Sick of Spider Veins?

We’ve heard it all………..  “I haven’t put on a pair of shorts in years!”, “My son’s friend asked him what was wrong with his Mom’s legs.”, and the inevitable, “I DON’T WANT MY MOM’S LEGS!”   No matter the reason, no one really wants a roadmap on their legs.  And fortunately there is no reason to have to put up with this!  It is estimated that over 80 million Americans are affected by some degree of venous disease. And while some venous problems are difficult to treat, spider veins continue to be one of the easiest issues to treat with minimally invasive sclerotherapy. 

Spider veins, or “starbursts,” are so named because the series of veins often radiates out from a central point, reminiscent of the shape of a spider. They may also appear as fine, separate lines, a web-like maze, or as “branches” from a single “tree trunk.” They can develop on any part of the body, including the face, but most often appear on the thighs, calves, or ankles.  Spider veins appear in both men and women, but more frequently in women and they tend to be genetic. Female hormones may play a role in their development. Puberty, birth control pills, pregnancy, weight gain or injury may also cause spider veins to develop.

These veins are typically treated by either a laser procedure or an injection treatment.  The injection method is a procedure called sclerotherapy. This procedure has been used for spider veins since the 1930’s.  Sclerotherapy is considered the most effective treatment option by many of the leading specialists in the industry. One of several kinds of solutions called sclerosing solution is injected directly into the blood vessel with a very fine needle. The solution irritates the lining of the vessel causing it to stop carrying blood. Over a period of weeks, the vessel turns into scar tissue that fades, eventually becoming barely noticeable.  The blood is redirected to the healthy veins of the body.

After the procedure, the area is compressed with cotton and paper tape and the client will need to wear compression stockings for 24 hours, then during waking hours for the next week.  This will help seal the treated vessels, keep the blood from collecting under the skin, and reduce the development of dark spots. It also may reduce the number of treatments necessary, and the possibility of recurrence.  The client may drive after the procedure and walking is encouraged.  Clients should refrain from “warm” situations in which vessels would dilate for 48 hours.  These include hot baths, saunas, tanning salons or direct sunlight.

Spider veins will typically turn brighter red after injection and then gradually fade in three to six weeks.   If the veins respond to the treatment, they will not reappear.  If there are areas that did not completely fade, they may be retreated in 6 weeks. However, new veins may appear at the same rate as before.