Sclerotherapy

Eliminate Those Unsightly Leg Veins

Although the cause of varicose and spider veins is unknown, hereditary factors play a significant role. Varicose veins tend to gradually increase in size and number and may eventually lead to degenerative skin changes in the lower legs. Dilated capillaries (or spider veins) may develop from an underlying varicose vein condition or may occur without deeper venous problems.

Spider veins are treated by injection, which involves placing a solution containing a sclerosing agent into the dilated vein. Direct pressure with cottonballs and tape encourages obliteration of the injected vein by compression, facilitating collapse and adherence of the walls of the vein, thus destroying the vein. Several treatments are usually required to obtain the desired cosmetic effect and some veins may not disappear.

After the injections, you may continue your normal activity. The cottonballs and tape are left in place for 2-3 hours. Support hose are recommended for at least three days after the procedure to maximize improvement and reduce discoloration and bruising. The following day you may be as active as usual with the exception that no high impact exercise, such as jogging or high impact aerobics, should be done for at least one week.