Spider veins, clinically called telangiectasia, are a relatively benign skin condition that appears as small red, purple and blue blood vessels on your legs, face or chest. Spider veins can be caused by rosacea, aging, genetics, pregnancy, sun exposure or varicose veins. Sclerotherapy treatment for spider veins is a recommended treatment option from your medical specialist in Manhattan.
This condition earned its name because its appearance resembles a spider web. While it is relatively harmless, most people feel a slight discomfort. You may feel aching, burning or mild pain after standing for prolonged periods.
Common Questions
Your vein doctor in NYC answers frequently asked questions about spider veins sclerotherapy such as:
- What is sclerotherapy for spider veins?
- Can sclerotherapy cause more spider veins?
Your vein specialist recommends the best vein treatments, which range from compression stockings to spider veins sclerotherapy.
What Is Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins?
Sclerotherapy treatment for spider veins is a medical procedure used to reduce the appearance of spider veins. Your NYC physician injects a chemical solution into your vein that irritates the blood vessel. Spider vein sclerotherapy creates a blood clot that forms a scar that disappears over time. Spider veins sclerotherapy treatment fades the intensity of unsightly lines in your skin long-term.
Sclerotherapy can also be used as a treatment to improve blood flow in your veins or to target chronic swelling. A common question asked about sclerotherapy is: “Can sclerotherapy cause more spider veins?” The answer is typically no; you may see bruising around the injection site for a few weeks, but generally you should see immense improvements as time progresses.
What About the Procedure?
Prior to undergoing the procedure, you consult with your NYC vein doctor to see if you are eligible for spider vein sclerotherapy treatment. If you are pregnant, nursing or have experienced blood clotting in the past, you may not be eligible for sclerotherapy treatment.
Sclerotherapy treatment for spider veins is done in the office of Manhattan Vein Specialists of NYC. During the procedure, a solution is injected via a small needle right into the problem vein. You may feel slight discomfort, stinging or cramping for a few minutes while the solution is injected.
The entire procedure can take around 30 minutes, and you can get multiple veins treated during one session; however, it depends on the size and location of each. Your doctor then applies compression to the injection site and massages the area to spread the solution.
After the Spider Vein Sclerotherapy Treatment and Other Options
Spider vein sclerotherapy treatment is an outpatient procedure, so you’re able to get up and walk around afterward. After you are cleared to leave, you can return to work that same day. For up to three weeks after the procedure, however, wear compression clothing. And don’t let your treated areas get any sun exposure, as it can potentially cause dark spots on your skin.
When considering laser vs. sclerotherapy for spider veins, the latter often has less side effects and is a more effective means of ridding spider veins than laser surgery. While comparing laser vs. sclerotherapy for spider veins as a treatment option, you will find that laser surgery may potentially have more side effects, including redness, bruising, swelling and skin tone changes.
Side Effects of Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins
Always consider the risks from every medical procedure, but you can drastically reduce the side effects of sclerotherapy for spider veins if you choose a vein doctor who’s trained and experienced in the procedure. The most common side effects of sclerotherapy for spider veins include:
- Temporary swelling at the injection site
- Bruises on or around the injection site
- Pain at the injection site
- Localized hives
- Migraine headaches
- Red and raised skin
- Itchiness
- Hyperpigmentation along the treated vein
Most side effects occur temporarily. Contact your NYC doctor if any of the side effects are prolonged or intense. If you experience any severe side effects such as severe inflammation, blood clots or an allergic reaction, seek medical attention immediately. Visible side effects should fade or go away completely a few weeks after the procedure.