LOVE YOUR LEGS AGAIN...
June is here and we are wearing capris, shorts, swimsuits, biking shorts, etc... and some of you are noticing those spider veins on your legs... you don't have to live with them.
If your veins are unsightly or uncomfortable, they can be treated by injection of a solution that will cause them to disappear. This procedure is called sclerotherapy. Both spider veins and large veins can be treated with sclerotherapy.
Men and women of any age may be good candidates for sclerotherapy, but most fall in the 30-to-60 age category. In some women, spider veins may become noticeable very early on - even in the teen years. For others, the veins may not become obvious until they reach their 40's.
Sclerotherapy can improve your condition, but it's unrealistic to believe that every affected vein will disappear completely as a result of treatment. The tiniest veins may be too small, and may need a laser to treat, if possible. The largest veins may need micro-excision. After each sclerotherapy session the veins will appear lighter. Some patients may need two or more sessions to achieve optimal results.
Sclerotherapy is used to improve the cosmetic appearance of spider veins and to relieve some of the symptoms associated with spider veins; including aching, burning, swelling and night cramps. It is the primary treatment for small varicose veins in the legs.
The procedure uses a very fine, thin needle to inject a sterile sclerosing solution into the small veins. When the sclerosing solution is injected directly into the spider or varicose veins, it irritates the lining of the vein, which causes it to swell, clot, and stick together. Over about six weeks, the vessel turns into scar tissue that fades from view. During those six weeks it is more unsightly, so it is best done in the fall or winter.
Dr. Van Raalte can do this procedure right here at Iowa Plastic Surgery. The procedure is usually completed in 30-45 minutes. You may experience mild pain when veins are injected, but 98% of our clients have tolerated this well.
After the treatment you will be instructed to wear support hosiery or compression wraps to "compress" the treated vessels. In general, spider veins respond to sclerotherapy in three to six weeks, and larger veins respond in three to four months. If the veins respond to the treatment, they will not reappear; however, new veins may appear over time.
If you need more information on this procedure please contact
Christina at (563) 322-8877.
Ask about our September discount for this procedure.
