Sclerotherapy Seattle For Treatment Of Spider Veins
Telangiectasias - or spider veins - is a condition in which tiny blood vessels widen, causing threadlike red lines or patterns on the skin - typical on the legs. Spider veins arise when blood pools in veins near the surface of the skin. Telangiectasias can be caused by obesity, trauma, hereditary influences, and fluctuations in hormone levels. As women age, spider veins become more common. While this condition is typically harmless, it can cause discomfort and some find the appearance unattractive. There is no cure for telangiectasias - however they are treatable.
SPIDER VS. RETICULAR VS. VARICOSE VEINS
Many people confuse spider veins with varicose veins - and it’s important to understand the differences:
Spider Veins tend to be smaller and more superficial and are blue, red, or purple in color - often appearing like webs on the legs
Reticular Veins are slightly bigger than spider veins but not raised or palpable like varicose veins.
Varicose Veins are larger and twisting veins and are more raised or swollen in appearance. These can be painful for some patients.
SPIDER VEINS TREATMENT - SCLEROTHERAPY IN SEATTLE
The most effective treatment to address the appearance of spider veins is an in-office procedure called Sclerotherapy. This minimally invasive procedure involves injecting sclerosing agents into the damaged veins.
Sclerotherapy can also be used to treat reticular veins. We do not treat medium or large-sized varicose veins in our office with Sclerotherapy. These more significant vein issues typically require different interventions - sometimes necessitating a surgical approach.
SPIDER VEIN DIAGNOSIS
Spider veins can be diagnosed with a simple visual assessment of the skin during a physical exam - no further diagnostic evaluation is needed. During the thirty-minute Sclerotherapy procedure, our office injects Asclera (also known as Polidocanol) - the most widely used and effective sclerosing agent - into the affected area.
This irritates the vessels, causing them to collapse shut and become less noticeable. Once the tiny veins collapse, the lymphatic system eliminates them. When the affected vein collapses, the blood reroutes through deeper, less visible veins and flows more efficiently. The effects of this treatment are long-lasting - though sclerotherapy does not prevent new spider veins from appearing.
SCLEROTHERAPY TREATMENT DETAILS
Patients typically need 2-5 treatments and are advised to wear compression stockings during the day for 48 hours following the procedure. Following treatment, patients may experience slight bruising or hyperpigmentation, and tenderness at the injection sites may be experienced. Sclerotherapy is not advised for pregnant women.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SCLEROTHERAPY
It is important for patients to understand that this procedure is unpredictable and perfect results cannot be guaranteed - in fact, the treated area may look worse for several weeks before it looks better. However, for many, Sclerotherapy can make a significantly noticeable difference and is a useful tool for managing spider veins as they crop up.
ALTERNATIVES TO SCLEROTHERAPY
Alternatives to sclerotherapy for spider veins, reticular veins, and small varicose veins include:
Radiofrequency
Laser ablation
Mechanochemical ablation
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
SHOULD YOU WORRY ABOUT SPIDER VEINS?
While spider veins are not inherently harmful, they can cause some discomfort and many dislike their appearance. If spider veins are causing you any pain or making you unhappy with your appearance, you might consider Sclerotherapy.
CAN EXERCISE GET RID OF SPIDER VEINS?
While exercise is important for circulatory health, it cannot get rid of spider veins. Once veins become visible, they generally are permanent unless treated with Sclerotherapy. Occasionally, endurance exercise (aka long-distance running, etc.) can place more pressure on the legs, exacerbating the development of spider or varicose veins. Endurance athletes might consider using compression socks to help support vessels and recovery.
CAN SPIDER VEINS REPAIR THEMSELVES?
On very rare occasions, spider veins may fade on their own without any kind of treatment. However, in most cases, once they have developed, spider veins will need to be removed by a medical professional via Sclerotherapy, laser, or surgery depending on the type of vein.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING SCLEROTHERAPY?
During this in-office procedure, sclerosing agents (we use Asclera) are injected into the damaged veins causing the vein to collapse. No anesthesia is required. During the procedure, you'll lie on your back with your legs slightly elevated. After cleansing the area to be treated with alcohol, we will use a fine needle to slowly insert the Asclera into the veins of concern.
Depending on the number of spider veins, generally, both legs are treated from thigh to ankle. Patients are required to wear compression tights for at least 24 hours following the procedure. This is a 30-minute procedure that is quick and relatively painless.
HOW SAFE IS SCLEROTHERAPY?
Sclerotherapy is considered to be an extremely safe procedure and is widely used to treat spider veins. While there may be mild side effects, including slight bruising, raised red areas, or itching, more serious side effects are very rare. Other complications are extremely rare, including discoloration of the skin, allergic reactions, inflammation, or very rarely, blood clots (only possible in treatments of larger varicose veins). In these cases - additional medical care may be necessary.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR SCLEROTHERAPY?
Several days before the procedure, it’s helpful to shave your legs to more easily visualize the veins during treatment. However, avoid shaving or applying any lotion to the areas to be treated immediately before treatment. Consider bringing a pair of shorts to your appointment to allow for easy access to the treatment area. We recommend purchasing a compression garment at least several weeks in advance of your appointment to ensure it’s immediately available following your appointment. We recommend 20-30 mmHg garments - which is moderate compression. It is generally recommended that if you take ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen sodium, or blood thinners, you discontinue this several days before your appointment to reduce the possibility of excessive bleeding and bruising. Please clarify this with us before stopping a prescription medication.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE SCLEROTHERAPY PROCEDURE?
You will be able to get up and walk around immediately following the procedure. In fact, walking and moving your legs is important to prevent the formation of blood clots. You will be asked to wear compression stockings or bandages for about two days following the procedure to maintain compression on the treated veins.
HOW DO YOU SLEEP AFTER SCLEROTHERAPY?
Your sleep should not be affected by Sclerotherapy. However, we generally recommend wearing your compression garment the night following your treatment.
WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR SCLEROTHERAPY?
Anyone experiencing discomfort or women who find their appearance unattractive can benefit from Sclerotherapy.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS BEFORE I SEE RESULTS?
Patients typically need 2-5 treatments before appreciating noticeable results. 2-5 sessions of Sclerotherapy can significantly improve the appearance of spider veins, but generally does not totally eradicate them. Maintenance treatments are often required every 1-2 years.
IS SCLEROTHERAPY PERMANENT?
The effects of Sclerotherapy are long-lasting - though sclerotherapy does not prevent new spider veins from appearing. Maintenance treatments are often required every 1-2 years, depending on your genetics and lifestyle.
HOW LONG DO SCLEROTHERAPY RESULTS LAST?
Typically, veins that respond to treatment don't return, however, new veins may appear. Again, many patients require maintenance treatments every several years depending on their genetics or risk factors.
IS SCLEROTHERAPY PAINLESS?
During the treatment itself, patients experience small pricks and often some itchiness. Following treatment, patients may experience tenderness at the injection sites. If itching persists, Benadryl or Claritin may be helpful.
WHAT SHOULD I AVOID AFTER SCLEROTHERAPY?
You should avoid strenuous exercise for 3-4 days after the procedure as well as avoid sun exposure to the treated areas. When resuming normal exercise, consider wearing compression during exercising for up to two weeks.
DOES SCLEROTHERAPY HAVE ANY RISKS?
Following treatment, patients may experience slight bruising or hyperpigmentation. Sclerotherapy is not advised for pregnant women. There are rare occurrences of blood clots or allergic reactions.
CAN SCLEROTHERAPY MAKE VEINS WORSE?
Sclerotherapy does not worsen existing veins or cause more spider veins to form.
HOW MANY TIMES CAN I HAVE SCLEROTHERAPY?
The number of treatments varies depending on the size of the veins and the extent of spider veins spread. Most patients need two to five treatment sessions to get the desired results. It’s important to note that the complete elimination of the veins is not guaranteed, however, most patients will appreciate improvement in the weeks after the first treatment.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF SCLEROTHERAPY?
Following treatment, patients may experience hyperpigmentation and tenderness or slight bruising at the injection sites may be experienced.
HOW MUCH DOES SCLEROTHERAPY COST?
Sclerotherapy can cost between $200-$500 per session, depending on the clinic and package pricing.