Spider vein removal treatment is a medical procedure meant to help patients get rid of spider veins and varicose veins. The most common spider vein treatment is sclerotherapy, a non-invasive procedure that involves the injection of a solution into the damaged veins to cause them to collapse and fade. Unlike varicose vein surgery, sclerotherapy has the advantage of being an outpatient procedure that requires no downtime or recovery time. At Aesthetics MedSpa Reno clients visit us from across the country to receive this treatment from our experts.
What are spider veins?
Spider veins are visible clusters of red, blue, or purple blood vessels that appear under the skin surface and usually resemble a tree branch or a spider web. Spider veins are usually present on the leg and thighs, but it’s not uncommon for them to also make an appearance on the face.
While they pose no risk to our health, they may indicate an underlying medical condition, such as venous insufficiency or risk of blood clots. Nevertheless, most patients undergoing spider vein removal treatment choose to undergo the procedure for cosmetic purposes.
Varicose veins, on the other side, are twisted, enlarged veins affected by poor blood flow. These larger veins may be accompanied by unpleasant symptoms such as cramping, itching, discoloration, pain, or skin ulcers. Varicose veins are more common in women than in men, but they can affect anyone.
What causes spider veins?
Spider veins have various causes and can even be a hereditary condition. They usually appear when a person stands for long periods of time or spends too much time in the sun. Moreover, spider veins can be associated with the aging process, and can also be a consequence of sudden weight gain or pregnancy. Hormonal shifts may also be to blame for the appearance of spider veins, as can weight fluctuation.
Unfortunately, spider veins do not disappear on their own. If you want to improve the cosmetic appearance of your legs or get rid of the heavy feeling caused by painful veins, the best thing to do is to schedule an appointment with a health care provider who can examine your abnormal veins and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Can anyone undergo sclerotherapy?
The treatment for spider veins and varicose veins doesn’t necessarily involve the expertise of a vascular surgeon. Due to sclerotherapy, surgical procedures are now reserved only for severe cases of vein disorder that require vein ligation and stripping. If the patient is suffering from blood pooling in the superficial veins, the simple injection of a salt solution in the incompetent veins is enough for the veins to fade away.
The treatment of spider veins is one of the most common dermatology procedures and can be performed by our team of board-certified providers. Before the sclerotherapy treatment, the health care professional will assess your lifestyle and habits to make sure you are a viable candidate for the procedure and reduce any potential side effects to a minimum. It is advisable to stop smoking a few weeks before the treatment and avoid aspirin and supplements. Tanning or sun exposure is also not recommended.
When you book your appointment at Aesthetics MedSpa Reno, the first step is a consultation. One of our professionals will review your medical history and your goals to ensure the treatment aligns with the desired effect.
How is spider vein removal performed?
During the actual sclerotherapy procedure, the specialist will inject a chemical solution into the damaged blood vessel using a fine needle. The needle is minuscule, and the procedure is almost painless. If deep veins are affected by the condition, the medical professional may use an ultrasound to locate the abnormalities of blood vessels and seal them.
The sclerosing agent used to seal the broken blood vessels can be either liquid or foam. It is usually polidocanol, sodium tetradecyl sulfate, or a hypertonic saline solution. Regardless of the type of sclerosing agent, the purpose of the solution is to irritate the vein and cause it to scar and shut, so that blood flow can be redirected to the healthy veins. The procedure is efficient and lasts between 30 minutes and one hour.
Does sclerotherapy have side effects?
Since sclerotherapy is a non-invasive procedure, side effects happen rarely. However, just like as with any other medical procedure, there have been cases when the patients have experienced common side effects such as itching, red areas at the injection site, multiple tiny red blood vessels, or bruising. These minor side effects usually last for a couple of days after the procedure and resolve on their own.
More severe side effects happen rarely and may include hardened or lumpy veins if the treatment focused on larger veins, as well as brown spots at the vein site. These side effects may need several months to disappear. Very rare adverse reactions may include an allergic reaction to the sclerosing agent, air bubbles, or deep vein thrombosis. The latter effect can cause a pulmonary embolism, so urgent medical assistance is needed, especially if the patient experiences chest pain or difficulty breathing.
What to expect after the procedure
The patient can leave the doctor’s office immediately after the procedure and resume their daily activities without any recovery time. You will be able to drive or even walk home. As a matter of fact, walking after sclerotherapy is encouraged. Sun exposure should be avoided for several weeks to prevent the appearance of dark spots on the skin. You should also wait a couple of days before taking hot baths, going to the sauna, or taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs.
Healthcare providers performing spider vein removal advise patients to always wear compression stockings for up to three weeks to reduce the risk of bruising and add compression to the treated veins. Be aware that department store compression socks or stockings are often inadequate for post-sclerotherapy recovery. Preferably, purchase only prescription compression stockings that can provide the necessary level of compression for a full recovery.
After your treatment at Aesthetics MedSpa Reno we’ll provide you with detailed aftercare instructions and are always available should you have any questions later.
How long will the results last
Patients undergoing sclerotherapy will notice a reduction in the appearance of their spider veins immediately after the treatment and can expect complete disappearance within three to six weeks. Studies show that up to 80% of the treated veins will disappear following the first session of sclerotherapy, and only 10% of people have to resort to different spider vein removal options because they do not respond to sclerotherapy treatment.
Spider veins usually respond to the treatment in three to six weeks, while varicose veins may require a couple of months, if not more, to effectively scar and fade away. The good news is that spider vein removal treatment delivers permanent results, and the damaged veins treated using sclerotherapy will not reappear. However, new spider veins or varicose veins are always a possibility, and patients may return for new sclerotherapy treatment.
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