Millions of women are bothered by unsightly veins. In fact, it is estimated that at least half of the adult female population is plagued with this common cosmetic problem.

Sclerotherapy is a rather simple procedure in which veins are injected with a sclerosing solution that causes them to collapse and fade from view. The procedure may also remedy the bothersome symptoms associated with unsightly veins, including aching, burning, swelling, and night cramps.

Spider veins?

Spider veins are especially common. Spider veins are small, thin veins that lie close to the surface of the skin and appear as red and purple spider-like shapes or starburst patterns. They may fan out along the thighs, inner calves, behind the knees, or around the ankles. They are known in the medical world as telangiectasias or sunburst varicosities. Although these super-fine veins are connected with the larger venous system, they are not an essential part of it.

Your veins do not look like spider veins

Reticular veins and true varicose veins (also known as varicosities) also cause cosmetic concerns. Reticular veins are deeper, darker veins that form bluish networks that crisscross over the thighs and lower legs. Reticular veins are larger than spider veins and are usually the source of spider veins. Eliminating reticular veins will help eliminate spider veins. Varicose veins (varicosities) are large veins resembling ropes that twist up and down the course of the leg or behind the knee. Varicose veins are most unsightly - they bulge, may be painful, and may even be prone to blood clots. For some patients, sclerotherapy can be used to treat varicose veins; however, surgical treatment or endovenous laser treatment is often required for this condition.

What causes spider veins?

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.

Are you a candidate?

Women of any age may be candidates for sclerotherapy. In some women, spider veins may become noticeable in the teen years. For others, the veins may not become obvious until they reach their forties.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you will 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.

Spider veins are not nearly as common in men. Men who have spider veins often do not 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 the treatment.

What can you expect from treatment?

Sclerotherapy can enhance your appearance and your self confidence, but it is unrealistic to believe that every affected vein will disappear completely as a result of treatment. After each sclerotherapy session, the veins will appear lighter. Two or more sessions are usually required to achieve optimal results. 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. Before you decide to have sclerotherapy, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your doctor.

What is the procedure?

A typical sclerotherapy session is relatively quick, lasting only about fifteen to forty-five 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, your 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 - anywhere from five to forty injections per treatment session. A cotton ball and compression tape is applied to each area of the leg as it is finished.

Foam Sclerotherapy

Instead of using a sclerosing agent in its liquid form, this technique utilizes these agents in a foam solution. Foam has a greater surface area than a liquid so much more of the vein comes in contact with the sclerosing agent. This allows us to treat even larger veins with faster more effective results.

Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy

High-tech ultrasound machines allow us to visualize the deeper veins that cause the problems with the veins seen near the surface of the skin. With ultrasound guided sclerotherapy we can see the needle and the vein deep under the skin and visualize that we are directly injecting the problem vein. Large varicose veins can go away quickly without the need for surgery. Spider veins often fade with fewer treatments and longer lasting results.

Endovenous Laser Treatment

Endovenous laser ablation is a new advanced technique for the treatment of varicose veins. This treatment has essentially replaced vein stripping. This minimally invasive procedure requires only local anesthesia. A small catheter with a laser tip is inserted through a needle and passed up the length of the affected vein. The laser heats the inside of the vein, which causes the vein to collapse. Recovery is quite mild and the procedure takes approximately an hour.

Laser Vein treatments

Some veins, such as the smallest spider veins or facial veins are best healed with lasers. If you are unsure of what you need, our consultations are complimentary.

What will the recovery period be like after the procedure?

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 24 to 48 hours. You may be instructed to wear the support hose for 72 hours or more. It is not uncommon to experience some cramping in the legs for the first day or two after the injections. This temporary problem usually does not 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. In many cases, residual brownish pigmentation occurs, which may take up to a year to completely fade. Although you probably will not want to wear any leg-baring fashions for about two weeks, your activity will not be significantly limited in any other way. You will be encouraged to walk to prevent clots from forming in the deep veins of the legs. During the period of time required to complete your treatment program, prolonged sitting and standing should be avoided, as should squatting, heavy weight lifting, and "pounding" type exercises such as jogging. A one-month healing interval must pass before you may have your second series of injections to the same site(s). After each treatment, you will notice further improvement.

What are the risks of sclerotherapy?

Serious medical complications from sclerotherapy are extremely rare, but may include the formation of blood clots in the veins, severe inflammation, adverse allergic reactions to the sclerosing solution, and skin injury that could leave a small but permanent scar. A common cosmetic complication is pigmentation irregularity - brownish splotches on the affected skin that may take months to fade, sometimes up to a year. Another problem that can occur is "telangiectatic matting," in which fine reddish blood vessels appear around the treated area, requiring further injections.

How do you prepare for the procedure?

You will receive specific instructions from your physician on how to prepare for your treatment. Carefully following these instructions will help the procedure go more smoothly. You will be instructed not to apply any type of moisturizer, sunblock, or oil to your legs on the day of your procedure. You may want to bring shorts to wear during the injections and your physician-prescribed support hose and slacks to wear home.

When scheduling your procedure, keep in mind that your legs may be bruised or slightly discolored for some weeks afterward. You probably will not be comfortable wearing shorts, a swimsuit, or a mini skirt until after your legs have cleared up a bit.

Where is the procedure performed?

Sclerotherapy of spider veins is a relatively simple procedure that requires no anesthesia. It will be performed in the doctor's office.

What will the recovery period be like?

Most patients are pleased with the difference sclerotherapy makes. The skin on your legs will appear younger, clearer, and more healthy-looking. If you have been wearing long skirts and slacks to hide your spider veins, you will now be able to broaden (or shorten) your fashion horizons. Often, patients are surprised at the dramatic difference in appearance between a treated leg and an untreated one. Although sclerotherapy will obliterate the noticeable veins for good, it is important to remember that treatment will not prevent new spider veins from emerging in the future. As time passes, you may want to undergo sclerotherapy again to treat new spider veins that surface.