Spider veins and reticular veins are a serious problem for many Americans, but with treatments like sclerotherapy available, it’s possible to get rid of those unsightly veins forever. Sclerotherapy is one of the most popular treatment options for the elimination of spider and reticular veins. But what exactly is sclerotherapy, and how does it work diminish these veins.
Spider veins are fine thread-like veins that lie close to the surface of the skin. They are usually red or purple in color, and tend to appear on the legs and face. Spider veins may be caused by obesity, genetics, and pregnancy. Reticular veins are smaller feeder veins that are blue or green in color. They often give rise to spider veins, and are generally hereditary.
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that is commonly used to treat both spider veins and varicose veins. It is an out-patient procedure that does not require anesthesia.
During the procedure, the physician injects a solution into the abnormal vein, which effectively seals it off. Since there is no longer any blood flow, the vein collapses and fades after a few weeks. However, the same vein may require several treatments.
There is no downtime after Sclerotherapy, so you can resume normally activities immediately. Patients are often asked to wear compression stockings, as it puts pressure on the veins in order to minimize swelling, and accelerate healing.