Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure used to get rid of spider veins. Spider veins are caused by the backup of blood that develops near the surface of the skin. They can be purple, red, or blue and have the appearance of a spider web, hence the name.
Is Spider-Vein Sclerotherapy Treatment Safe?
The treatment is extremely safe and is considered by many to be more effective than laser-based techniques. Sclerotherapy has been in use since the 1930s. It is a permanent solution to frustrating spider-veins.
Why Choose Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is the gold standard for treating spider veins. Additional benefits of the treatment include improvement of related symptoms like burning, night cramps, and swelling.
Results from the treatment show up after a few weeks, so it is relatively quick. The procedure takes anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour depending on the extent of the veins.
How Do I Prepare for the Procedure?
Let Dr. Kriegel know:
• About any prescription or medicines you are taking or have taken in the recent past
• About any allergies you have
• About any medical conditions that you might have
• If you’re pregnant, because most doctors will want to perform the procedure after your delivery
• If you smoke or take any oral birth control
Some medicines do not clash with the procedure, while others could have adverse, potentially dangerous effects. Dr. Kriegel will be able to advise you on the matter. Do not apply any lotion before the procedure.
How Does Sclerotherapy Work?
With the help of a very tiny and precise needle, Dr. Kriegel injects a salt solution into the affected veins. Following the injection, brief discomfort may be experienced; the duration of the discomfort varies based on the size of the vein and can be anywhere from one to two minutes.
The number of injections is dependent on factors like the size and location of the veins, as well as the medical history of the patient.
What Do I Need to Do After the Treatment?
• Compression dressings should be worn for a few weeks (one to three) after the treatment to maintain pressure on the treated areas.
• Exposure to the sun should be avoided for two weeks following the procedure.
• It is imperative to move your legs to maximize treatment results and prevent blood clots.
• Avoid anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen for 48 hours after treatment.
• Hot baths are discouraged to maximize results. Cold showers are recommended.
• Aerobic activity should be avoided for a few days after the procedure.
How Effective Is the Procedure?
50 to 80% of injected veins can be obliterated in a single session, with follow-up sessions recommended to improve results. Less than 10% of patients do not respond to sclerotherapy; for these patients, different solutions can be explored. The success rate is high for sclerotherapy, making it a preferred choice for many patients.
Find Out More During a Consultation
To treat your spider veins, contact our office and schedule a consultation with Dr. David Kriegel. Dr. Kriegel, a skilled dermatologic surgeon, will be happy to help.
