Okay, you've got spider veins. Don't panic. They're harmless, but not so hot to look at, right? I say, blame your parents because they're partially genetic, but according to Eric F. Bernstein M.D., the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which fluctuate during a woman’s monthly cycle and pregnancy, appear to soften the valves and walls of veins. This leaves the veins more susceptible to becoming engorged. Darn, ladies. We can't win for losing, sometimes. So how does one get rid of these pesky little veins? Zap'em!
If you've got $450, Sclerotherapy, an injection that irritates the vein, causing it to shut down and get absorbed back into the body, usually works in about two treatments. Sclerotherapy does cause bruises for a couple of weeks, and the veins won't disappear completely until your treatment is completed.
Asclera --just approved last year--is a $200 - $500 injectable treatment that works as well as traditional saline, without the burning sensation. Asclera irritates the interior walls of the vein, causing them to constrict and close, preventing the flow of blood through the affected vein.
With both procedures, there is no downtime or pain involved.
For ladies on a budget, bronzers are a great way to cover spider veins. L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Luminous Bronzer Self-Tanning Lotion is great.
