Do you suffer from unsightly spider veins? If so then don’t despair because there is a minimally invasive and effective cosmetic treatment known as sclerotherapy that effectively removes the fine surface veins. You will typically notice the veins start to fade away a few weeks after treatment but on rare occasions, it may take up to two months for them to disappear.
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a relatively easy procedure that takes approx 40 minutes in a physician’s office, depending on the degree of problem you may need more than one treatment. The doctor will inject hypertonic saline or polidocanol into the spider vein. Over time, the micro sclerotherapy injections cause the veins to scar and collapse. The body will reroute blood from the collapsed veins to healthy veins. At that point, the body will start to reabsorb the damaged vein and it will visually disappear.
Undergoing Sclerotherapy
You will usually be asked to lay on your back with your legs slightly elevated. The treatment area will be sanitized. A physician will then use a very fine needle to inject the hypertonic saline or polidocanol into the area. On rare occasions, you may experience a small bit of stinging or cramping during the injection process. Small veins will require fewer injections than large veins.
Once the procedure is complete, a compress is placed on the treated area to help keep the blood out of the injected vein and also disperse the solution. If the vein is large, then the compression bandage or compression stockings may be required post-treatment for an extended time.
What to Expect Following the Procedure
● Following the procedure, you will be able to stand up and walk around. Physicians will encourage you to move your legs to maximize the results.
● You may be required to wear compression stockings for one to three weeks after the cosmetic procedure. The compression stockings will maintain pressure on the fine surface veins to ensure they start to fade
● Immediately following the procedure you will be able to return to work and everyday activities.
● It is advised that you limit sun exposure for about two weeks following the micro sclerotherapy injections.
Spider veins are visually unattractive but they can also cause cramping, pain, burning, and swelling of the affected area. Treatment with sclerotherapy will effectively eliminate the uncomfortable symptoms and visual appearance of spider veins to create a younger, more vibrant skin appearance
At the Laser Skin & Vein Clinic, our skilled medical professionals can effectively use sclerotherapy to eliminate spider veins. Please contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our doctors to learn more about the treatment of fine surface veins.
