Sclerotherapy for Spider Vein & Varicose Vein Removal

Sclerotherapy

(Vein Removal)

Sclerotherapy is a safe, non-surgical method of removing spider veins and varicose veins.

Unsightly veins bother millions of women and it's estimated that at least half of the adult female population is plagued with this common cosmetic, and sometimes painful, problem.

Photos courtesy of youthfullook.com

Spider Veins (telangiectasias) are those small yet unattractive clusters of red, blue or purple veins that most commonly appear on the face, thighs, calves and ankles. They can appear as short, unconnected lines or in a spider-web or cluster pattern and can cover a large area of skin.

Varicose Veins are enlarged blood vessels that form beneath the skin surface when the one-way valves in the veins, that would normally channel the blood back to the heart, do not function properly causing blood to ‘pool’ in the veins. This causes stretching and creates swollen, twisted blood vessels that appear under the skin as blue, rope-like veins.

Today, many doctors are treating spider veins with Sclerotherapy. In this rather simple procedure, veins are injected with a sclerosing solution, which irritates and destroys the inner lining of the vessel causing it to disappear gradually over a period of weeks. An average of 50 to 90 percent of vessels can be eliminated.

Each session takes about 15 to 20 minutes, during which time multiple injections are administered. It may take several sessions, repeated at 3-4 week intervals, to achieve the desired results. The introduction of sclerosing agents that are mild enough to be used in small veins has made Sclerotherapy predictable and relatively painless.

The procedure may also remedy the bothersome symptoms associated with spider veins including aching, burning, swelling and night cramps.

Sclerotherapy requires no anaesthetic or sedation. The needles are so fine that the discomfort is minimal. Some patients feel a burning sensation that quickly subsides.

Following treatment, you may need to wear special compression stockings in order to keep pressure on the veins. Normal activities can generally be resumed within 24 hours and walking is encouraged for the promotion of blood flow through other healthy veins. Bruising or swelling of the treated areas usually disappears within a week.

In general, side effects associated with Sclerotherapy are minor and are far outweighed by the improvements that are possible, but it is advisable to ask your doctor about possible side effects as these can include;

brown lines or spots on the skin over the injected vein
the development of groups of fine red blood vessels
small ulceration of the skin at the injection sites
lumps in injected veins
inflammation of treated veins
allergic reactions to sclerosing solutions
or very rarely, deep vein thrombosis

Average Price Range: $200-$300 per session