Spider Vein Treatment ("Sclerotherapy")

Definition: Spider veins – tiny clusters of red, blue, or purple, visible vessels within the skin – can be treated with laser therapy or Sclerotherapy. The most common areas include thighs, calves, and ankles. Both treatments can be used in conjunction or independently.

Is it right for me?
Women of any age may be good candidates for sclerotherapy. In some women, spider veins may become noticeable very early on - in the teen years. For others, the veins may not become obvious until they reach their 40s. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you may be advised to 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 sclerosing solutions may affect breast milk, nursing mothers are usually advised to wait until after they have stopped breastfeeding. Spider veins in men aren't nearly as common as they are in women. Men who do have spider veins 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.

Surgery: 15 to 45 minutes. During Sclerotherapy, one injection is administered for every inch of spider vein, causing the lining of the vein walls to swell, stick together, and eventually seal shut. (Electrodesiccation is similar to Sclerotherapy except the veins are closed off with an electrical current instead of injected solution). Laser surgery directly sends strong bursts of light onto the vein, making it slowly fade and disappear. All skin types and shades can be treated with laser surgery.
Patient Status – outpatient. Anesthesia – none.

Risks: Sclerotherapy: Formation of blood clots in the veins, severe inflammation, adverse allergic reactions, and skin injury. Cosmetic complications include pigmentation irregularity and telangiectatic matting; the development of new tiny blood vessels around the treated vessel, requiring further injections. Laser therapy: Semi-permanent or permanent skin lightening in treated areas. Burns or injuries caused from heat.

Side Effects: Sclerotherapy: Temporary cramping. Bruising and reddish areas at the injection site. Brownish pigmentation may take up to a year to fade. Laser therapy: minor bruising.

Recovery time: Sclerotherapy and laser therapy: No downtime; patients can immediately return to work and resume all normal activities. Refrain from vigorous activities for first 24 hours.Sclerotherapy and laser therapy: The appearance of spider veins is significantly diminished, with skin returning to a more natural state. Both treatments may require multiple “touch ups,” and do not prevent the emergence of new spider veins.