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Spider veins, or telangiectasias, are tiny visible vessels just underneath the skin. They develop most commonly on the face and legs and can cause discomfort as well as have an unsightly appearance. These veins are purple, blue or red and usually appear in three basic shapes: linear, "sunburst" pattern and branch-like/spider shaped. Spider Veins are common vascular abnormalities, present in up to 30 % of men and 50% of women in the If spider veins are bothersome, they can be treated with; sclerotherapy (injection of a special solution), the laser, electrodesication, and intense pulsed light. They can disappear or become much smaller. There is about an 80 – 90% chance for a greatly improved appearance. Sclerotherapy remains the primary treatment for telangiectasias of the lower extremity, which are commonly located on the thighs, ankles, and calves. Treatment of telangiectasias can greatly improve their appearance and there associated painful symptoms. Spider veins are not the same as varicose veins. Spider veins are not necessary for the body, while varicose veins are necessary. Varicose veins are much larger and darker in color. Varicose veins are often painful and can be related to a more serious medical condition. Separate treatment is usually necessary for varicose veins. Spider veins can occur because of genetics, with hormonal changes, during pregnancy, weight gain, repeated prolonged sitting or standing, minor trauma, contraceptives and the use of certain medications. . Spider veins resulting from pregnancy usually disappear three month after delivery. Anyhow it is recommended to delay the treatment if you decide to breastfeed. Spider veins are known to burn, swell, and ache. They can be unsightly and interfere with your lifestyle. In our office treatments usually include; Micro-Sclerotherapy, Foam Sclerotheropy and the Hyfrecator. The Laser and Intense Pulse Light are also an option.
Micro-Sclerotherapy involves injecting a liquid agent through a ultra fine needle into the spider veins, causing them to become inflamed, contract and eventually close. This is done under magnification and multiple veins can be injected at each session. Foam micro-sclerotherapy is a newer type of injection therapy using a foamed version of the sclerosing solution. Sclerotherapy is an office procedure and does not require anesthesia. Discomfort is minimal. In our office the sclerosing agents that are used are hypertonic saline and SOTRADECOL™ (sodium tetradecyl sulfate). SOTRADECOL™ is FDA approved as an injectable sclerosing agent. Hypertonic saline is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for injection, but its use in sclerotherapy is off-label. After the treatment, the injected areas is "compress" by wearing support hose. This may help seal the treated vessels, keep the blood from collecting under the skin, and reduce the development of dark spots. It also may reduce the number of treatments necessary, and the possibility of recurrence. A session lasts about 15 to 30 minutes and usually needs be repeated to achieve optimal results. You can immediately resume work and all normal activities but you should refrain from vigorous activities for the first 24 hours. The fading process is gradual with treated veins fading slowly up to months after the last treatment. Each vein may respond differently. Some will thin and narrow, some will disappear, some will stay open and need to be reinjected, and some will become clotted with blood.
Side Effects and Cautions They include but not limited to: temporary bruises, brown spots, red raised areas, small crusts or ulcerations at the injection sights. If a brown streak occurs along the course of the treated vessel, it will fade without treatment. Some vessels may require two to four treatments before responding completely. Ankles can swell for a few days. Thrombophlebitis (blood clot) of the treated vessel occasionally occurs. It is usually superficial and responds well to aspirin (or other similar anti-inflammatory drugs), heat, and antibiotics (infrequently needed). Infrequently, Telangiectatic matting, tiny new vessels develop at treatment sights. They are treated the same way the original vessels were. Rarely, allergic reactions and scaring can result, needing treatment. Candidates with certain medical conditions such as blood-borne, infectious, and cardiac diseases, as well as those with high blood pressure or diabetes, may not be able to receive sclerotherapy. Women who are pregnant are not candidates as the spider veins usually resolve naturally within months after childbirth. Nursing mothers are advised to postpone treatment until their breast-feeding term is complete.
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Spider Veins /
Micro - Sclerotherapy