Sclerotherapy

What are spider veins?

Spider veins -- small, dilated, superficial veins on the legs -- are a common problem, particularly in women after pregnancy and in people with varicose veins. Large varicose veins are most often treated surgically. But certain small superficial veins, called telangiectasias, are best treated with Sclerotherapy or Laser.

What causes spider veins to be visible?

These unwanted blood vessels often occur as an inherited tendency, and may be part of the aging process. Long periods of standing or sitting, trauma to the leg from blows or falls, pregnancy, birth control pills, and hormone replacement therapy are all factors that can be involved.

Exercise and normal weight maintenance may help prevent the onslaught of spider veins.

Before and After Sclerotherapy

How are spider veins treated?

Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution into the vein with a very fine needle to cause inflammation and collapse. Once the vein has collapsed, no blood can re-enter and the vein is absorbed by the body's natural responses.  Laser treatments such as Vbeam, Diolite or Gentle Yag are often also used. Lasers destroy the veins through absorbed heat from the laser beam.

Sclerotherapy requires 15 to 30 minutes depending on the number of areas being treated. No sedation or anesthesia is needed. Patients may experience mild temporary cramping during the injection as the solution enters the vessel. This sensation resolves within minutes. Injection sites are covered with gauze and tape, and the legs are usually wrapped with an elastic wrap. Patients are encouraged to walk immediately after the procedure, and the wrap is removed in 24 hours. No wound care is required. The treated vessels gradually disappear over the following month.

Sclerotherapy Procedure Animation

Is Sclerotherapy safe?

Sclerotherapy is a safe procedure with few significant risks. Less than 5% of patients experience even minor adverse effects. The most common complication is the development of brownish pigment in the treated area, similar to a freckle, which usually disappears within two to six months. If the veins are unusually weak, there may be some temporary bruising around the injection site. Patients may develop a tiny scab at the injection site if any of the solution escapes from the blood vessels. The scab is treated with an antibiotic ointment until it clears. There is little risk of infection or bleeding from Sclerotherapy.

How many treatments sessions will I need to eliminate my spider veins?

It will depend on the severity of the condition and the extent of improvement desired. Most patients can expect a 50 to 90 percent improvement after several treatments. To guarantee success and counteract the appearance of new spider veins, touch-up treatments may be required every year or so.

What happens after the procedure?

After the procedure, the patient returns home wearing a pressure dressing and/or pressure hosiery to prevent post-injection bleeding, as well as to promote healing.

A healing interval (typically one month) must pass before you have another series of injections in the same site. After each treatment, you will notice further improvement of your appearance.

Most patients require more than one treatment to obtain the desired results.

Photo of Facial Veins Treated by Laser (Vbeam)
Candela Vbeam Video (Broadband Connections)
Candela Vbeam Video (Dial Up Connection)
Photo of Facial Veins Treated by Diolite