Just kidding! I don’t really hate anything on my body, but I truly do suffer from both varicose and spider veins due to many factors from past weight gain to genetics.

Throughout the post, I’ll brief you on some facts on these pesky veins and what I have done to help rid them.

Varicose veins are enlarged veins that appear when vein valves become weak and collect blood. Over time, the pooled blood enlarges the vein, rises and appears not so cute. Spider veins are similar in how they form but they are smaller and closer to the surface. More Yuck!

No worries my sister friends! 50-55 % of American women suffer from some form of vein issues. Yay! I happen to be one of those lucky ones! Hormonal change during puberty, pregnancy and menopause, genetics, obesity and sun exposure can all lead to the formation of varicose veins.

 

I blame my varicose veins on both weight gain and genetics. When I weighed 160 lbs, I was constantly working on my feet and putting constant pressure on my legs. I rarely worked out to promote any circulation and ate unhealthy salt-packed foods that lead to more leg swelling. I also noticed that my dad’s legs were easily prone to varicose veins and multiplied over the years. I wish someone would have educated me back then, but you live and you learn. As long as I can help someone else now, then I’m satisfied.

With today’s advances in medicine and cosmetic surgery, varicose veins are treatable! Yay! I believe that everyone deserves to love their life, and if it means getting cosmetic procedures to feel better and more confident, then why not? And I did just that!

I signed up for sclerotherapy for my varicose veins, and laser treatments  for my little spider veins. Sclerotherapy is a series of 4-6 treatments depending on the severity of the veins, where a solution is injected in the vein that causes the veins to seal shut and be absorbed in the body to eventually fade away. I went through 4 treatments that were spaced 4 weeks apart.  A year later, and my veins have truly diminished in appearance. My doctor did mention that I may have to return in 10 years for another check up and possible touch up, which is fine by me.

As far as my spider veins, I got them zapped last week! I visited Breyer Med Spa, a local spa that specializes in advanced skin care and laser treatments and offered my sexy legs to be operated on with their high tech laser machine.

 

I was greeted by the spa director Randi who was oh so welcoming and comforting. After filling out some paper work, Randi guided me to the treatment room where the medical aesthetician Nicole was going to ZAP me! I couldn’t wait!

 

 

I loved this Girl! Not only was she sweet and professional, but Nicole was overly knowledgeable in both skin care products and services. After a little chit chat, we prepped for the treatment.

   

I rolled up my cargos, put on my safety goggles to avoid the laser getting in my eyes, and laid back to get zapped.  Nicole warned me that the laser may feel like rubber band stings and that my legs  may feel sore all day. I didn’t care, I just wanted them gone!

I noticed the laser machine shooting red lights, but for some reason I could not feel any pain. The tip of the laser had a cooling mechanism that counteracted the heat of the zap. Awesome! No pain at all? This is fun! I actually closed my eyes and dozed off for a little.

 

It has been a week since my treatment, and my baby spider veins are already fading! I went in yesterday for a follow up and Nicole said that my legs are doing great and that I may not need another treatment.

So ladies, if you’re self-conscious about your veins then why not treat yourself and get them treated. You deserve it! Even if you don’t feel like getting them treated, you should still consult with your doctor and gage the severity of them. Untreated veins can lead to poor circulation, irritation and swelling.

If you’re in the Philly area and you are considering laser vein therapy or any skin care service for that matter, I highly suggest my sweetheart Nicole at Breyer Med Spa.

Mention Smallworld Beauty and receive a 10% Discount.

Love,

Ghada