Spider veins are damaged veins that can appear on the face and legs. Although not necessarily painful, they can be noticeable, especially if they present on the face. Because they are usually purple or blue, many people choose to treat spider veins with medical cosmetic assistance.
What Causes Spider Veins?
Spider veins mainly occur when a blood valve ceases to work correctly. When a valve is damaged, blood may not flow in the proper direction and can collect inside the vein which can cause a bulge. As the vein extends itself, it may develop a blue or purple hue.
Blood vessels that have burst may be caused by sun damage. For those with repeated exposure to the sun, blood vessels are more likely to weaken over time. Other common reasons for developing spider veins include injury or trauma to the face, rosacea, hormonal changes, liver disease, alcohol abuse, autoimmune diseases and age.
The Difference Between Vericose Veins and Spider Veins
Although both vein conditions are caused by weakened or damaged valves, these are two separate medical issues. Spider veins present as flat and are usually thinner than vericose veins. Varicose veins can be lumpy and are generally regarded as more painful. To understand which type of vein condition has occurred, a doctor is necessary to diagnose the problem.
IPL For Spider Veins on Face
Since most spider veins typically occur on fair skin, the lines may appear obvious. Although makeup can hide spider veins, many prefer a more permanent solution. To effectively get rid of facial spider veins, treatment generally extends beyond topical or oral medication. IPL for Spider veins on face is a long lasting treatment.
Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL) is a treatment that uses broadband light to destroy the appearance of veins. Because it treats and seals the spider veins, this is not a cover up treatment that diminishes after a specified period of time.
By using a high-intensity source of light , this treatment produces wavelengths that are specifically designed to seal veins. IPL is frequently the preferred treatment for facial spider veins.
How Does It Work?
IPL therapy does not require the use of lasers. Instead, a broadband light heats the damaged walls of the blood vessel which causes them to disappear over time. Heat is generated inside the veins which causes the formation of scar tissue. After several weeks, treated veins are reabsorbed by the body and effectively eradicated from the face.
Because IRL therapy affects deeper layers of skin rather than the surface, skin is not burned or damaged during the process. Using several different wavelengths, IPL light can treat a variety of skin conditions.
A trained medical professional can conduct IPL therapy on an outpatient basis. Before receiving treatment, a patient will give his or her doctor their medical history and any other pertinent health details. After an initial consultation, the doctor will explain how the treatment works and the time that is needed to provide the best outcome.
Typically IPL treatments can take anywhere from fifteen to forty five minutes to complete. The treatment itself is not considered painful and normal activities can be resumed directly after treatment. Depending on the severity of the spider veins, multiple treatments may be recommended. If more than one treatment is necessary, they are usually spread out with four to six weeks separation time.
What Are The Results?
IPL is very effective for getting rid of facial spider veins. Depending on the intensity of the vein damage, results can start to show at different times. Treated veins may take several weeks to disappear.
After treatment, the face may feel warm. This is normal and can be resolved by using an ice pack. Hot showers and saunas should be avoided for twenty four hours directly after treatment. Since IPL involves high-intensity light, avoiding direct sunlight is advised for approximately one month.
Conclusion
Trained medical professionals can easily remove spider veins from the face. By receiving IPL treatment, medication with side effects does not have to be used. IPL is a safe and tested therapy for those with noticeable spider veins.