What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a safe, effective medical procedure used by professionals for over 70 years to treat spider veins. It is often done for cosmetic reasons. However, in some cases, it may be medically necessary to treat venous disease or venous insufficiency and prevent complications.
What are Spider Veins?
Spider veins are swollen tiny blood vessels that look like a web-like formation of thin blue, red, or purple veins. They are visible beneath the surface of the skin and often appear on the legs or face. Spider veins are mostly harmless and usually have no symptoms.
Sclerotherapy Procedure
This procedure works well on spider veins because they are typically fine, small blood vessels that become dilated. The professional first cleanses the designated treatment area. Then, a salt solution is administered into the veins; this causes irritation of the lining of the blood vessels. This process is fast and simple, taking between 15 and 30 minutes. Eventually, the veins will close, shrink, and fade away in a few weeks.
How Sclerotherapy Works
Spider veins occur due to poor circulation of blood in the veins. Each vein has a valve that is meant to close to prevent a backflow of blood. When the valve is weakened or damaged, blood backs up and overloads the veins, causing them to appear swollen and raised above the surface of the skin. The salt solution administered effectively closes the veins and reroutes blood through healthier ones.
Is Sclerotherapy is Right for Me?
You may have tried self-care such as using compression stockings, elevating your feet, or losing weight to reduce the symptoms of spider veins. But the veins are still visible, possibly painful, itchy, and swollen. In this case, sclerotherapy may be a treatment option.
Good candidates for this vein procedure are best determined by a doctor. A physical examination and complete medical assessment will be done to decide whether sclerotherapy is a viable option for you. Persons who are pregnant or who have blood clotting problems my not qualify for this treatment.
To learn more about sclerotherapy, reach out to Plateroti Dermatology to make an appointment! At our two offices in Templeton, our team of professionals will be happy to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
