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SPIDER VEIN TREATMENT

What Is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy otherwise known as varicose vein removal therapy has been used to treat varicose veins and spider veins on the legs for quite some time. It is also one of the most effective treatments for bulging veins in the hands and feet.

 

This medical procedure involves the injection of a sclerosant solution into the prominent veins, which causes their eventual collapse. The treated veins are ultimately absorbed into the body and the blood is redirected naturally to flow through other healthier veins.

What Concerns Can Sclerotherapy Treat?

Sclerotherapy can treat the following:

  • Leg veins

  • Hand veins

  • Feet veins

Who is a Candidate for Sclerotherapy?

As we age, our skin tissue loses fat and volume. This can cause the veins near the surface of the skin to become more obvious. Certain people, especially those with fair skin, develop prominent blue veins visible beneath the skin of the legs or breasts. While many patients are bothered by the appearance of prominent veins on areas such as the leg or breasts, the problem may not be only cosmetic. Since prominent leg veins may be the result of a persistent cough or cirrhosis, it is important for patients to seek medical diagnosis, not simply cover the offending blood vessels with high-necked clothing. Once our doctors rules out any serious causes of leg veins, a spider vein removal treatment at our office is safe, fast, and successful.

Varicose Vein Removal 

We perform sclerotherapy treatment in the doctor’s office and it typically takes only about 30 minutes. Some patients require only a single session of sclerotherapy to completely the issue, while others may require multiple sessions.

 

Anesthesia is not necessary and most patients report experiencing little to no pain, other than a mild burning sensation.

During sclerotherapy, a solution called a sclerosant is injected into the damaged veins with a very fine needle. The sclerosant causes irritation in the veins, eventually collapsing them. When the weakened veins collapse, they reabsorb into the body and healthier veins take their place.

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The number of injections per session varies depending on the number and length of the damaged veins. After the sclerotherapy procedure, we apply cotton balls and compression tape to the injection site.

Sclerotherapy Results

The long-lasting results of sclerotherapy begin to show up immediately and are usually fully visible after 3 to 6 weeks. The number of sessions a patient will need will vary depending on the area to improve.

Recovery From Spider Vein Treatment

Following sclerotherapy, most patients can return to work and other normal activities the same day. Compression bandages will need to be worn for several days after the procedure, and sometimes for as long as a few weeks. Strenuous exercise should be avoided during the initial recovery time. Some patients may experience mild bruising and swelling following sclerotherapy, but these side effects usually subside within a few days.

Sclerotherapy For Hand Veins

Prominent veins can make the hands look substantially older. Over the years, the skin loses some of its elasticity and volume. This can result in the appearance of lumpy, unattractive veins at the skin’s surface. Areas like the hands which receive a great deal of sun exposure, tend to show these signs of damage more quickly than other parts of the body.

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These bulging veins that are noticeable near the surface of the skin are not necessary to the circulatory system. Veins deeper within the hand are sufficient to transport blood to and from the area. Therefore, if surface hand veins are cosmetically bothersome, it is quite safe to treat and remove them.

Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy

Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy is a procedure used to treat veins hidden under the skin. This version of varicose vein removal at our office involves injecting a solution into the veins while using an ultrasound image. The solution causes the vein to close and over time they disappear as the body absorbs them.

Sclerotherapy Side Effects

Some patients may experience:

  • Mild Bruising

  • Swelling

  • Stinging

  • Discomfort

  • Raised, Red areas around the injection sites

  • Discoloration

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