Spider Vein Treatment (Sclerotherapy)
Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical procedure to reduce the appearance of small, superficial veins, often called “spider veins.” Spider veins are an extremely common problem of unsightly webs of red, blue or purple veins that appear primarily on the lower extremities. It’s estimated that at least half of the adult female population is plagued with this common cosmetic problem. In this procedure, veins are injected with a sclerosing solution, causing them to collapse and fade from view. The technique involves injection of a tiny amount of medication into the veins through a very fine needle. For optimal vessel reduction, 3-6 treatments are typically required with sessions spaced 4 weeks apart. Following the procedure, patients are asked to wear a compression garment for 7-14 days, as this will significantly improve the response rate and reduce the risk of complications.
Types of Veins
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are abnormally enlarged veins, typically found on the legs. They often appear blue, purple, or skin-colored, and present as twisted, bulging vessels that may be raised above the surface of the skin.
Spider Veins
Also known as telangiectasias, spider veins are small clusters of blood vessels that form close to the skin’s surface. They are commonly red, blue, or purple and resemble a spider web, most often appearing on the face and legs.
Reticular Veins
Reticular veins are blue or green veins located just below the skin. They are larger than spider veins but do not bulge like varicose veins. These vein issues can result from factors such as prolonged sitting or standing, obesity, pregnancy, aging, heredity, and gender. In the U.S., about 50 to 55 percent of women and 40 to 45 percent of men experience some form of vein condition, with varicose veins affecting half of individuals aged 50 and older.
Benefits of Sclerotherapy
Whether your veins are large and bulging (varicose), clustered near the surface (spider), or blue/green and just beneath the skin (reticular), Sclerotherapy could be a solution for you!
Sclerotherapy works by collapsing the affected veins, allowing the body to reabsorb them, which helps diminish the appearance of abnormal veins and may restore the skin’s natural look.
