SCLEROTHERAPY

Spider veins, or telangiectasias, are those tiny purple and red blood vessels found most commonly on the thighs or lower legs of women. They are hereditary and can form anywhere on the leg, from the top of the thigh to the ankle, and even on the face. Varicose veins are larger veins that usually appear raised with a bluish color and can be uncomfortable.  Your spider veins and varicose veins can be eliminated through a simple office procedure called sclerotherapy.

How It Works

Sclerotherapy, appropriate for varicose veins and spider veins, has been in use since the 1920s. During the procedure, a sclerosing solution is injected into the vein through a micro-needle. The tiny needle generally causes very little pain. The sclerosing solution causes the vein to turn white, then gradually disappear. A typical treatment may last for 30 minutes (depending n how many veins exist) and consist of multiple injections.

What to Expect

Prior to treatment, we will review your medical history to determine how long you have had a problem with your veins and the severity of the problem. We need to know if the problem is exacerbated by physical activity and if there has been any prior surgery or treatment on your veins.

Most patients require multiple injections to completely correct their targeted veins. In most cases, about 50-70% of the treated vessels will be permanently resolved in the first session. However, new veins may appear in the future and additional treatments may be needed for optimum results.

Recovery & Results

You may be required to wear compression stockings to help keep pressure on the veins, which will reduce bruising and help keep the treated veins closed. Bruises around the treated areas usually disappear after the first week. A tan or brownish pigment may persist for 6 to 8 weeks when larger veins are involved.

Patients are generally encouraged to resume normal activities immediately. We do ask that you refrain from vigorous activities for the first 24 hours. Walking is encouraged because it increases blood flow through the other veins. Although your final results may not be apparent for several months, most patients experience a 60% to 80% improvement.

In addition to, sclerotherapy our patients often choose laser vein treatments as a safe and effective non-surgical treatment option for some small spider veins and varicose veins. At your private consultation, the nurse will help you determine which treatment plan will work best for you.

To learn more about our offering of vein therapies call our office at 860.657.1064 and arrange your private consultation today.

                                                    Before                                   After

Frequently Asked Questions: 

What are spider veins?

Spider veins or “telangiactasia” are small veins under the skin usually developing from dilated blood channels connected with underlying larger veins.

What is sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a method of treatment for spider veins in which a solution called a sclerosant is injected into the veins to cause eventual closing of the vein making it disappear.

Will sclerotherapy “cure” my spider veins?  

The majority of patients having sclerotherapy will have marked improvement in their visible spider veins.  Rarely are there poor results with little or no improvement. (“Poor results” means the veins have not totally disappeared after several treatments.)  Unfortunately, there is no cure for your genetic tendency to develop new spider veins.

How many sessions will I need?

The number of treatments needed to clear or improve the condition differs from patient to patient, depending on the extent of varicose and spider veins present.  The average number is 3. 

What are the possible side effects and /or complications of sclerotherapy?

Although quite rare some side effects with sclerotherapy include:Hyperpigmentation (darkened bruise), matting (tiny veins in the treatment area), trapped blood (small pocket of blood which can be removed), ulceration. allergic reaction,itchi ng, bruising, pain at the site and phlebitis (inflammation of the veins which subsides in a few days.)

What to expect after the treatment? 

We will ask you to walk for 20-30 minutes immediately following the treatment and daily. Remove cotton balls and tape the next morning.  Apply graduated compression hose immediately following the treatment, sleep in them 1 night and wear daily for  an amount of days specified by your nurse at the time of treatment.

You will be asked to avoid: prolonged heat exposure (hot tubs, tanning beds, etc), running or jogging, high impact aerobics, long periods of sitting or standing still as long as wearing compression hose.

Expect veins to look worse before looking better in approximately 4 weeks.