Spider veins are embarrassing and occasionally painful, and are similar to varicose veins, just smaller. This condition occurs when blood flow between the large and small veins is disrupted and blood builds up in the smaller veins. Both spider and varicose veins are common and they affect men and women of all ages. Usually they aren't a serious matter, but many people hide their legs because they're embarrassed by their spider or varicose veins. Luckily there is a non-surgical treatment available so patients don't need to hide anymore.
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Dr. Alexander Rivkin, a cosmetic surgeon in Los Angeles, visited with The Doctors recently to demonstrate the Veinwave procedure. He says the device is incredibly precise and effective. Dr. Rivkin says the spider vein, "goes away permanently and instantly so you can see it go, and there's not a lot of collateral damage, so you don't get the swelling, you don't get the bruising, you don't even get the pain. We don't have to use numbing cream for this."
There are few risks and side effects, and it's common for some patients to experience some slight redness at the treatment site which usually goes away after a couple of days. There are little scars where the veins used to be, but those should clear up within about two weeks. Typically, only one treatment is necessary and the veins that are treated won't return. New spider veins may develop though, so additional visits may be needed to treat those.
