Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is minimally invasive treatment that includes an injection of medicine in the site of the small to medium size veins which makes them shrink. After the procedure veins will dissolve over a period of weeks as the body naturally absorbs the treated vein.

Unlike laser treatment, the sclerosing solution additionally closes the "feeder veins" under the skin that are causing the spider veins to form, thereby making a recurrence of the spider veins in the treated area less likely. Multiple injections of dilute sclerosant are injected into the abnormal surface veins of the involved leg. The patient's leg is then compressed with either stockings that they wear usually for two weeks after treatment. Patients are also encouraged to walk regularly during that time. It is common practice for the patient to require at least two treatment sessions separated by several weeks to significantly improve the appearance of their leg veins.

Spider Veins

Spider veins appear as red or purple sunbursts on the skin surface, and can occur on the face, legs or ankles. They can itch, and can be found alone or in combination with varicose veins. They are not a health risk alone, but are often a cosmetic concern. Most spider veins are treated with a combination of sclerotherapy and laser ablation. These combined treatments offer the best long term results.

Varicose veins

Veins normally function to return blood to the heart. Valves in the veins close after blood travels up the vein, preventing blood from backing up down the vein. Valves can become abnormal for a variety of reasons, including trauma, pregnancy, or hereditary factors. Once the valve becomes abnormal, the vein below the valve is exposed to higher pressure and can become larger. Other valves and veins nearby are exposed to the higher pressure and can also dilate.