Spider veins are often small patches of web-like discoloration. They can appear on the face or legs, and although they do not pose a medical risk, many individuals dislike them for aesthetic reasons. Although there are a number of procedures for eliminating spider veins or simply minimizing their appearance, Birmingham, MI locals should always consider their level of permanence before choosing. The best plan for anyone who’s suffering from superficial venous insufficiency is both multi-pronged and needs-specific. When paired with diligent and needs-specific prevention, laser vein removal with the Lumenis One™ in Birmingham, MI is an excellent, permanent solution.
What Is Laser Vein Removal?
Laser vein removal is a cutting-edge treatment for spider veins. During this procedure in Birmingham, MI, tiny pulses of laser light are applied to close the vein off by damaging its walls. Over time, the treated vein will gradually become scar tissue. This forces the body to create new avenues for blood flow so that the old, damaged structure is bypassed entirely.
People undergoing laser vein removal can look forward to quick and comfortable recovery periods. After a patient’s healing process is complete, the treatment area will be smooth and both blemish-free and scar-free. Best of all, not only will the legs look better, but this treatment can be used on your face as well. A successful treatment allows people to enjoy life without all of the frustration that comes along with highly-visible spider veins.
Does Laser Vein Removal Have a Negative Impact on Overall Health?
This treatment targets superficial venous structures that are already incapable of carrying any significant workload. As these veins are damaged and turned into scar tissue, the body simply routes blood through alternative pathways. In fact, when new pathways are needed for assured efficiency, the body is also capable of building them. As such, laser vein removal and the controlled and highly targeted damages that it causes do not have a negative impact on overall patient well-being. Instead, these procedures can result in significantly higher self-esteem.
How Long Does It Take for Results to Manifest?
For many patients, the most important benefit of endovenous laser vein therapy is the natural regression of treated veins. Over time, as these structures slowly become little more than scar tissue, they also become increasingly less prominent. With a completely successful procedure, it will eventually be impossible to see these veins at the surface of the skin at all. Surprisingly, many Birmingham, MI locals experience a noticeable reduction in the prominence of treated veins within just one week of their procedures. Although impressive changes can start presenting early on, patients can always look forward to seeing continued and progressive improvements in the weeks and months that lie ahead.
The healing process is short, easy, and quite comfortable for most people. While patients are advised to start walking as soon as their laser vein therapy is complete, it is important to avoid any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise throughout the healing process. These and other similar activities can be resumed after two to four weeks have passed, and upon approval from the doctor. This will allow the treated veins to remain closed until they become sealed off entirely. Mild discomfort and bruising may occur across the targeted area, but these and other aftereffects will naturally abate within just two to three weeks.
Understanding the Permanence of Results and the Need for Good Self-Care
One very important thing for Birmingham, MI locals to note is that laser vein removal does not have the power to completely arrest the formation of new spider veins. As such, the results of these treatments are indeed permanent, but only in that the treated structures will re-form into visible spider veins. If various lifestyle factors have contributed to the patient’s superficial venous insufficiency, these lifestyle factors must be considered.
Taking a proactive approach toward identifying and addressing health issues or habits that might cause new veins to form is an important part of the multi-pronged treatment plan. For total success, every patient must commit to both corrective treatment and needs-based prevention. Ultimately, however, varicose veins are the result of a progressive disease and while laser vein removal makes it possible to address any existing, problematic veins, patients, their lifestyles, and their genetics will all play roles in determining whether new problematic veins will appear.
Long-Term Strategies for Preventing New Varicose Veins from Forming
For the long-term maintenance of vein health, several lifestyle changes are often recommended. These are designed to promote optimum blood flow and to ensure that problems with venous insufficiency do not reoccur. For instance, patients are frequently advised to increase their activity levels. Varicose veins tend to be especially problematic among Birmingham, MI residents who spend extended periods of time either standing or sitting. Adding routine exercise to the daily plan is good, but it is also important for patients to make sure that they are regularly changing up their activities throughout the day, so as to prevent blood from pooling.
Dietary changes are also helpful, particularly for anyone with excess body weight that’s putting a lot of undue pressure and stress on the legs. Fresh, nutrient-dense foods can have a very powerful impact on blood flow, particularly options that are rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants. If you live in or around Birmingham, MI and are interested in finding a lasting solution for your spider veins, consider us here at Pinnacle Dermatology in Birmingham, MI. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!
