Spider veins are small blood vessels that are visible on the surface of the skin. They typically appear in red, blue, or purple colors. Sclerotherapy is an innovative vein reduction procedure that has been performed for nearly 80 years. A specialized sclerosant solution Asclera is administered directly into the targeted vein, causing it to irritate its lining and collapse. The body processes this collapsed vein as scar tissue and will progressively fade from view. Sclerotherapy requires no anesthesia or downtime, and you will just need to wear a compression stocking for a few days post treatment to speed healing and reduce swelling.
Removing spider veins can help treat a variety of symptoms including:
- Aches
- Itching
- Cramps
- Heaviness
Who is a good candidate for sclerotherapy/vein treatment?
Spider veins and varicose veins can be present in both men and women. Risk factors for spider and varicose veins include family history, excess weight, pregnancy, and prolonged standing or sitting. The incidence of spider and varicose veins usually increases with age, although in some cases, these dilated veins can develop as early as the teenage years. Sclerotherapy is an excellent treatment option for most people with spider and varicose veins. Pregnant or nursing women, as well as people with certain medical conditions, are not good candidates for sclerotherapy.
What kind of results can I expect from sclerotherapy/vein treatment?
Most patients experience outstanding results from sclerotherapy, reporting that their legs appear younger, clearer, and healthier. Most treated veins will fade within 6 weeks after treatment. Although treated veins will not reemerge, it’s important to understand that new veins may develop in the future.
How many treatments will I need?
Treated veins will appear lighter after each treatment. The number of treatments depends of the size of the blood vessels. Typically, patients often need between 2-6 sclerotherapy sessions to properly treat spider veins spaced four to six weeks apart. The treatments typically take about 30 minutes and are virtually painless. Follow up is required after each treatment to assess the patient outcome.