Frequently Asked Questions
Sclerotherapy
Are you bothered by spider veins – those small, unsightly clusters of veins that appear on the ankles, calves and thighs? If so, sclerotherapy may be a treatment option to significantly diminish their appearance and enhance your self-confidence.
For your convenience, we’ve compiled a list of commonly asked questions, and the respective answers.
Q: What is sclerotherapy?
Q: What are spider veins?
Q: What causes spider veins?
Q: Are spider veins the same thing as “varicose veins”?
Q: Who are the best candidates for sclerotherapy?
Q: Where is the procedure performed?
Q: What can I expect from the sclerotherapy treatment?
Q: How many treatments are required?
Q: Are there any risks associated with treatment?
Q: How do I prepare for the procedure?
Q: How much time is required to perform the procedure?
Q: What are the post-procedure instructions?
Q: How long must I wait before my next treatment session?
Q: Where can I find more information on this topic?
Q: What is sclerotherapy?
A: Sclerotherapy is a simple procedure for the treatment of
spider veins. During the procedure, a physician injects the spider veins
with a sclerosing solution that causes them to collapse and fade. In
addition to fading the spider veins, sclerotherapy may also relieve some
of the associated symptoms, such as burning, aching, night cramps and
swelling.
Q: What are spider veins?
A: Spider veins are small, thin veins close to the skin
surface. The medical term for these veins is telangiectasias or sunburst
varicosities.
Q: What causes spider veins?
A: Spider veins can be hereditary, or may develop during
pregnancy, weight gain, prolonged sitting or standing, or from certain
medications.
Q: Are spider veins the same thing as “varicose veins”?
A: Varicose veins are different from spider veins in a number
of ways. They are usually larger, bulging, darker in color, and can be
more painful. They may also be related to a serious vein disorder.
Surgical treatment is often necessary for treatment of varicose veins.
Q: Who are the best candidates for sclerotherapy?
A: Men and women of any age are generally good candidates.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their physician before
having sclerotherapy, as it’s not known how the sclerosing solution
affects breast milk.
Q: Where is the procedure performed?
A: Sclerotherapy is performed in the clinic.
Q: What can I expect from the sclerotherapy treatment?
A: Diminishing spider veins can enhance your appearance and
improve your self-confidence. The veins should appear lighter with each
treatment, but it’s unrealistic to believe all veins will completely
disappear from the sessions. Treated areas usually look worse before they
begin to look better.
Q: How many treatments are required?
A: The best results are achieved after two or more
treatments.
Q: Are there any risks associated with treatment?
A: Serious medical complications are extremely rare when a
qualified practitioner performs the procedure. Risks include blood clots
in the veins, severe inflammation, allergic reactions to the sclerosing
solution, and mild scarring from skin injury. Cosmetic complications are
generally limited to brownish splotches on the affected area that may
clear in a few months to a year. Talangiectatic matting may also occur
where fine reddish blood vessels appear in the treatment area. When this
occurs, additional injections may be required. Bruising is also possible
after the procedure is complete, but should fade within one month.
Q: How do I prepare for the procedure?
A: Your physician’s office will provide you with
pre-procedure instructions. Generally, those include instructions not to
wear sun block, oil or moisturizer on your legs the day of the procedure.
It’s also commonplace to bring or wear shorts so the treatment area is
easily accessible.
Q: How much time is required to perform the procedure?
A: Depending on the number and size of the veins, treatment
may take 15 to 45 minutes.
Q: What are the post-procedure instructions?
A: You may be asked to wear support hose or compression tape
over the treatment area for 48-72 hours. Some people report mild,
temporary cramping in the legs, but don’t usually require medication.
Q: How long must I wait before my next treatment session?
A: Normally, patients are asked to allow one-month for
healing before their next sessions.
Q: Where can I find more information on this topic?
A: Additional information is available online courtesy of the
American Society of Plastic Surgeons at:
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/surgery/body/spider_veins/spider_veins.cfm
or by contacting one of our technicians at (409) 772-7364 between
8:00-9:00 Mon-Thursday, or 3:30-4:30 Mon/Wed/Fri.
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