Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins


Spider Veins

Spider veins, known to doctors as telangietasias,  are those small yet unsightly clusters of red, blue or purple veins that most commonly appear on the thighs, calves and ankles. They are small thin veins that lie close to the superficial surface of the skin. They are connected to the larger veins, but are not an essential part of the venous system.

Causes of Spider Veins:

• Hereditary
• Pregnancy
• Prolonged standing or sitting

It is estimated that at least half of the adult female population is plagued with this common cosmetic problem. The age of onset can vary from teenage to forties.

Spider veins can develop on the face too. These may be amenable to mesotherapy or IPL.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a treatment that shrinks superficial leg veins such as spider veins. The veins disappear from view.

Even the physical effects often associated with spider veins can disappear. These include:

• Aching
• Burning
• Swelling
• Night Cramps

This technique has been popular in Europe for the past 50 years, and has increased in popularity in the USA for the last decade.

Spider veins and other superficial veins are dilated veins that appear pink, red, purple, or blue in color. The color difference is due to differences in size and depth.

Sclerotherapy involves the injection of irritant solutions into the dilated vein, which causes them to scar and close off. The veins will look more faint after each treatment. Patients average 2-6 treatments in 4-6 week intervals.

The treatment shrinks the superficial veins that are visible and does nothing to prevent new veins from forming from the deeper vessels.

After the procedure, special compression stockings will have to be worn. There will be some bruising and discoloration which can last a few weeks.

Those with a history of phlebitis in the legs, diabetes, vascular problems, or ulcers in the leg cannot receive Sclerotherapy treatment. An initial consultation is required. The number of treatments varies with the type of vein and the number of treatments will be discussed further after a detailed consultation evaluation.