Spider veins on the legs can be a source of real concern for many women. These reddish-blue and purple discolorations can ruin your self-esteem and leave you covering up the area at all costs. But if shorts, skirts, and bathing suits are hidden in the back of your closet because of this unattractive condition, it’s time to do something about it. Sclerotherapy is the gold standard for treatment of spider veins on the legs. Laser treatment is also an option.
What’s Behind the Appearance of Spider Veins
Technically called telangiectasia, spider veins are dilated superficial blood vessels similar to varicose veins, but smaller and closer to the surface, in the skin. Spider veins can appear almost anywhere on the body, but most often show up on the legs, especially behind the knees. The good news is that they are harmless and don’t cause medical problems. Unfortunately, the jury is still out as to the exact cause of these enlarged veins, but some common indicators are genetics, age, alcoholism, and pregnancy, among others. They also tend to develop in the legs of people who stand for a long time, like nurses, due to the increased pressure in the legs.
Sclerotherapy to the Rescue
Even though they do not pose a threat to your health, unsightly spider veins can certainly do damage to your confidence. But there’s a minimally invasive remedy that can improve the appearance of spider veins called sclerotherapy. The most common treatment for spider veins, this procedure involves injecting a solution into the vein, which causes it to close, stopping the blood flow and fading the vein. The treated vein will fade away after a few weeks. Most people who have this treatment see a 50 to 90 percent improvement after a single treatment. A second treatment provides additional improvement. However, depending on the number of spider veins, Dr. Diwan may suggest multiple treatments to achieve the best results.
Is Sclerotherapy Painful?
Sclerotherapy is generally a well-tolerated procedure. A numbing cream may be used to reduce the minor discomfort from the needle puncture for the injection. Following the procedure, the targeted area may be a bit tender for a day or two, but nothing that should keep you from work or your normal routine, as there’s typically no downtime associated with this procedure.
Sclerotherapy Side Effects
Besides a little soreness following treatment, small bruises are expected at the needle puncture sites. Side effects that can occur include darkening of the skin over the veins and, rarely, a scar. These side effects are very uncommon. Having a tan at the time of the treatment or sun exposure after the treatment can lead to darkening of the skin. It’s best to have sclerotherapy when your legs are not tanned and avoid sun exposure. Fall and winter are a great time to have sclerotherapy. Longer clothing makes it easier to cover your legs to hide bruises and prevent sun exposure.
Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins in Westlake, OH
You don’t have live with unsightly spider veins any longer. If you’d like to learn more about this quick and easy treatment with Dr. Diwan, and you’re in the Cleveland area, please contact us to schedule your initial consultation for sclerotherapy at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center today.
Spider veins on the legs can be a source of real concern for many women. These reddish-blue and purple discolorations can ruin your self-esteem and leave you covering up the area at all costs. But if shorts, skirts, and bathing suits are hidden in the back of your closet because of this unattractive condition, it’s time to do something about it. Sclerotherapy is the gold standard for treatment of spider veins on the legs. Laser treatment is also an option.
What’s Behind the Appearance of Spider Veins
