Spider Vein Removal
(sclerotherapy)
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Plastic surgeons have treated spider veins for over
50 years with spider vein removal (sclerotherapy).
In this rather simple treatment in which veins are
injected with a sclerosing solution, which causes
them to collapse and fade from view. The procedure
may also remedy the bothersome symptoms associated
with spider veins, including aching, burning, swelling
and night cramps. |
The Consultation
During your consultation,
your legs will be examined. The Doctor will map out
the areas affected by spider veins or other problems.
During the examination, you will be checked for signs
of more serious "deep vein" problems, often
indicated by swelling, sores, or skin changes at the
ankle.
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The Treatment
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Post-Treatment
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Using a small surgical needle, sclerosing agent
is injected into veins. Usually one injection
per inch of spider vein. The treatment takes anywhere
from 15 minutes to an hour depending on the scope
of work necessary.
It will usually take two or more treatments
to reduce the visibility of the spider veins to
a minimum. A one-month healing interval must pass
before you may have your second series of injections
in the same site. After each treatment, you will
notice further improvement of your legs' appearance.
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You will be required to wear tight-fitting support
hose to guard against blood clots and to promote
healing.It's not uncommon to experience some cramping
in the legs for the first day or two after the
injections.
You should be aware that your treated veins will
look worse before they begin to look better. When
the compression dressings are removed, you will
notice bruising and reddish areas at the injection
sites. The bruises will diminish within one month.
In many cases, there may be some residual brownish
pigmentation which may take up to a year to completely
fade.
Although you probably won't want to wear any
leg-baring fashions for about two weeks, your
activity will not be significantly limited in
any other way from sclerotherapy treatment.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
What are spider veins?
Spider veins - known in the
medical world as telangiectasias or sunburst varicosities
- are small, thin veins that lie close to the surface
of the skin. Although these super-fine veins are connected
with the larger venous system, they are not an essential
part of it.
Who are the best candidates
for sclerotherapy?
Women of any age may be good
candidates for sclerotherapy, but most fall in the 30-to-60
category. In some women, spider veins may become noticeable
very early on - in the teen years. For others, the veins
may not become obvious until they reach their 40s.
What to expect from sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy can enhance your
appearance and your self confidence, but it's unrealistic
to believe that every affected vein will disappear completely
as a result of treatment. After each sclerotherapy session,
the veins will appear lighter. Two or more sessions
are usually required to achieve optimal results.
Is sclerotherapy a new treatment?
Although this procedure has
been used in Europe for more than 50 years, it has only
become popular in the United States during the past
decade. The introduction of sclerosing agents that are
mild enough to be used in small veins has made sclerotherapy
predictable and relatively painless.
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