Minimally Invasive Revolution in Spider Vein Treatment
Why do I have Spider Veins?
Spider Veins are a very common occurrence and are caused by heredity, pregnancy, weight and occupations that require you to stand on your feet for long periods of time or sitting for long periods of time. We will look at your legs during consultation and if varicose veins are visible, we will refer you to a physician who specializes in varicose veins treatment. Spider veins can be related to underlying problems in the deeper and larger veins in the leg. If that is the case, that must be treated first before treating the spider veins to ensure that your spider veins will resolve.
Spider Veins Before Treatment
Spider Veins After Treatment
Treatment of Spider Veins
A combination of laser and sclerotherapy is the most effective method of eliminating spider veins. Usually the laser is used first on the smaller spider veins, and then sclerotherapy of the larger spider veins and underlying feeder veins (reticular veins) is done. This combination is effective and reduces recurrence. The laser can treat many skin types but cannot to be used on Hispanic, Indian, African America, or tanned skin. Treating these skin types with laser will cause burns and potential scarring. In these cases, sclerotherapy is used. The spider veins will look worse immediately after treatment. Initial bruising, redness and irritation should be expected. It takes 6-8 weeks for this to resolve. Treatment sessions last approximately 45 minutes and are done at four-week intervals to achieve optimal results. It usually takes 4-6 treatments to shrink and fade spider veins. You should not have sun exposure or go tanning 1 month prior to laser treatment of spider veins. The majority of people have minimal discomfort and satisfying results. Compression stockings should be worn for a week after each treatment to minimize bruising and decrease healing time. As a service to our patients, we have excellent compression stockings which we can custom fit for you which we sell at a significant discount. You should bring your compression stockings to each treatment session. Since insurance companies usually consider spider veins cosmetic, these procedures are not covered by insurance.
What are the complications of spider vein treatment?
Sclerotherapy is very safe but with any procedure, there are some minor potential risks. The most common is mild itching and bruising. This itching resolves in a matter of minutes and the bruising resolves in 5-7 days. There have been rare reported cases of allergic reaction and on occasion, a small sore can occur at the injection site that resolves in 6-8 weeks.
Do the spider vein treatments hurt?
When doing sclerotherapy, a very small needle is used and many people hardly know they are being injected. The solution is not painful and this makes sclerotherapy a very tolerable procedure. Laser treatment causes a hot sensation which can be uncomfortable during the treatment, but you will leave with little or no residual discomfort. If pain medication is needed after the treatments, Advil, Tylenol or Ibuprofen can be used.
