According to WebMD, spider veins affect as many as 60% of people. While this condition is normal and not a cause for alarm, many people find the appearance of spider veins unsightly. If you want to regain confidence when you're wearing a bathing suit, spider vein treatment can help you. Here are four steps you should take if you're bothered by your spider veins:

1. Visit your doctor for a consultation.

If you have spider veins that are bothering you, visit your dermatologist for a consultation. Make sure to let them know if you suffer any pain as a result of your veins; while spider veins don't usually cause pain, sometimes they do, and your doctor should know about it. They will assess the extent of your vein issues and recommend a treatment based on your condition. This is a good time to ask any questions you have about your treatment options.

2. Choose the right spider vein treatment for you.

There are two types of treatment used to eradicate visible veins: sclerotherapy and laser surgery. They each have their upsides and downsides. Laser surgery is the least invasive option. Your dermatologist will use a laser to remove spider veins. If your spider veins are particularly dark or extensive, you may require more than one treatment.

Sclerotherapy is minimally invasive, and it can be done right in your doctor's office. For this procedure, your doctor will inject a liquid into your visible veins which will cause them to close. Once they're no longer used to transport blood, they will fade away. Sclerotherapy can take longer to produce results, but it's often more effective than laser treatment.

3. Follow your doctor's aftercare instructions.

While spider vein treatment is fast and minimally invasive, you will still have to take care of your legs after the procedure. Your doctor might ask you to wear a compression sleeve for a few days after your treatment, which will encourage the veins to dissolve. You should also keep your legs out of direct sunlight because UV rays can irritate them following laser surgery and sclerotherapy.

4. Do your part to prevent visible veins in the future.

After your spider vein treatment, you can make lifestyle changes to ensure your problem doesn't return. Improved circulation makes you less likely to develop spider veins and varicose veins. You can improve your overall circulation by paying attention to your cardiovascular health. Participate in activities that elevate your heart rate such as jogging, brisk walking, swimming, and bicycling.