What causes broken veins on the legs?
Broken Veins Treatment, West Malling, Kent
Thread veins – also known as spider or broken veins – are one of those physical characteristics you probably never think about until they appear on your body. Typically on the legs, these veins affect up to 88% of women and 79% of men. In this blog, we explain everything you need to know about thread veins, including the causes, treatments and any underlying issues they could signal.
What are broken veins?
Broken veins, commonly referred to as spider veins or thread veins, are small, dilated blood vessels that appear close to the skin’s surface. They usually manifest as red, purple, or blue lines and might resemble a spiderweb or tree branches in appearance. These veins are most commonly found on the legs, although they can also appear on the face and other parts of the body.
What causes broken veins?
The development of broken veins is attributed to a variety of factors:
- Genetics: A family history of venous issues can increase your chances of experiencing broken veins.
- Age: As you age, your skin loses collagen and your veins lose elasticity, making you more susceptible to broken veins.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations associated with pregnancy, menopause, and the use of hormonal birth control can contribute to the development of broken veins.
- Lifestyle Factors: Prolonged standing or sitting can put extra pressure on the veins in your legs, leading to broken veins.
- Obesity: Excess weight increases the pressure on your veins, which can lead to the development of broken veins.
- Sun Exposure: Sun damage can cause the skin to thin and can lead to the formation of broken veins, especially on the face.
What are the best treatment options?
While broken veins are generally not harmful, many seek treatment for cosmetic reasons or minor discomfort.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is one of the most common treatments for spider and varicose veins. It involves injecting a solution directly into the vein, causing it to scar and forcing blood to reroute through healthier veins. The collapsed vein is then reabsorbed into local tissue and eventually fades. This treatment is particularly effective for medium to large spider veins and offers a relatively painless solution with minimal downtime. Sclerotherapy should never be used on the face and neck for safety reasons.
Thermavein
Thermavein, or thermo-coagulation, is another effective method for treating broken veins. This technology uses a fine, insulated needle that emits heat to seal the affected veins, causing them to instantly disappear. Thermavein is known for its precision and is especially popular for treating veins that are too small for sclerotherapy. It offers a quick recovery, with most patients able to return to normal activities immediately, and is an excellent option for treating the face.
What else can be done?
Other treatments include laser therapy, which involves sending strong bursts of light onto the vein, making them slowly fade and disappear. Lifestyle changes can also help manage and reduce the visibility of broken veins, such as exercising regularly, avoiding long periods of sitting or standing, and wearing compression stockings to improve circulation.
Which treatment is right for you?
The choice of treatment depends on several factors, including the size and location of the veins, the presence of any underlying vascular diseases, and personal preference. Consulting with a healthcare professional who specialises in vein removal is crucial to choose the appropriate treatment, minimise risks and to ensure effective results.
Broken veins are a common condition that many individuals face as they age. While they are usually harmless, they can cause aesthetic concerns and minor discomfort. Thankfully, treatments like sclerotherapy and Thermavein provide effective solutions for those looking to reduce their appearance. With the right treatment plan, you can achieve clear, vein-free legs and a boost in confidence.
If you’d like to understand the options, or to establish the right treatment for you, click here to enquire or to book a consultation.
Disclaimer: Please be aware that results and benefits may vary from patient to patient taking into consideration factors such as age, lifestyle and medical history.
