiences. They were knowledgeable and aggressive in getting my eczema flare ups under control. They offer cheaper options for getting expensive prescriptions, which is always a plus! The staff in the front and on the phones are helpful and kind. The nurses ask considerate and relevant questions. I feel like my doctors really understand my concerns and do their best to help me know how to use the medicines correctly. Can’t recommend them enough!
-Robin R.
“Dr. Rene Snyder is saving me from skin cancer. Over the years she has found numerous precancer spots on me, each time treating them with great care and minimal discomfort. And she offers a wide range of cosmetic treatments so I can age gracefully. I’m a lifelong fan.”
-Kim S.
Board-Certified Dermatologists
MEET OUR DOCTORS
Snyder Dermatology is the premier practice for medical and cosmetic dermatology in Austin, TX. Centrally located, our dynamic team of board certified dermatologists focus on providing patients with the most advanced medical care and treatment options. Our practice is distinguished by our compassion, our desire to fully understand our patients’ needs, and our commitment to being good stewards in the communities where we live and work.
Laser Vein Removal Recovery and Results
Immediately after treatment, you may notice some redness, bruising, or blistering on the treatment site, but these should subside over the course of a couple of weeks. Patients are advised to rest and avoid strenuous activity after their treatment, and they should cover the treated areas or use other protection from sun exposure. For the best results, patients may need multiple treatments over the course of several months. Wearing compression socks or garments can foster a quicker recovery by promoting better circulation.
Schedule a Consultation
Thanks to advanced laser technology, our patients no longer have to cover up unattractive spider veins. Schedule a free consultation with one of our dermatologists, and we can help you decide on the best treatment for your spider veins.