Sclerotherapy

What is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a simple procedure that injects spider veins in the legs with a sclerosant solution, which causes them to collapse and fade from view. After cleansing the skin over your spider veins your nurse will begin injecting the sclerosing agent into the affected veins. Approximately one injection is administered for every inch of spider vein. A cotton ball and compression tape is applied to each area of the leg as it is finished.

During the procedure, you may listen to music, read, or just talk to your nurse. You will be asked to shift positions a few times during the process. As the procedure continues, you will feel small needle sticks and a mild burning sensation. However, the needle used is extremely thin and most clients describe the pain level as minimal to tolerable.

After the procedure, tight-fitting support hose may be required to promote healing and keep the veins from reopening. The tape and cotton balls can be removed after 24 hours. However, you may be instructed to wear the support hose for up to five days. It is not uncommon to experience some cramping in the legs for the first day or two after the sclerosant injections. This problem is temporary and usually doesn't require medication.

This treatment is not suitable for large, varicose veins, spider veins too small for even a fine needle, or for spider veins in the face. Facial spider veins and very small spider veins respond best to Laser or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatments).

What are spider veins?

Spider veins - known in the medical world as telangiectasias or sunburst varicosities - are small, thin, red or blue veins that lie close to the surface of the skin. Although these super-fine veins are connected with the larger venous system, they are not an essential part of it.

A number of factors contribute to the development of spider veins, including heredity, pregnancy, hormonal changes, weight gain, occupations or activities that require prolonged sitting or standing, and the use of certain medications.

Spider veins usually appear in one of three basic patterns.

• A true spider shape with a group of veins radiating outward from a dark central point.
• An arborizing (treelike) pattern with tiny branch-like shapes.
• Linear patterns with thin separate lines.

Linear spider veins are commonly seen on the inner knee, whereas the arborizing pattern often appears on the outer thigh in a sunburst or cartwheel distribution.View spider vein images

Varicose veins differ from spider veins in a number of ways. Varicose veins are larger - usually more than a quarter-inch in diameter, darker in color, with a tendency to bulge. Varicose veins are more likely to cause pain and be related to more serious vein disorders. Surgical treatment is often necessary for this condition.

Who are the best candidates for Sclerotherapy?

Women of any age may be good candidates for sclerotherapy, but most are between the ages of 30 and 60. In some women, spider veins become noticeable as teenagers. For others, the veins may not appear until they reach their 40s.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should postpone sclerotherapy treatment. In most cases, spider veins that surface during pregnancy will disappear on their own within three months after the baby is born. Also, because it's not known how some sclerosing solutions may affect breast milk, nursing mothers should wait until after they have stopped breastfeeding.

Spider veins in men are less common than in women and men often don't consider them to be a cosmetic problem because the veins are usually concealed by hair growth on the leg. However, sclerotherapy is just as effective for men who seek treatment.

What results can you expect?

Sclerotherapy can enhance your appearance and your self confidence, but it is unrealistic to believe that every affected vein will disappear completely as a result of treatment. After each sclerotherapy session, some veins will disappear and others will appear lighter.

Your treated veins will look worse before they begin to look better. When the compression stockings are removed, you will notice bruising and reddish areas at the injection sites. The bruises will diminish within one month.

How many treatments do you need?

Two or more sessions are usually required to achieve optimal results.

Things you should know.

Serious medical complications from sclerotherapy are extremely rare when the procedure is performed by a qualified practitioner. Risks include inflammation, allergic reactions to the sclerosing solution, and skin injury that could leave a small but permanent scar.

A common cosmetic complication is pigmentation irregularity - brownish splotches on the affected skin that may take months to fade. Another problem that can occur is "telangiectatic matting," in which fine reddish blood vessels appear around the treated area, requiring further injections. Small ulcers can occur if the sclerosant seeps into the skin tissue surrounding the injection site.

You should be aware that the procedure treats only those veins that are currently visible. It does nothing to permanently alter the venous system or prevent new veins from surfacing in the future.

How much time is required?

Appointments are normally 15-30 minutes but may be longer for large numbers or dense concentrations of veins.

How much does it cost?

$50 per 5 minutes of injections.

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