Summer is all about beach time, barbeques, and yes that cute skirt you've been waiting for months to wear. It isn’t about hiding your legs — and your unsightly veins — under layers of clothing. If you're struggling with spider veins, sclerotherapy may be right for you.
Here at Plateroti Dermatology in Templeton, California, Dr. Carmelo Plateroti and our highly skilled team approach all your dermatology and aesthetic concerns with an integrative approach combining the most effective aspects of Western medicine and the best holistic care. With more than 30 years of experience among us, we provide a wide range of services, including sclerotherapy.
Also known as thread veins, spider veins can be red, blue, or purple and form thin lines, branches, or webs often on the surface of the legs. Sometimes they can cause discomfort, but most of the time, they are typically painless. They occur when valves inside the veins become damaged or weakened and no longer close, preventing blood from flowing backward. The blood pools causing the vein to bulge and branch out.
A number of risk factors can increase your chances of developing spider veins, including family history, being a woman, being older, and/or being overweight. Hormones from birth control pills or menopause treatments, prolonged periods of sitting or standing, and being pregnant can also make their development more likely.
Used since the 1930s, sclerotherapy is performed by injecting a salt-based solution into the vein with a very fine needle. This, in turn, causes irritation in the lining of the blood vessel, which results in collapsing and blood clotting. Over time the blood vessel becomes scar tissue that fades and disappears. Most people are good candidates for sclerotherapy as long as they are not pregnant or haven’t had problems with blood clotting.
We begin with a consultation appointment to evaluate your spider veins and medical history as well as discuss your goals. The procedure is performed in our office and typically takes from 15-30 minutes. The number of veins injected at once depends on the location and size as well as your general health. Most people see results within a few weeks, though for some, it can take a month.
Soon after the procedure, you will be advised to get up and walk around to encourage good blood flow. The wearing of compression stockings for a couple of weeks will be recommended in addition to avoiding strenuous workouts and sun exposure. Most people are able to resume their regular activities on the same day as the procedure, but it's a good idea to have someone drive you home.
If you're tired of wearing long pants and skirts to hide your spider veins, click our request appointment button today, or call us at 805-434-2526 to find out if sclerotherapy is right for you.
