Real Spider veins at Plastic Surgery Clinic

Spider veins

Superficial leg veins, also called spider veins, telangiectasia, or Sclerotherapy, and star burst blemishes, are dilated small surface veins. The veins are usually pink, red, purple or blue and occur on the thighs, lower legs or ankles, in lines or clusters.

What causes these dilated veins?

Heredity, pregnancy, hormones, obesity, trauma, long periods of standing and sitting, have been implicated as predisposing factors. Dilated veins have also been found to be more common in females.

Is there any way to prevent the veins from occurring?

Exercise, weight loss and support hose may help to limit the number of new veins, but nothing will help prevent a predisposed female from developing the veins.

How does sclerotherapy eliminate the veins?

Sclerotherapy is one proven method of treating unwanted leg veins. It involves the injection of a solution (dextrose & sodium chloride) into the dilated veins which causes them to scar and close off. This results in complete or partial disappearance of the vein’s color.

What happens during the sclerotherapy procedure?

A very fine needle is used to inject the veins. The needle feels like a small mosquito bite, and 15-30 seconds of mild discomfort or burning at the site of injection may be experienced.

Some patients experience a muscle cramp that lasts for a few minutes. The injected veins initially disappear completely as the blood is pushed out by the solution. When the blood flow returns the veins reappear, temporarily.

What are the possible side effects?

Bruising & Swelling: At the site of the needle entry and along the vein, swelling and bruising may occur. The swelling will resolve within 24 hours, and the bruising will fade within several weeks.

Tenderness: Tenderness may occur at the injection site and along the vein. This may persist for approximately 1-2 weeks.

Hives & Itching: Immediately following the injection, a hive-like reaction with itching may develop at the site. This usually subsides in 30 minutes.

Ulceration: A small ulcer may develop at the injection site which will crust and usually heals within 1-2 weeks.

Pigmentation Changes: Spider veins may leak during the treatment process leaving linear brown streaks or small brown spots which resolve within 6 months.

Cramping: Following injection of the veins around the ankle, cramping may occur. Rising up and down on the toes and massage will alleviate the discomfort.

"Vein Mats": A network of very small veins may develop near the injection site during the course of treatment. The veins clear up spontaneously or after repeated treatments.

What should I do following my treatment?

Pressure bandages will be applied and must remain on the legs for 24 hours. The bandages can then be removed and your normal routine can be followed. There is no restriction in activities following sclerotherapy.

How quickly will the veins disappear?

The fading occurs over the first month, but it may take as long as 2-3 months for some veins to completely fade.

Will every vein disappear?

In most cases, the larger, conspicuous veins will either be lighter and smaller, or possibly invisible. Many smaller veins will disappear completely, but every single vein will not disappear.

How many sclerotherapy treatments will I need?

This depends on the number of veins you have, how many veins are destroyed at the initial tretment, and how quickly they disappear. However, the average is about two to six treatment sessions to obtain a satisfactory cosmetic result.

How often can I have sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy may be performed approximately every 4-6 weeks. Re-treatment of the same area is only done if veins have not faded significantly.

Is there any reason I should not have sclerotherapy?

People with a history of phlebitis in the legs, diabetes, arterial or other vascular problems, or previous leg ulcers cannot receive sclerotherapy treatment.

Will sclerotherapy prevent new veins from occurring?

Sclerotherapy does not prevent new veins from appearing. It only treats veins that have been injected.

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