The cardiovascular system is an amazing and complex network of arteries, veins and capillaries, all of which work together to keep our blood oxygenated, and keep us alive. Arteries carry blood away from the heart to be sent to the rest of the body, so they're larger and stronger. Veins send blood back to the heart, and are smaller, and sometimes weaker. Years and years of transporting blood can take a toll, and many people eventually develop spider veins or varicose veins.
Exactly as its name suggests, laser vein removal is a procedure to remove, or at least reduce the visibility of, veins that have become visible beneath the skin, or that protrude noticeably under the skin, both usually as a result of aging. The procedure restores the smooth, clear look of your skin, and helps you look younger.
Also called telangiectasias, spider veins are clusters of tiny blood vessels that develop close to the surface of the skin. They're caused by increased pressure in the veins, which can be a result of standing for long periods. For this reason, people in certain fields such as nursing and teaching are often more susceptible to developing spider veins. However, they may also be hereditary.
Spider veins are often blue, red, or purple, and have the appearance of a spiderweb, which is how they got their name. They're most often found on the face and leg
When veins become dilated or enlarged, or when blood pools in certain areas, varicose veins may form. Also, when a vein's valves don't close properly, blood can pool, thereby dilating the vein, and causing it to protrude beneath the skin. Varicose veins may also appear gnarled, twisted or knotted, and are usually blue or purple.
While they're more often seen in older people, varicose veins can also be caused by pregnancy. In addition, obesity, family history, sitting or standing for long periods of time, and gender (women get them more often than men) can be contributing factors to developing varicose veins.
If you already have spider veins or varicose veins, laser vein removal may help do away with them, or at least reduce their visibility, and restore your smooth, clear skin. If you don't have either condition, but are concerned about it due to a family history, career field, or other factor, these tips may help keep varicose veins or spider veins from developing.