Sclerotherapy Consultation

• Decreases the risk of the vessel opening up.
• Decreases the incidence of post-treatment pigmentation.
• Minimizes the formation of telangiectatic matting (development of groups of fine red blood vessels near the sites of injection of larger vessels, especially on the thighs and ankles).
• Improves calf-muscle pump and decreases pooling of blood.
• Promotes sealing and faster resolution of treated veins.

WHAT ARE SPIDER VEINS?

Spider veins are clusters of small thin red, blue, and/or purple veins (up to 1 mm in diameter) that lie close to the surface of the skin. They may clinically resemble tree branches or intricate spider webs. They are typically found on the legs and occasionally on the face.

WHAT IS SCLEROTHERAPY, AND HOW DOES IT HELP WITH SPIDER VEIN REMOVAL?

Sclerotherapy is a proven, minimally invasive treatment for uncomplicated spider and reticular vein removal, (the green and blue feeder veins just under the surface of the skin).

Sclerotherapy involves injecting small doses of a sclerosing solution directly into the unwanted vein with a very fine needle. The injection “flushes” out the red blood cells temporarily, leading to an inflammatory reaction. This reaction causes “sclerosis” or the formation of fibrous tissue within the vessel, leading to the gradual disappearance of the vessel. This fading can take from a few weeks to a few months. In each treatment session, multiple areas can be treated, thus reducing the total number of sessions required. The total number of treatment sessions needed depends on the amount and severity of the veins (the average is 3-5), with severe cases requiring more.

Over 90 percent of patients see improvement with sclerotherapy. It is extremely rare for anyone’s condition to worsen because of treatment. Sclerotherapy is not recommended for patients with a known allergy to Polidocanol (Asclera®), a clotting disorder, or for patients who are pregnant or nursing.Once a spider vein removal session is complete, patients can continue to go about their regular activities. You will receive detailed post-care instructions. We recommend the judicious use of sunscreen always, avoiding strenuous exercise for 24 hours after therapy, and wearing compression stockings of 15-20 mm Hg during waking hours for about three to five days after therapy.