Dr. Bruce R. Hoyle, M.D.
Specialist in the Treatment of Varicose Veins
Sclerotherapy
for Spider Veins
What Are the Most Effective Treatments for Spider Veins? LASER | Sclerotherapy
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.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you may be advised to postpone
sclerotherapy treatment. In most cases, spider veins that surface during
pregnancy will disappear on their own within three months after the baby is
born. Also, because it's not known how sclerosing solutions may affect breast
milk, nursing mothers are usually advised to wait until after they have
stopped breastfeeding.
Spider veins in men aren't nearly as common as they are in women. Men who do
have spider veins often don't consider them to be a cosmetic problem because
the veins are usually concealed by hair growth on the leg. However,
sclerotherapy is just as effective for men who seek treatment.
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.
You should also be aware that the procedure treats only those veins that are
currently visable; it does nothing to permanently alter the venous system or
prevent new veins from surfacing in the future.
Before you decide to have sclerotherapy, think carefully about your
expectations and discuss them with your doctor.
Risks related to treatment
Serious medical complications from sclerotherapy are extremely rare when the
procedure is performed by a qualified practitioner. However, they may occur.
Risks include the formation of blood clots in the veins, severe inflammation,
adverse allergic reactions to the sclerosing solution and skin injury that
could leave a small but permanent scar.
A common cosmetic complication is pigmentation irregularity - brownish
splotches on the affected skin that may take months to fade, sometimes up to a
year. Another problem that can occur is "telangiectatic matting," in which
fine reddish blood vessels appear around the treated area, requiring further
injections.
You can reduce the risks associated with treatment by choosing a doctor who
has adequate training in sclerotherapy and is well versed in the different
types of sclerosing agents available. A qualified doctor can help you select
which type of sclerosing medication is most appropriate for your needs.
More about Spider Vein Treatments ...