Tiny clusters of purple, red, and blue veins are called spider veins because they resemble webs. Spider veins are not a health concern but are cosmetically unsightly. Luckily, we can help you remove spider veins with a simple and proven treatment, sclerotherapy.
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a common vein treatment that has been performed since the 1930s. The technique involves injections of a small amount of concentrated saline solution into the visible veins. These veins are located just beneath the surface of the skin, where they are easily reached using a tiny needle. The insertion of saline solution in the veins causes their walls to become irritated and swollen. This leads to the closure of the veins. Once closed, the veins are eliminated by the body.
What are the Benefits of Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is advantageous for several reasons. This technique has been proven through the test of time and has demonstrated consistency over millions of treatments. The results of sclerotherapy appear relatively quickly and with very little side effects if any. Within a few weeks after spider vein treatment, patients may be wearing the shorts or other more revealing clothing they’ve always wanted to but didn’t feel comfortable due to unattractive webbed veins.
Is Sclerotherapy Right for Me?
Most people are good candidates for sclerotherapy. This treatment is sufficient for the small spider veins that appear in groups on the legs, ankles, and other areas of the body. Larger varicose veins that bulge beneath the skin may not respond well to sclerotherapy and we refer larger varicose veins to vascular doctors.
Patients who have uncontrolled diabetes, skin infection, are running a fever, or who have a history of deep vein thrombosis may not be good candidates for this treatment. We conduct a consultation and examination of the problematic veins to ensure that patients can undergo sclerotherapy without complications. During this visit, it is important to discuss any medications you may be taking, especially blood-thinning drugs or corticosteroids.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
The number of treatments that are needed to fully treat spider veins may vary from one person to another. People with only a few small veins may achieve full resolution with only 1 or 2 sessions. Extensive webbing or numerous areas of spider veins may need up to 6 sessions for all veins to completely close and fade away.
Does Sclerotherapy Hurt?
Sometimes, in larger patches of spider veins, when the solution is flushed through, people will experience a slight cramping sensation. If this should happen, it resolves in just a minute. The procedure is performed using a very small needle so patients typically feel either a slight sting or nothing at all. The skin has nerve endings that signal the minor pinch, but there are no nerves in the veins so the sensation is limited to the skin. Generally, patients say that the procedure is much more comfortable than they had imagined.
What Results Can I Expect from Sclerotherapy Surgery?
The results of sclerotherapy develop gradually over a few weeks. First, the veins have to close. Then, the body processes them through the metabolic system. The speed of these events can vary from one person to another depending on the extent of the vein problem, the amount of sclerotherapy administered during each session, the patient’s natural metabolism, and other influencing factors. Generally, patients who undergo sclerotherapy notice appreciable improvement within 1 to 6 weeks after their treatment begins.
What is the Recovery from a Sclerotherapy Procedure?
Most people who undergo sclerotherapy can expect few if any, restrictions to activity after their procedure. Patients can stand and walk right after receiving sclerotherapy and can resume their normal routine upon leaving the office. It is beneficial to stay physically active after sclerotherapy to support good blood flow while treated veins are closing and dismantling.
Immediately after the sclerotherapy treatment, we will wrap your legs with a compression wrap that you will wear for about 6 hours. The gentle pressure that these wraps place on the legs assists with good blood flow upward and out of the veins.
Are There Side Effects to Sclerotherapy?
For a short time after sclerotherapy, patients may notice side effects such as:
- Hardness or lumps in larger spider veins or groups.
- Brown spots or lines at points where injections were given. This could be due to the mild release of iron from the blood vessels.
- Bruising around the treated veins.
- New blood vessels in the treatment area. These are referred to as “flares” or “blushing” and are a natural side effect of revascularization. These new blood vessels should go away on their own.
- Itching and swelling may occur as an allergic reaction to the sclerosing aging. This is rarely serious. And very rare.
Patient Testimonials:
"Love Musick. The building is beautiful, and very clean. The staff is extremely kind, and professional. I have been a couple of times to treat leg veins- and the appointment went quick- and my legs are looking years younger at every visit. Def. Has given me more self confidence. If you have bothersome veins on your legs- I would highly recommend you treating them here."
Schedule a Consultation For Spider Vein Treatment in swansea, IL
Are you ready to get rid of unsightly spider veins? Contact our office today or schedule your appointment with Dr. Steven Musick by phone at 618-628-2588