Leg Veins: Why They Appear and How to Treat Them

Woman with nice legs after getting vein treatmentSpider or varicose veins can appear unsightly and make you want to hide body parts that have them. They are more than just an embarrassing blemish, though. They can also be a severe health hazard. Veins can put you at risk of developing blood clots or open sores.

At Advanced Dermatology and Laser Institute of Seattle, our board-certified dermatologist Dr. Steven Greene has more than 25 years of experience helping rid his patients of unpleasant, potentially dangerous veins. We offer numerous treatments to help improve the appearance of mild to severe veins. Read on to learn about the causes of spider and varicose veins and how we can help you deal with them.

Causes of Leg Veins

Spider and varicose veins are simply damaged veins. In healthy veins, valves push blood in one direction — toward your heart. If these valves become damaged, some blood will flow backward and accumulate in your veins.

If this continues over time, the vein walls will weaken and bulge, thereby becoming visible varicose or spider veins. Factors that increase your risk of spider or varicose veins include:

  • Genetics
  • Sitting or standing all day at work
  • Age
  • Pregnancy
  • Sun damage
  • Rosacea

Leg Vein Treatments

The treatment Dr. Greene recommends for your leg veins can vary depending on the severity of the issue. Potential treatments include:

  • Self-care: You may be able to prevent spider or varicose veins or improve mild ones through aspects of your daily life, such as exercise, elevating your legs, not sitting or standing for long periods, and not soaking too often in hot baths.
  • Compression socks: Compression socks put consistent pressure on your legs to help blood move back to your heart. They can also help reduce swelling in your lower legs and decrease the chances of you developing a blood clot. Although compression socks can improve your vascular health, though, they will not eliminate the appearance of spider or varicose veins.
  • Laser treatments: Greene offers the latest and most state-of-the-art laser treatments that are safer, faster, and more effective than previous options. Laser treatment can target your veins without damaging your skin. The red blood cells in the vein absorb the laser energy, then break up and are absorbed by your body. Mild veins may go away after just one treatment. More severe issues may need three or more treatments over the course of a few months.

Contact Your Seattle Dermatologist Today

When you come to Advanced Dermatology and Laser Institute of Seattle, we will treat you as a member of our family. We’ll give you old-fashioned, friendly care combined with the most recent advances in dermatological services.

We serve Seattle and nearby areas of Washington. Call (206) 402-4797 today to schedule a consultation.