Our Houston winters aren’t exactly on a scale with Fargo, North Dakota, but we’re still not in shorts and bikinis all the time. That’s why winter is a great time to take care of those obnoxious spider veins coursing about on your legs. Dr. Kronberg uses sclerotherapy to remove spider veins.
What are spider veins?
Spider veins are those squiggly little red, blue, or purple lines forming web-like formations on your legs. While they don’t hurt (unlike varicose veins), most women find spider veins to be unwelcome denizens on their legs.
The veins are responsible for returning de-oxygenated blood to the heart and lungs. Unfortunately for them, they often fight an uphill battle, especially in the legs. There they fight gravity all the way. When we are younger our muscles and supporting tissues in the legs help squeeze the blood through the veins. But as we age, our tissues become looser and don’t provide as much help. This can allow the blood to pool in spots, as the vein walls also become less rigid. When the blood pools, it causes bulges that push the skin upward in the case of varicose veins. In spider veins, which are small and near the skin surface, the extra blood simply makes the veins show through the surface skin.
How does Dr. Kronberg get rid of spider veins?
Dr. Kronberg uses sclerotherapy to remove spider veins. This treatment was first developed in the 1930s but is still the best treatment for removing these pesky squiggly veins. Sclerotherapy involves using a tiny needle to inject a special saline solution directly into the spider vein. The vein doesn’t like the saline solution, and it causes the vein wall to collapse. This closes off the vein. Most of the visible vein disappears immediately, but the body then goes about the process of fully absorbing the now unused vein over the next couple of months.
After your treatment
Dr. Kronberg usually treats a series of spider veins in a single session. Afterwards, you’ll need to wear compression stockings for two weeks during your waking hours. This pressure improves the body’s absorption of the closed-off veins. There isn’t any pain, but there may be some slight bruising for a week or two. From there, your veins will become less and less noticeable until they’re gone.
Ready to get ready for next spring’s shorts and swimsuits? Let’s get rid of those spider veins now! Call Dr. Kronberg at 713-771-8941 to make an appointment.
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