Telangiectasias, most often referred to as “broken capillaries” or “spider veins,” are, in a nutshell, tiny blood vessels close to the surface of the skin that have broken as a result of excessive dilation. These are most commonly seen on certain areas of the face, such as the sides of the nose, the cheeks, and the chin, as well as on the thighs, behind the knees, and around the ankles.
If you or a loved one is looking to put an end to spider veins, get in touch with the Nashville dermatologists at Gold Skin Care Center. Contact us today to set up an appointment and get your skin looking its best in as little time as possible.
What is Causing Your Broken Capillaries?
Telangiectasias can be the result of many factors. The skin on your face is very delicate; any trauma, such as overly-aggressive scrubbing or exfoliation, can cause telangiectasias. These broken capillaries can also be caused by sun damage, or conditions such as rosacea and pregnancy. You will be more likely to see telangectasias on the face as you age, due to the thinning of the skin making them appear to be more prominent.
Broken vessels on the legs are less likely to be related to trauma than broken vessels on the face. “Spider veins” on the legs are typically caused by damaged valves in veins allowing blood to pool, which forces the veins to stretch to accommodate the added volume. This is often a result of obesity, heredity, and jobs that require you to sit or stand for long periods of time. The increase in blood volume during pregnancy can also force veins to enlarge, thus causing capillary breakage and the appearance of spider veins.
To learn more about spider veins, visit WebMD.com.
Getting Rid of Your Spider Veins
How can we treat these broken vessels? Treatment will be primarily determined based upon the area of the body in which the vessels are present. Facial telangiectasias are almost always treated with a laser or intense pulsed light (IPL) device. These procedures are very fast and effective, with little pain or downtime. Following the procedure, it is not uncommon for the areas treated to appear red for a short amount of time. On occasion, the targeted vessels may burst, causing slight bruising; this bruising typically resolves within a week. Multiple treatments are usually necessary to achieve the best results.
Broken vessels on the legs are usually treated using a combination of sclerotherapy and laser treatments. Sclerotherapy is the injection of a special solution directly into the vein. This solution is designed to irritate the lining of the vessel, causing it to eventually collapse, redirecting blood flow through healthier veins. The collapsed vein is then reabsorbed into local tissue and eventually fades, usually within 4-6 weeks. Patients are instructed not to shave or apply lotion to their legs the morning of the procedure; following treatment, you will be advised to avoid saunas/hot tubs, and to engage in light exercise, such as walking. You will also be instructed to wear compression stockings for one week, only taking them off to sleep. As with the face, multiple treatments will be necessary to achieve the best results.
Put an End to Spider Veins with Experienced Nashville Dermatologists
If you are bothered by broken vessels on the face or body, contact us at Gold Skin Care Center by filling out our online contact form. We have many options available to treat veins comfortably and affordably.
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