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Whenever
you slip into a dress or swimsuit, your legs become
part of your total appearance. If you sometimes
avoid showing your legs because you have spider
veins, you are not alone. It is estimated that
at least half of the adult female population is
bothered by this common cosmetic problem.
Today, there are very effective, safe and relatively
painless methods available for eradicating spider
veins.
We treat spider veins with a procedure known
as sclerotherapy. In some cases, these treatments
can also remedy the painful symptoms associated
with leg veins, including aching, burning, swelling
and night cramps.
What is Sclerotherapy?
- Sclerotherapy is a procedure in which the
veins are injected with a sclerosing solution,
causing them to collapse and fade from view.
What causes spider veins?
- A number of factors contribute to the development
of spider veins in the legs including:
- Heredity
- Pregnancy
- Hormonal shifts
- Weight gain
- Occupations or activities that require
prolonged sitting or standing.
Spider veins on the legs usually appear
in one of three patterns:
- Simple linear – these veins appear as
thin, separate lines, and are commonly seen
on the inner knee or on the face.
- Arborizing – these veins resemble tiny,
branch-like shapes in a cartwheel pattern, often
seen on the outer thigh.
- Spider – these veins radiate outward
from a dark central point.
You should not have Sclerotherapy if
you:
- Are pregnant
- Breastfeeding
- Have varicose leg veins that are related to
more serious vein disorders
- Have a medical condition that affects your
heart or your circulation
- Have a history of blood clots in your legs
During your consultation you will be
asked
- Questions about your physical health.
- Your cosmetic goals.
- If you may have had any problems in the area
to be treated such as pain or previous injuries.
- Any surgical procedures that have been performed
near the area to be treated, including any previous
vein treatments.
- Medications that you are taking or have taken
previously, including dietary or herbal supplements.
- Any medical conditions, such as hepatitis,
AIDS, or other blood-borne diseases, circulatory
problems, heart problem, diabetes, or asthma.
What you can do to prepare for your spider
vein treatment
- Avoid medications that may complicate your
treatment such as aspirin products that thin
your blood
- Bring support hose to the office on the day
of the treatment
- Avoid moisturizers or lotions on your legs
the day of the treatment
- Most patients bring a long skirt or slacks
to the office so that their legs can be covered
after the procedure
What is the procedure for Sclerotherapy?
- A sclerosing solution is injected into each
affected vein, causing the vein to collapse
and fade from view. Although every patient is
different, you can generally expect to receive
one injection for every inch of spider vein
that is treated. A cotton ball and compression
tape is applied to each injection site as it
is finished. Two or more sessions, each lasting
less than an hour, are usually required to obtain
optimal results.
What to expect after treatment
- You will be instructed to wear support hose
to help your legs heal
- You may feel some cramping in your legs for
the first day or two after treatment. This discomfort
is temporary and usually doesn’t require
medication.
Your first week after treatment
- You will be encouraged to walk.
- The tape, cotton balls or any other dressings
(if used) can removed after 2 days.
- The treatment sites will appear bruised.
- You may stop wearing your support hoses.
- If your leg veins were severe, you may be
instructed to continue wearing the stockings
for 3-6 weeks.
- It is recommended to refrain from prolonged
sitting or standing in one place for more than
an hour or two.
- Avoid squatting, heavy lifting and running.
Within one month of treatment
- The bruises will diminish
- You will begin to feel more comfortable wearing
leg-baring fashions
- You can resume regular exercise
For your information
- After about a month of healing, you may be
ready for a second vein treatment.
- With each treatment, you will notice continued
improvement.
- Most patients are very pleased with the results.
- You can expect your skin to appear clearer,
more healthy-looking
- You should understand that your treatment
will not prevent new spider veins from surfacing
in the future.
- As time passes, you may find that you need
further treatments to take care of any new veins
that may emerge.
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