Spider Veins- are tiny dilated blood vessels-usually red or purple in color- found most commonly on the thighs or lower legs of women. (However, men are not excluded.) They are hereditary and can occur on the face or elsewhere; they are often unsightly and unwanted.
Varicose Veins- are larger dilated blood vessels which often appear raised and more bluish in color. They can become quite painful.
Although spider veins and varicose veins carry blood, they are not part of the normal venous valve system. Both can be eliminated permanently through a simple office procedure called Sclerotherapy. This treatment was developed in the 1920’s and today, it is safe, effective and proven to enhance the appearance of legs everywhere.
Method
Before treatment
As part of your consultation your medical history will be reviewed by our physician or RN, to determine how long you have had a problem with your veins and the severity of the problem. The effect of physical activity, previous cardio vascular problems and any prior surgery or vein treatment will be carefully evaluated. Your venous system itself must not be compromised!
If you are a good candidate for sclerotherapy, an appointment will be made at the clinic for your procedure to be done by our well trained staff.
Treatment
The area to be treated is identified and cleansed with alcohol. A sclerosing solution is injected directly into each of the select veins through a micro needle, usually with very little or no pain. This solution displaces the normal blood within the veins. It irritates the lining of each blood vessel causing it to stick together and the blood forms a clot. The needle is then withdrawn, and pressure is applied to the area immediately. The result is that the blood flow into the veins will stop, the veins will turn white and they will begin to disintegrate. At first they will appear red, but over a period of weeks, they will turn into scar tissue. Later, they will begin to fade and eventually become invisible.
A typical treatment may last for 15-20 minutes as multiple veins are injected strategically. Complete correction is usually not achieved in a single treatment. In most cases 50 to 70% of the treated vessels disappear. However, as new veins may appear, additional treatments could be done at 4 week intervals for optimum results if necessary.
What to expect after treatment:
Sclerotherapy generally does not require any recovery period. You will usually be able to walk immediately after the treatment but should take it easy for a day or two. While bed rest is not recommended, you may need to avoid strenuous exercise for a few days after sclerotherapy.
You will probably have to wear compression stockings after having sclerotherapy. Doctors disagree on how long a person needs to wear the stockings after having treatment. Some think that a few weeks in necessary but others think a few days is enough.