SCLEROTHERAPY 

What are Spider veins? What causes them?

Spider veins are small superficial, discolored blood vessels that appear red or blue in the skin. They commonly occur on the legs, but are also found on the face, chest, neck, and other areas of the body. They may appear in a sunburst or spiderweb pattern, or as a series of short, unconnected lines. They may also appear alongside larger varicose veins found usually on the legs.

Spider veins may be the result of various conditions:

• Sun damage
• Adult acne
• Diet
• Emotions
• Hormones
• Medications

How are spider veins treated?

Spider veins are treated by a procedure called sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy is the injection of aqueous solutions into abnormally dilated or cosmetically unsightly veins. The solution causes the veins to be absorbed and permanently disappear. These solutions cosmetically remove the undesirable veins over a period of weeks. Some veins will require several series of treatments for disappearance depending on size, quantity, depth, etc.

Will I need more than one treatment?

Each person is different. Depending on the area of treatment, we will customize a treatment plan for each individual. Typically, a series of treatments are necessary to effectively remove the spider veins.

Are there any side effects?

Potential temporary side effects to sclerotherapy include:

• Slight stinging or pain at the sites of injection
• Slight muscle cramps
• Red, raised areas at the sites of injection
• Temporary bruises
• Allergic reactions to certain sclerosing solutions
• Inflammation of treated blood vessels in injected vessels
• Transient blemishing of the skin

What is the aftercare?

Post treatment care is simply done by a moderate amount of walking after the procedure. You can resume your normal exercise activity the following day.

Since the 1930s, sclerotherapy has been used to treat spider veins & varicose veins. Using one of several kinds of solutions, it is injected directly into the blood vessel with a fine needle. The solutions irritate the lining of the vessel causing it to swell. After a period of weeks, the vessels will start to fade, thus becoming barely visible. Each blood vessel may need to be injected more than once over a period of several weeks or months apart. Though a number of vessels can be injected in any one-treatment sessions. There is an 80% to 90% chance for a greatly improved appearance.