Spider Veins

SCLEROTHERAPY
Are those unsightly spider veins on your legs and body causing unnecessary stress and embarrassment? Sclerotherapy is the most effective treatment option to permanently liminate those bothersome and unwanted veins. This treatment can now allow you to show off those smooth, beautiful legs again. Although often used for spider veins of the legs, sclerotherapy can be used almost anywhere on the body.  

What are Spider Veins?
Spider veins are superficial, small, thin unsightly single or clusters of red, blue, or purple veins
that usually appear on the thighs, calves and ankles and occasionally on the face, abdomen,
and other areas of the body. These vessels are located in the uppermost portion of the skin's
surface. Millions of men and women are bothered by spider veins with an estimated 50% of the adult female population and 15% - 20% of the adult male population shares this cosmetic
problem. These veins are not an essential part of your skin’s blood supply so their elimination
will not harm your skin or health. Although they are unsightly, they can also cause aching,
swelling, burning and night cramps.  

What Causes Spider Veins?
Spider veins are caused by factors such as: pregnancy, weight gain, prolonged standing or
sitting, long term sun exposure, and genetics. Certain medications, such as birth control pills
or hormone replacement medication can also cause spider veins. They form when deep blood
vessels have increased in pressure and there is a back flow of blood. Superficial blood vessels are formed at the skin surface to relieve this pressure, thus creating spider veins.  

What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a tiny needle with a sclerosing agent into the blood vessel. The introduction of the sclerosing agent will eventually disrupt the lining of the blood vessel wall and cause the vessel to collapse. The body will eventually absorb the blood vessel. Due to the size of the needle and sclerosing agent used, there is practically no pain associated with the procedure.     

How long does the treatment take and how many treatments do I need?
Depending on the area being treated and the number of veins present, treatment times can last from 15-45 minutes. The number of treatments also depends on the number and characteristic of veins being treated.

What should I expect after treatment?
You are expected to keep the area wrapped in compression stockings or ice wraps for a few
days to keep the spider veins closed and from reoccurring. Some veins will appear darker
before they get better. Although a majority of veins will disappear after one treatment, some
veins will require repeated treatments to be completely treated. Certain activities that generally cause increased pressure and dilation of blood vessels will need to be avoided for a few days after the treatment to prevent them from returning. Following completion of the treatment, you can expect smooth, beautiful, vein-free skin.  

What veins can be injected?
Only small to medium superficial spider veins can be injected. Sclerotherapy is not effective for large, bulging varicose veins.

Is the injection painful?
No. There may be a slight stinging or pinching sensation.

What are the potential complications of the procedure?
Serious complications are rare.  
Temporary side effects may include:

• staining or brown pigmentation
• bruising at the injection site
• allergy from the sclerosing agent

Can I return to normal daily activities after the procedure?
You are to refrain from prolong standing, heavy lifting, exercising, hot baths and showers,
saunas, steam rooms and any activity that would cause your blood vessels to dilate for 72
hours after treatment.

Before                                                  After

Before                          After                           

Before                          Afte