Spider veins are very small dilated blood vessels that usually appear on the legs. Although spider veins are not harmful to one’s health they frequently cause people to be self-conscious when wearing shorts or bathing suits. Spider veins are not needed for your circulation so they can be safely eliminated with a procedure called sclerotherapy. Although lasers have been used to treat spider veins effectively on the face, they have not been shown to be successful when treating the legs. Sclerotherapy is still considered the gold standard of treatment for spider veins on the legs.
What is sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy treatment is a medical procedure used to treat spider veins on the legs. It involves the injection of a solution into the veins. This solution causes the lining of the veins to become inflamed. This inflammation leads to scarring of the vessel which the body then resorbs over a period of 4-6 weeks.
How is sclerotherapy performed?
Sclerotherapy session is performed with a saline solution which is injected directly into the undesired veins on the legs with a very fine needle.
How many treatments are required?
The number of treatments required varies depending on the number of spider veins each patient needs to be treated. Appointments are scheduled for 30 minutes. Appointments should be scheduled at least 6 weeks apart in order for the full effect of each treatment to be seen. Usually, 60% of the veins injected disappear after that treatment. Once resorbed by the body, these veins do not reappear. Because spider veins are a genetic condition new blood vessels will appear over time.
Is there any downtime?
Following sclerotherapy you will be able to drive yourself home and resume regular activities. Walking is encouraged, but other exercising should be avoided for 3 days after sclerotherapy. You will be instructed to wear support stockings for 1 week following the procedure to increase the benefits of the procedure.
(Before and After Photo Gallery is still under construction)
