Spider veins are small enlarged superficial blood vessels that appear red or blue.  They are very common on the legs but can also occur on the face and, rarely on other body parts.  Varicose veins are larger dilated blood vessels that tend to be raised above the surface of the skin.  Both spider veins and varicose veins can be painful and are hereditary in nature or can be due to pregnancy, birth control pills, pressure from tight clothing or periods of prolonged standing.  They can mar the appearance of your legs, no matter how shapely they may be.  There are many treatment options to address this problem and Sclerotherapy is one of the most popular.

What is Sclerotherapy?

This procedure has been used since the 1930s and remains the gold standard for treatment of leg veins.  A concentrated solution is injected into the unwanted veins through a micro-needle, causing irritation to the walls of the blood vessels.  The natural healing process then causes them to close down and fade away.

What results can I expect from Sclerotherapy?

Results are not immediate but gradually appear over a period of weeks.  The delay in improvement is due to the healing process that is necessary to close down the vessels, rendering them barely noticeable or invisible.  It usually takes about 3 months to see the maximum result from a single treatment.  Most patients can expect a 50% to 90% improvement after several sessions.  However, new veins may appear in the area over time because of your predisposition to developing them.

What is the treatment like?

The areas to be treated will be cleaned and the solution will be injected into the target vessels.  The procedure is simple, quick and requires no anesthesia.  It can last from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of veins treated in a particular session.  Red raised bumps that look like hives may appear at the injection sites immediately after the treatment but usually resolve within a day or two.  Bruising can occur but will disappear within one week.  It may be necessary to wear compression stockings after the treatment for up to 2 weeks to maximize your results and minimize the possibility of recurrence.  Typically, there is no downtime and you can resume your regular activities immediately.  However, vigorous physical activity should be avoided for up to 48 hours.

Who is a good candidate for Sclerotherapy?

Most spider veins and varicose veins can be treated successfully with Sclerotherapy.  However, depending on the severity and the types of veins, different treatment modalities, including lasers, may be combined to produce optimal results.