Beauty Advice from Dermatologists

Featured Dermatologists

Gerald Goldberg, M.D. Gerald Goldberg, M.D.

Michael Coverman, M.D. Michael H. Coverman, M.D.

Helen Torok, M.D. Helen Torok, M.D.

Learn about Sclerotherapy from Nelson Lee Novick, M.D. Nelson Lee Novick, M.D.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins

Sclerotherapy is a simple procedure whereby a sclerosing agent is injected into your spider veins using a series of micro-injections. The solution causes the veins to collapse and fade from view. A typical sclerotherapy treatment lasts for 15-45 minutes and does not require anesthesia due to the small size of the needles that are used. Sclerotherapy is highly effective with most patients experiencing significant, long-lasting reduction in the visibility of their spider veins. However, sclerotherapy can only treat existing spider veins, and does not prevent new ones from developing.

Fractional Laser Before Treatment Fractional Laser After Treatment  
Before After  

Treats:

Spider Veins

Causes:

Genetic predisposition, Pregnancy, Occupational standing, Excess weight, Trauma

Conditions Overview

Spider veins, on the legs appear as branch like red or blue vessels. They are much more common in women, particularly after pregnancy and can be painful when enlarged. If left untreated, veins can become larger and varicose and are associated with swelling and ulcerations.

Treatment Overview

The most common technique used is injection sclerotherapy. This is a micro-injection technique consisting of instilling one of several solutions into these small capillaries. The most common solution is.1-1% Sotradecol. The concentration and quantity of solution used depends on the size and length of the vessel treated. Sotradecol irritates the inner lining of the vessels so the vessels cease to carry blood and the body slowly replaces them with scar tissue without harming the circulation.

Laser treatments are also available as a backup or secondary treatment for vessels too small to treat or do not respond to sclerotherapy. We utilize four different Laser devices including:

  • • Versapulse
  • • Vbeam
  • • Gentle:YAG
  • • Sciton

Post Treatment

Strenuous physical activity or prolonged periods of standing should be avoided for the first 24 hours of treatment. Support hose should be worn for 2-3 weeks. Normal light activity or exercise is suggested.

Learn more about Sclerotherapy from Gerald Goldberg of Pima Dermatology in Tucson, Arizona.

Laser Treatment for Spider Veins

Spider veins can be treated effectively with laser therapy and typically disappear after treatment within a period of 4-6 weeks. Laser technology now permits the safe and effective removal of spider veins on the legs, face and nose. Laser vein therapy is surprisingly easy, fast and effective. Over a period of 4-6 weeks, the treated veins are reabsorbed by the body and disappear permanently.

Learn more about Laser Treatment for Spider Veins from Helen Torok, M.D. of Trillium Creek Ohio Dermatology.

Health Information

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