Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment that helps remove or minimize spider veins, those thin, bluish lines found predominantly on the legs and face. They get their name from the way they branch out like a spider’s web or branches on a tree.
While spider veins can be considered unsightly, they are typically not painful or harmful. In fact, most people will develop spider veins at some point in their lives. You don’t have to live with these annoying cosmetic blemishes though. Sclerotherapy is a popular treatment option with minimal downtime.
What Are Spider Veins?
Spider veins in the legs and face are small damaged veins where blood has been cut off and flowed backwards. The resulting pooling and branching out can be seen underneath the surface of the skin. The thread veins found in the face are often the result of blood vessels bursting.
While it’s true that more women than men develop spider veins, this is a condition that does not discriminate. Vein issues generally begin between the ages of 18-35, with peaks between 50 and 60 years of age. Genetics play a large role in the development of vein issues, while health conditions like pregnancy, diabetes and circulation problems can also play a part.
In recent years, research has found the lifestyle and/or occupation of an individual contributes to vein health. Sitting or standing for long periods of time on a daily basis can increase the risk of spider and varicose veins.
How do we Get Rid of Spider Veins with Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive process in which a fine needle is used to inject a concentrated solution directly into the problematic vein. While there are multiple options for sclerosing agents, at Tannan Plastic Surgery we prefer hypertonic saline. Treatment of veins with hypertonic saline effectively seals them off by scarring together any feeder veins, allowing blood circulation to return to healthy, working veins. The treated veins are then slowly absorbed into the body. This safe, effective procedure causes spider veins to fade over time.
What Can I Expect in My Sclerotherapy Treatment?
A typical patient will require three treatments, spaced 3-4 weeks apart to get optimal results. Treatments last approximately 60 minutes and are performed in one of the Tannan Plastic Surgery procedure rooms by our highly experienced Sclerotherapist. Kristie Foushee, RN has been treating patients with Sclerotherapy for over 22 years.
Patients typically report minimal discomfort and occasional slight bruising at the treatment area. You will wear compression hose for 3 days after the Sclerotherapy procedure if done on your legs. We recommend that you avoid strenuous exercise the first three days after the procedure, but light walking is ok.
What is Recovery Like After Sclerotherapy?
To best ensure maximum success and results after Sclerotherapy, we recommend you avoid strenuous activities, very hot environments (hot tubs, saunas, hot showers) and exposure to the sun for a week following treatment. We also recommend wearing compression hose for 72 hours after your procedures.
Compression stockings are a good idea to wear when sitting or standing for long periods of time (i.e. long drives, airplane trips, etc.). Limit the amount of exercise for 3 days after your treatment. We are so excited to help you on this journey to put your best foot forward!
