Best Practices to Treat Spider Veins Under the Eye
Susan Bard, MD is a board certified general and procedural dermatologist with the American Board of Dermatology and a fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery. Dr. Bard is a native of New York City. She received her medical degree from the State University of New York – Downstate, where she graduated top of her... more
Most of the areas around the eye are sensitive, and under the eye is just the same. It’s a delicate area that requires care and caution while handling. Many treatment methods used in other parts of the body can be used for areas under the eye, as long as they are under safe and experienced hands.
Spider veins are generally the un-advanced form of varicose veins, and thus when contained in due time, simpler methods will be used and more efficient results will be observed. Usually, spider veins are painless, and those who decide to get rid of them do so for aesthetic reasons. There are multiple treatment options, but we are going to address just a few of the most popular ones.
Methods for Treating Spider Veins Under the Eye
Lasers: Lasers are among the most widely used treatment method for spider veins. They are effective in closing superficial veins and even veins which are not completely visible. In good hands, lasers can be used in almost any part of the body. While using them to treat spider veins under the eyes, it is advisable to use goggles to protect the patient’s eye. The major advantage of using lasers is that fewer sessions will be required, and most times, one session is enough.
Sclerotherapy: This is only used in rare cases, and several sessions might be required depending on the severity of the spider vein condition. The process requires the use of general anesthesia, and it has low or no associated downtime. The process leaves no scaring and it is cost-friendly. However, since the method requires injection of chemical substances, it is advisable to use it in moderation and avoid it when necessary.
Micro incisions: This is among the least used methods, but it is one of the best for treating spider veins under the eye. It involves practically pulling out the infected vein after doing a small cut. In some of the above-outlined methods, injections could accidentally be done in the wrong vein and lasers can pose a threat to the surrounding tissues. This is not the case with incision, since what you are operating on is tangible and visible.
Radiofrequency treatment: This process works by the principle of thermo coagulation. Heat produced by the radio frequency device is directed at the affected area, where it leads the vein to collapse, close, and die naturally. The process is more than 90% efficient and does not require any use of numbing pain cream. There is a newer version of radio frequency treatment called Ohmic thermolysis; the principles involved are just the same, though.
Some of the Major Causes of Spider Veins On the Face
A spider vein is a condition that can affect almost anybody at any age since a variety of factors cause it. Some are within our control while others aren’t. Some of the major causes are:
- Hereditary and genetically-acquired conditions
- Aging, since the efficiency of all our organs and cells depletes with age
- Eye strain or insomnia due to lifestyle
- Skin conditions that cause inflammation and increase sensitivity on the skin
- Free radicals
Conclusion
The cost of the treatment method, the number of veins to be treated, and their sizes are just some of the factors that determine the best treatment method to use for under-eye spider veins. It is advisable to consult extensively before settling on one particular type of treatment, especially where sensitivity is an issue. If possible, rely heavily on referrals in such cases. However, the use of duplex ultrasound machines has made most of these treatment options effective since there is a clear view of the area under treatment.
