How Effective is Sclerotherapy?

Have you noticed that you have developed spider veins? These are tiny, unsightly, visible small veins that form various patterns on the legs, ankles or even on the face and other parts of the body. They often appear in strange shades of blue, red and purple. You may have just a few, or your legs may be nearly covered with them. Incidence increases with age, but younger people can get them, too. Spider veins are generally harmless. They are often more of a cosmetic issue than anything else. Still, many people with this condition are embarrassed by it.

More Common in Women

More women than men have spider veins. Reasons include female hormones and pregnancy. Obesity, genetics and age are other factors for both sexes. Over half of all women in the United States have this condition to one degree or another. The good news is, you don’t have to live with spider veins. Vein problems such as this are easily treatable with a highly effective technique called sclerotherapy. 

What is Sclerotherapy?

It’s not new. In fact, it’s been used in some form since the 1930’s. The modern form of this technique is quite simple, both to undergo and to understand. Your vein specialist will examine you and determine if this procedure is right for you. Most people will likely be good candidates. If you are, your physician will use a tiny needle to inject a special solution into your spider veins. It may take several sessions to get them all, depending on how many you have. It may sting a bit, but it’s not overtly painful. The procedure is quite safe, and effective. 

The injected solution will cause the spider veins to collapse and fade from view. It can take several days to several weeks for this to occur. Some patients will show results sooner; some later. Everyone is different. Results from this procedure are usually excellent, as they are typically are permanent. A treated spider vein will not reoccur, although newly formed spider veins may appear in the future. This procedure remains the gold standard for spider vein treatments today. There’s no down time and you may continue with your normal activities. There may be some temporary redness or itching at the injection sites, however, this goes away in a day or two. 

Treatment for Larger Veins

Veins larger than the typical small, flat, squiggly spider veins may also be treatable with sclerotherapy. This even applies to varicose veins, which are large, enlarged, often knotted or twisted, protruding veins. The varicose vein condition occurs when the veins’ valves have malfunctioned, causing them to bulge outwards. Varicose veins are often painful. Vein treatments can help. Your physician may recommend sclerotherapy or another form of treatment for your varicose veins.

Advanced Vein and Laser Center

One important thing to understand about sclerotherapy is that the clinician’s skill and experience are critical. It takes great  training and knowledge to achieve the most effective results. Here at the Advanced Vein and Laser Center, we have highly trained physicians and staff for the highest quality results. Dr. Steven Heird and Dr. David Winand service the York and Lancaster areas in Pennsylvania. If you are suffering from any type of vein condition, please do not hesitate to give us a call. A trained associate will be happy to answer all of your questions and schedule a consultation for you. We warmly welcome all new patients, and we look forward to your call.