Millions of women are bothered by spider veins - those small yet unsightly clusters of red, blue or purple veins that most commonly appear on the thighs, calves and ankles. In fact, it’s estimated that at least half of the adult female population is plagued with this common cosmetic problem.
Today, many plastic surgeons are treating spider veins with sclerotherapy. In this rather simple procedure, veins are injected with a sclerosing solution, which causes them to collapse and fade from view. The procedure may also remedy the bothersome symptoms associated with spider veins, including aching, burning, swelling and night cramps.
Although this procedure has been used in Europe for more than 50 years, it has only become popular in the United States during the past decade. The introduction of sclerosing agents that are mild enough to be used in small veins has made sclerotherapy predictable and relatively painless.
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.
Spider veins usually take on one of three basic patterns:
Linear spider veins are commonly seen on the inner knee, whereas the arborizing pattern often appears on the outer thigh in a sunburst or cartwheel distribution.
Varicose veins differ from spider veins in a number of ways. Varicose veins are larger, usually more than a quarter-inch in diameter, darker in color and tend to bulge. Varicose veins are also more likely to cause pain and be related to more serious vein disorders. For some patients, sclerotherapy can be used to treat varicose veins. However, often surgical treatment is necessary for this condition.
Women of any age may be good candidates for sclerotherapy, but most fall in the 30-to-60 year old 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 as common as they are in women. Sclerotherapy is just as effective for men who seek treatment.
Sclerotherapy can enhance your appearance and your self confidence, but it’s 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.
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.
Before you decide to have sclerotherapy, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with the doctor.
A typical sclerotherapy session is relatively quick, lasting only about 15 to 45 minutes. Approximately one injection is administered for every inch of spider vein, anywhere from five to 40 injections per treatment session. 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.
Patients can return home shortly after sclerotherapy, and most can return to work and other normal activities the same day. Exercise and other strenuous activities should be avoided for 7 to 10 days. Compression and support bandages may need to be worn for a few days after the procedure, and some patients may experience mild bruising and pigmentation after sclerotherapy. These side effects usually subside on their own after a few days.
Since bruising may occur, it may be a few weeks before the true results of sclerotherapy are visible. Results are usually fully visible after 3 to 6 weeks. It is reported that up to 80 percent of damaged veins can be eliminated during each sclerotherapy session. Most patients are satisfied with the results of this procedure. Patients can help preserve the results of sclerotherapy and prevent new veins from appearing by maintaining an active lifestyle after the procedure.
Our unique Interactive Treatment Guide lets visitors identify the effective treatment options for their areas of concern on the face. With a customized treatment approach, wrinkles, lines, redness and scarring can be significantly reduced to produce a refreshed, younger-looking appearance.
