Sclerotherapy

Varicose veins are enlarged, dilated, and overfilled blood vessels caused by insufficient blood circulation and weak vascular walls. Varicose veins usually require treatment by a vascular surgeon, interventional radiologist, or other physician with expertise in removing these types of veins. 

Similar to varicose veins, spider veins are also caused by compromised blood vessels due to weak vascular walls and inefficient blood circulation. 

However, spider veins are a milder variation of varicose veins and refer to the smaller, reddish to purple veins near the surface of the skin that can be unsightly. They’re usually treated in a dermatology setting using less-invasive treatments, such as sclerotherapy.

Unfortunately, spider veins and varicose veins usually cannot be prevented. However, there are a few things one can do to minimize unwanted blood vessels from forming. 

For instance, wearing support hose and compression socks, keeping one’s weight at an average level, exercising regularly, eating a high-fiber diet, wearing low-heeled shoes, and using adequate sun protection are all things you can do to prevent unsightly veins.

Sclerotherapy treats spider veins and milder forms of varicose veins by damaging the compromised blood vessels with a sclerosing agent, which causes blood flow to reroute to healthier veins located deeper within the body. Over time, this damaged vein is absorbed into the surrounding tissue and fades away completely. 

Sclerotherapy is minimally-invasive and typically a pain-free procedure. However, there may be some discomfort, but anesthesia is usually not needed, and complications are infrequent, making it a quick and relatively easy procedure. 

There really is no significant recovery time for sclerotherapy. In our experience, the marks and bruising from the sclerosing agent resolves in about 6-8 weeks. 

Additionally, it’s important to follow some recovery steps. Following the sclerotherapy treatment, we recommend patients “pump” the sclerosing solution out of circulation with frequent walking. We will also bandage the injected areas and instruct the treated vessels to be compressed, as this may help seal the treated vessels, keep the blood from collecting under the skin and reduce the development of dark spots. 

We recommend the use of compression or support hose between sclerotherapy treatments. This may be particularly recommended for people who spend a lot of time on their feet or work in a standing occupation.

After a sclerotherapy treatment, we highly recommend patients wear compression bandages or stockings. This helps to keep blood circulating and reduce the development of dark spots. 

Furthermore, any discomfort after the spider vein treatment can be easily managed with over the counter pain medications and is alleviated by the use of compression bandages or support hose.