IMPROVE THOSE UNSIGHTLY AND PAINFUL SPIDER VEINS
Telangiectasias, or "spider veins" affect about half of all women in the United States. Spider vein treatment (sclerotherapy) has been used for more than 40 years. The treatment has become increasingly useful for removing unwanted veins, wich are commonly located on the thighs, ankles, and calves.
Spider veins are not the same as varicose veins. Varicose veins are larger and darker in color. Varicose veins are often painful and can be related to a more serious medical condition. Spider veins are largely caused by heredity and hormones, and rarely, by trauma. Spider veins may appear in three different forms near the skins surface including very thin spider veins, very thin tree type veins, and very thin long single veins.
Sometimes the smallest veins are too little for even the tiniest needle. Those may be treated with a laser. Since the laser is less successful, has more risks, and is more costly, sclerotherapy injections are still the gold standard.
Spider vein treatment does not require anesthesia and the discomfort is minimal. Sclerotherapy is done in our office and takes about a half hour. Prior to the procedure, the doctor will ask you to follow specific instructions such as wearing shorts on the day of treatment and no use of moisturizers, sunscreen, or oil. Dr. Van Raalte recommends a special leg compression stocking to wear for 2 to 3 weeks after the treatment is performed.
The doctor will also discuss the type of solution (a sclerosing agent) that will be injected to collapse the vein. He uses sodium tetradecyl , which seems to have less risk than hypertonic saline. Dr Van Raalte will describe the choice of solutions and recommend the appropriate solution for your condition.
Sclerotherapy is a simple technique in which the doctor injects a sclerosing agent into the vein with a very thin needle, which clots the vein. The needle is very tiny and the injection locations are in close proximity.
The veins will appear worse before they improve. There will be bruising that reduces within a month. Patients will probably not want to wear clothing that shows their legs during this time. The doctor will also instruct patients to cease weightlifting, squatting, jogging, and possibly other forms of more strenuous exercise for 2 to 3 weeks.
Complications are rare, but the risk for short-term or long-term complications does exist. The most common complication is brownish-red discoloration on the treated area that usually resolves itself within a year. Telangeictatic matting can also occur, which displays itself as red-colored blood vessels that require additional treatment to resolve. Other more rare complications include deep vein thrombosis inflammation, allergic reaction to the injected solution, or scarring. There is a small incidence of recurrence or the apperance of new veins. Carefully following your doctor's aftercare instructions will reduce the risks of complications.
The cost of Sclerotherapy Treatment starts from about $400 for a session of six syringes. The treatment may need to be repeated to produce optimal results.
