Spider Vein Treatment with Sclerotherapy

Improve or eliminate unsightly and painful spider veins with Sclerotherapy.

Questions about Sclerotherapy? Sclerotherapy FAQs

Unwanted and unattractive blood vessels called spider veins appear mostly on the legs, face, and occasionally elsewhere. Spider veins can be short, unconnected lines, each about the size of a large hair, connected in a scraggly, 'sunburst' pattern, or look like a spider-web or a tree with branches. Sometimes they occur on a small area, or they can cover a large area of skin and be quite unattractive.

Varicose veins are larger, unwanted blood vessels that may be raised above the skin surface, and may occur along with spider veins. Some people with these unwanted blood vessels suffer from occasional pain, ranging from a dull throbbing pain to a burning sensation.

Spider veins may carry blood, but are not necessary.

Though unwanted blood vessels, such as spider veins and varicose veins carry blood, the great majority of them, especially spider veins, are not necessary. Since these veins are not needed for circulation, the question in treating them is how to eliminate them, not "repair" them.

Sclerotherapy causes existing spider veins to fade from view.

Spider veins can be treated with either sclerotherapy or laser treatments. A free consultation with Dr. Roche is the best way to determine which is the most appropriate treatment for you. Sclerotherapy is a rather simple procedure, in which 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.

Who should consider sclerotherapy treatment?

Women or men of any age may be good candidates for sclerotherapy. Spider veins are more common in women than men. Men who do have spider veins often don't 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 especially those with larger veins.

Sclerotherapy for varicose veins

Sclerotherapy for varicose veins is also effective. Using the same techniques as for spider veins, the doctor injects varicose veins with a sclerosing solution that causes the veins to collapse. Sclerotherapy for varicose veins usually makes varicose veins fade in a few weeks, although some veins may require additional injections. Sclerotherapy for varicose veins does not require anesthesia.

Preparing For Your Sclerotherapy Treatment

Prior to Sclerotherapy treatments, you should avoid certain medications. Talk to your doctor about all medicines you are taking before the procedure. It may be recommended that you avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, or other anti-inflammatory medications for 48-72 hours before sclerotherapy. It is also important to avoid alcohol a week prior to the procedure to reduce the chance of bruising. No lotion should be applied to the legs before the procedure so that the tape applied post procedure will stick.

What Should You Expect During Sclerotherapy

At the Elizabeth Roche , M.D. Med Spa we use an FDA-approved solution called Sotradecol® which is injected through a very fine needle directly into the vein. You may experience mild discomfort and cramping for one to two minutes, especially when larger veins are injected. The number of veins injected in one session varies, and depends on the size and location of the veins, as well as your general health.

Keep in mind that your treated veins will look worse before they begin to look better. When the compression dressings are removed, you may notice bruising and reddish areas at the injection sites. The bruises will diminish within one month. In rare cases, there may be some residual brownish pigmentation, which may take several months to completely fade.

Spider vein breakdown continues for days after Sclerotherapy.

While the actual Sclerotherapy treatment is short, the days that follow it are essential to successful spider vein elimination. The breaking down of the unwanted veins will continue after the treatment is over. Elevate your legs as much as possible and wear the compression hose continuously for five days. You will be able to do light exercise the day following your treatment, but should not resume any rigorous workouts for about a week.

Safely enhance your appearance by removing spider veins.

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 eventually appear lighter. Two or more sessions are usually required to achieve optimal results. Keep in mind that the Sclerotherapy treats only those veins that are currently visible; it does nothing to permanently alter the venous system deeper down or prevent new veins from surfacing in the future.

Get the Facts about sclerotherapy for varicose veins and spider veins

Of course, we'll be glad to answer your Sclerotherapy questions personally, so don't hesitate to call The Elizabeth Roche M.D. Med Spa in New Jersey at 201-505-1020.