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As a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), this physician is among a select group of board-certified plastic surgeons who have attained the highest level of achievement in cosmetic surgical training, continuing education and clinical experience.

Spider Vein Treatment (Sclerotherapy)

Laser Vein Removal and Sclerotherapy

Many people are unhappy by the appearance of spider veins on the face or legs. Spider veins are actually dilated or stretched blood vessels that appear on the legs, not “broken” blood vessels, as is commonly thought. Their precise cause is unknown, but heredity, excessive standing, weight gain, hormonal changes and pregnancy may be associated with some of the causes.

Sclerotherapy was developed in the 1920s for the treatment of spider veins (telangiectasias), small purple and red blood vessels. Spider veins are hereditary, and while most commonly found on the thigh or lower leg, can form virtually anywhere on the leg, from the uppermost region of the thigh to the ankle.

Occasionally, spider veins will appear on the face. Sclerotherapy has proven to be a very safe and popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure. A major benefit to this procedure is that there is no downtime and you can immediately resume work and all normal activities after the procedure. However, you are advised to refrain from vigorous activities for the first 24 hours.

There is little if any discomfort when undergoing treatment. The veins to be treated are marked while the patient is standing. Larger veins are usually treated first. A sclerosing solution is injected into the vein with a micro-needle. The solution causes the vein to turn white (blanch), and then gradually disappear. A typical treatment lasts from 30 minutes to an hour. Injection sclerotherapy can be an excellent alternative to surgery, provided the patient’s venous system is healthy. The complete removal of spider veins is not expected from the first treatment, and only about 50% to 70% of the treated vessels will be permanently gone. Generally, it is recommended to undergo 3 to 4 treatments for optimal results.

You may be asked initially to wear heavy-duty stockings to help keep treated veins closed and reduce bruising. On occasion, small clots can develop at the site of the injection. Color changes may also occur in the skin where sclerotherapy has been performed. In some cases, laser treatments may be an alternative to sclerotherapy. Also, if there is an underlying problem with the venous system, the veins will recur.

Laser vein removal and sclerotherapy can help treat your skin to appear more youthful. Both laser and sclerotherapy are effective, safe leg vein treatments. Advantages of the laser include no needles, the ability to treat small vessels (sometimes more difficult to do with sclerotherapy) and increased safety in treatment of certain areas, especially the ankle. Sclerotherapy is a relatively simple and easy procedure, and is less expensive.

Keep in mind that if you have extensive varicose veins, you may need deep sclerotherapy or surgical vein removal. This will be discussed with you at the time of your consultation.

Laser treatments are safe, non-surgical laser options that target vessels under the skin allowing the laser light to reach the blood vessels while bypassing the skin. The laser light is absorbed by the hemoglobin causing the vessel to coagulate and subsequently be absorbed by the body.

Typically 3 to 5 treatments are required and should be performed every 6 weeks. Some veins may disappear after one treatment while others may take longer. The amount of treatments necessary will depend on your particular skin condition.

It is possible that you experience temporary skin discoloration, reddening of the skin, bruising, and occasionally blisters. These conditions subside over a couple of weeks to a couple of months.

After treatment, sun exposure should be restricted to short periods of time with the use of sunscreen. After you have healed, you will need to constantly protect your new skin. In the early weeks and months following the treatment, your skin will be very susceptible to sun damage. It is recommended to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.