Sclerotherapy is the preferred method for eliminating spider
veins (telangiectasia) and smaller varicose leg veins. For
small, faint spider veins,
VBeam
laser therapy may also be used.
Multiple injections of a dilute sclerosing agent are injected
into the abnormal red, blue or purple spider veins of the
involved leg. Injecting the unwanted veins with the sclerosing
solution causes the target vein to immediately shrink, and then
dissolve over a period of weeks as the body naturally resorbs
the treated vein.
The patient's leg is then compressed with prescription stockings
that are worn for 1 week after treatment. Patients are
encouraged to walk regularly during that time. The patient
usually requires at least 2-3 treatment sessions separated by
several weeks to significantly improve the appearance of their
leg veins.
Are there side effects?
Side effects of treatment may include pain and swelling of the
leg for a few days after injection. Rarely, skin ulceration or
brown
hyperpigmentation may occur. In women taking
estrogen-containing drugs, the formation of tiny, new blood
vessels in the treated area can occur within a month after
treatment but usually resolves spontaneously by 6 months.
VBeam
laser can be used to treat these tiny vessels.
Will my spider veins return?
Usually the treated veins do not return. However, if you suffer
from underlying
venous
hypertension or varicose veins, spider veins may open
up on other areas of the legs after successful treatment. If
this occurs, you should see a phlebologist, a specialist in
venous disorders, who will examine your legs with
duplex
ultrasound . This test can determine if your deeper
veins are involved. If they are, correction of the underlying
problem should eliminate the spider veins.
