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You are here: Home > Procedures & Treatments > Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy
It's estimated that half of the female population and a growing number of men have spider veins and mild varicose veins. Contributing factors are heredity, weight gain, pregnancy and hormonal changes, along with occupations that require long periods of sitting, standing and air travel.
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure used to treat Spider Veins. The treatment involves an injection of a solution (generally sodium chloride) directly into the vein through a micro-needle. This solution irritates the lining of the vessel, causing it to swell and stick together and the blood to clot. Over time the vessel turns to scar tissue and fades from view. Sclerotherapy is a well proven procedure that has been in use since the 1930's.
Sometimes Laser treatment is preferable to Sclerotherapy. This method is often used to remove spider veins on the face, which tend to be closer to the surface of the skin. However, laser treatments cannot penetrate deeply enough to successfully treat most cases of veins on the legs. Sometimes a combination of Laser treatment & Sclerotherapy is recommended.
What is the Difference Between Spider & Varicose Veins?
Spider veins (telangiectasias) are those tiny purple & red blood vessels found most commonly on the thigh or lower legs. They are hereditary and can form anywhere on the leg, from the top of the thigh to the ankle.
Varicose veins differ from spider veins in a number of ways. Typically, varicose veins are larger, usually more than a quarter inch in diameter, darker in color, tend to bulge and can become quite painful.
Other treatments to consider: Laser Vein Removal & Compression Stockings.
