Vein Treatments

 

Sclerotherapy:

Sclerotherapy involves an injection of a solution directly into spider veins. The solution irritates the lining of the blood vessel, causing it to swell and stick together, and the blood to clot. Over time, the vessel turns into scar tissue that fades from view. Sclerotherapy is a well-proven procedure and has been in use since the 1930s.

Spider veins are hereditary, and while most are commonly found on the thigh or lower leg, they can form virtually anywhere on the leg, from the uppermost region of the thigh to the ankle.

Sclerotherapy has proven to be a very popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure. A typical treatment lasts from 30 minutes to an hour. Injection sclerotherapy can be an excellent alternative to surgery, provided the patient’s venous system is not affected.

There is very little down time and patients can immediately resume work and all normal activities, but the patient is advised to refrain from all vigorous activities and impact exercise for the first 3-5 days following injections. There is little, if any, discomfort and is a safe time-proven procedure. Complete correction is not expected on the first treatment and about 50 to 80% of the injected veins will be permanently eliminated following a series of sclerotherapy treatments. Three to four treatments are generally required for optimal results.

In general, spider veins respond in three to six weeks, and larger veins respond in three to four months. If the veins respond to the treatment, they will not reappear. However, new veins may appear at the same rate as before. If needed, you may return for additional injections.

After the injections, you should avoid the following for 48 hours after treatment:

  • Hot baths
  • Hot compresses
  • Whirlpools or saunas
  • Direct exposure to sunlight
  • Aspirin, Ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory medications.

Tylenol may be used if needed.