Spider Vein Treatment
Both men and women suffer from unsightly spider veins, very thin web-like veins frequently located on the thighs, ankles, and calves.
read more closeSpider veins can crop up during pregnancy or appear due to hormonal changes, weight gain, prolonged standing or sitting, and from the use of certain medications. They can ache, burn and cause discomfort over long periods of time. During the procedure, a special solution (sclerosing agent) will be injected to collapse the vein. Your doctor will discuss which solution is best for you, as several are available.
Using a simple technique known as sclerotherapy, a bright light is directed at the vein as the doctor injects a sclerosing agent into the vein with a very small needle. By collapsing the vein, it will slowly fade, and the uncomfortable symptoms will subside. Typically each inch of vein requires at least one injection.
Each spider vein treatment can last 10 to 45 minutes. During one session, the doctor may inject the veins anywhere from five to 50 times. Repeated treatments are often required to achieve favorable results. Patients are asked to wear a leg compression stocking for 72 hours to help minimize bruising, swelling and possible hyperpigmentation (discoloration of the treated area). Initially, the veins will look worse after the treatment, but bruising will subside within a month. Patients are advised to walk often for the first few days after the procedure, but to avoid extended sitting or standing. The doctor may also advise patients to stop jogging, weightlifting or doing other forms of rigorous exercise for one month. Sclerotherapy, or spider vein treatment, does not require anesthesia.