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Ask the Surgeon / Health Tip / What’s New
Ask the Surgeon
I have spider veins on my face that have seemed to get more noticeable as I age. Is there a way to make them look better? What causes these blemishes?
Spider veins of the face (telangiectasia) formed by unusually large or numerous blood vessels located just under the surface of the skin. Vascular conditions may be caused by heredity, sun exposure, excess weight, and pregnancy. Blemishes caused by abnormal blood vessels can be treated effectively with a specialized type of laser. The laser generates an intense beam of light that is absorbed by oxyhemoglobin (bright red blood cells carrying oxygen) and melanin/pigment (black or brown pigment found in the skin) causing decomposition of the unwanted cells, while leaving healthy cells intact. The extent of your treatment will vary based on your specific needs. The final results will be evident within 10 to 14 days!
Techniques and technology are making it possible to revitalize your look without undergoing surgery.
Patients are able to combine several less invasive procedures to improve their appearance instead of one major surgery. For example, a patient looking to reduce the appearance of forehead wrinkles and achieve a more favorable brow position, may opt for quarterly Botox injections instead. Or, a patient considering CO2 laser resurfacing to rejuvenate their skin, may decide to have a series of in-office chemical peels instead.
The lighter peels can be performed over several months and can minimize wrinkles with little or no down time, compared to the several weeks of healing necessary for CO2 laser resurfacing. The lighter, less invasive option is not for everyone. The results are not as dramatic, may not last as long, and could cost more in the long-run!
Whether you have stitches, sutures, glue, or adhesive strips, you can take action to help the surgery site or wound heal properly. Here are some general guidelines:
Keep area dry for 24 to 48 hours. Most wounds should also be covered for at least 48 hours.
Prevent build-up of a scab. A thick scab within the wound can increase the scar and prevent the skin from growing together well. There are two options that may be recommended depending on your particular needs; be sure to adhere to your post-operative instructions. You can prevent scab build-up by dabbing diluted peroxide (half water mixed with half peroxide) to the wound twice a day and then gently removing any loose scab. Another option is to apply a heavy coating of Vaseline to keep it from scabbing.
Apply antibiotic ointment twice a day.
Protect the damaged skin from the sun. It is very susceptible to becoming permanently discolored by the sun for up to six months. Minimize sun exposure to the healing cut, but do not apply sunscreen until two weeks after healing has begun.
Take vitamin C to help fight bacterial infection, prevent hemorrhaging, and facilitate the formation of connective tissue.
Rub vitamin E oil onto the cut after the stitches are removed to help with healing!