WHAT ARE SPIDER VEINS?

Spider veins are small, thin 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 and other events that cause hormonal shifts, weight gain, occupations or activities that require prolonged sitting or standing, and the use of certain medications.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM SCLEROTHERAPY (Spider Vein Treatment)

Sclerotherapy can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence. Patients are pleased with the difference sclerotherapy makes. The skin of your legs will appear younger, clearer and more healthy-looking. Often, patients are surprised at the dramatic difference in appearance between a treated leg and an untreated one. After each sclerotherapy session, the veins will appear lighter. Two or more sessions are usually required to achieve optimal results. You should also 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.

FREE CONSULTATION

During your initial consultation, you will be asked several questions and your legs will be examined by our Vein Specialist. You will be checked for signs of more serious "deep vein" problems, often indicated by swelling, sores, or skin changes at the ankle. A hand-held Doppler ultrasound device is sometimes used to detect any backflow within the venous system. Problems with the larger veins must be treated first, or sclerotherapy of the surface veins will be unsuccessful.

Our Vein Specialist will ask you about any problems you may have with your legs, such as pain, aching, itching or tenderness. You will also be asked about your medical history, medications you take, or conditions that would preclude you from having treatment.

PREPARING TREATMENT

You will receive specific instructions from our office on how to prepare for your treatment. You'll be instructed not to apply any type of moisturizer, sun block or oil to your legs on the day of your procedure. You may want to bring shorts to wear during the injections and pants to wear home after the procedure. When scheduling your procedure, keep in mind that your legs may be bruised or slightly discolored for some weeks afterward.

THE PROCEDURE

Before treatment, an ultrasound of your legs may be completed to assist the radiologist in treatment. Sclerotherapy of spider veins is a relatively simple procedure that requires no anesthesia, so it will be performed on an outpatient basis. A typical sclerotherapy session is relatively quick, lasting only about 15 to 45 minutes. After changing into shorts, your legs may be photographed for your medical records. You will be asked to lie down on the examination table and the skin over your spider veins will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution. Using one hand to stretch the skin taut, our doctor will begin injecting the sclerosing agent into the affected veins. Bright, indirect light and magnification help ensure that the process is completed with maximum precision.

Approximately one injection is administered for every inch of spider vein – there may be anywhere from five to 40 injections per treatment session. A cotton ball and compression tape may be 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 practitioner. You will be asked to shift positions a few times during the process. As the procedure continues, you will feel small needle sticks and possibly a mild burning sensation. However, the needle used is so thin and the sclerosing solution is so mild that pain is usually minimal.

AFTER YOUR TREATMENT

In addition to the compression tape applied during the procedure, tight-fitting support hose may be prescribed to guard against blood clots and to promote healing. The tape and cotton balls can be removed after 48 hours. However, you may be instructed to wear the support hose for 72 hours or more. It's not uncommon to experience some cramping in the legs for the first day or two after the injections. This temporary problem usually doesn't require medication. You should be aware that your treated veins will look worse before they begin to look better. When the compression dressings are removed, you will notice bruising and reddish areas at the injection sites. The bruises will diminish within one month.

You will be encouraged to walk to prevent clots from forming in the deep veins of the legs. However, during the period of time to complete your treatment program, prolonged sitting and standing should be avoided, as should squatting, heavy weight lifting and "pounding" type exercises, including jogging.

A one-month healing interval must pass before you may have your second series of injections in the same site. After each treatment, you will notice further improvement of your legs' appearance.

As time passes, you may find that you need "touch-ups" or full treatments for new veins that surface. But even if you choose not to have further sclerotherapy, your legs will look better than if you never had treatment at all.

THE BEST CANDIDATES FOR SCLEROTHERAPY

Women of any age may be good candidates for sclerotherapy, but most fall in the 30-to-60 category. 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. However, men do have spider veins and sclerotherapy is just as effective for men who seek treatment. Patients with circulatory problems, heart conditions, or diabetes may be advised against treatment. Individuals with hepatitis, AIDS or other blood-borne diseases may not be candidates for sclerotherapy.