SCLEROTHERAPY (Spider Vein Treatment)

So you think you will never comfortably wear shorts again because of those spider veins? Think again!

Spider veins, also known as telangiectasias, or sunburst varicosities, are tiny veins that lie just below the surface of the skin. They are connected to your larger vein system, but are not necessary for circulation. Spider veins are tiny compared to varicose veins, which are definitely similar, but are larger veins that bulge and can become painful with prolonged standing. These usually require a different type of treatment or even surgery.

Many factors contribute to the formation of spider veins. Some of the common causes include prolonged standing or sitting (occupational), hormone imbalances, medication side effects, rapid weight gain, pregnancy, or simple heredity. Some estimates place half of the adult female population of the US with this unsightly condition.

Treatment

Sclerotherapy can significantly diminish the appearance of existing spider veins, however, it cannot prevent new ones from forming. This treatment can also reduce the symptoms that are commonly associated with spider veins, which include localized burning, cramping and swelling.

Sclerotherapy refers to the treatment of spider veins by damaging the walls of the veins, which causes them to contract by forming scar tissue (sclerosing) and sealing the vein closed. This biological process normally takes about 72 hours. In today's world, there are at least two ways this may be accomplished. Historically, doctors have been injecting toxic substances (sclerosing solutions) into spider veins for several decades now. As can be imagined, dozens, if not hundreds of painful injections were required using this technique. Moreover, the process was time-consuming and tedious.

Though effective and predictable, potential complications using this procedure include the formation of small blood clots that form in the veins, allergic reactions to the sclerosing solution, and "brown spots" at the sites of injections that take some time to fade.

Over the past decade, lasers have become more popular, and are now considered the "gold standard of care" for unsightly spider vein removal.

Our laser focuses on the hemoglobin in the veins, and as energy is absorbed, the blood is super-heated and the vessel wall is destroyed (sclerosed). The vein subsequently dies some days or weeks after treatment, and our body clears away the tissue, as it would clear a bruise. In general, veins up to 4 mm can be treated in this way.

Regardless of the treatment modality, veins are under pressure, and even though you may be paying attention to all the precautions (wearing ACE wraps, no hot baths, and no exercise for 3 days), the body may be able to reopen a vessel. For this reason, we encourage a 6-week follow-up appointment to re-treat any vessels that were re-opened. This treatment will dramatically affect your final outcome. Usually a second treatment is scheduled 6 months after the first if needed. Because people who make veins, will make more veins, we recommend follow-up treatments yearly after the desired results have been met. Vein clusters, venous lakes and facial telangiectasias are all treated in a similar way.

Everyone is different in their motivation to have these treated. Some may want their veins completely cleared, while others simply want them to be less visible during everyday life. For this reason, we encourage you to discuss your expectations during your consultation so that we can outline potential limitations and assist you with obtaining realistic goals that might avoid later disappointment.

Realistically, multiple treatment sessions (2 or 3) will be required if complete clearing of unsightly veins is desired. This technique is only recommended on veins less than 4 mm diameter, and the larger, unsightly varicose veins may require surgical treatment in another center. In this regard, we will be happy to assist you with an appropriate referral to a varicose vein treatment center.

This procedure can be painful, especially with the larger veins, as they will tend to get hotter. An analgesic may be advised 1 hour prior to treatment if this is the case. The discomfort is limited to the actual laser treatment. There is no downtime. You will be advised to avoid exercise, and hot baths for 3 days post-procedure. Aside from a tension ACE wrap which is worn to help prevent the re-opening of blood vessels during the first 3 days, no special care is required. The procedure is very fast and standard treatments can be accomplished in 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the patients pain threshold and the extent of the disorder. Potential complications include redness or bruising over the treatment area, and changes in pigmentation. All of these are usually self-limited, and require no specific treatment.

Call our licensed treatment specialist and make an appointment for a consultation at (936) 699-4330.