Spider Vein Removal - Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy, better known as spider vein removal, is a simple office procedure where the veins are injected with a sclerosing solution, which causes the veins to collapse and fade.

Patient Assessment

• Spider veins, or telangiectasias of the legs, are a common problem that particularly affects women. Small purple, blue or red veins can form anywhere on the leg, from the top of the thigh to the ankle.
• Varicose veins are larger, sometimes raised veins which are often blue in color. These are not the deep veins connected with the valve system; however, they can become quite painful, producing a burning or throbbing sensation. Although these superficial varicose veins and spider veins carry blood, neither is necessary to the circulatory system.

Intended Result

• Improved appearance of the skin on the legs.

Procedure

• Sclerotherapy is a technique that involves the use of a very fine needle to inject a solution directly into the veins. The solution causes the blood within the vein to disappear or become less obvious.

Recovery

• Patients have reported little discomfort. Some experience a slight to moderate burning sensation immediately following the injection, but this disappears within a few seconds.
• Patients will wear a compression bandage or elastic stockings immediately following treatment and vigorous activity is discouraged for 24 hours following treatment.
• Most patients report no adverse effects; however, some minor side effects have been reported, including slight blistering or bruising.

Other Procedures

• No other procedures are usually done in conjunction with sclerotherapy.

Insurance Considerations

• Sclerotherapy treatment is considered cosmetic and is not covered by insurance.

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