Individuals suffering from spider veins may benefit from undergoing a spider vein treatment. Spider veins are small, dilated, and red blood vessels scattered across the skin and can be quite visually unappealing. Although they are rarely painful, they can cause significant discomfort and localized health problems including leg heaviness, itching, burning, and restlessness.
Spider vein treatment, also called sclerotherapy, is a safe minimally invasive procedure performed to reduce the appearance of spider veins. It involves injecting a saline-based solution directly into visible veins using a very fine needle. This solution irritates the walls of the vein and causes them to collapse and stick together – when this happens, the vein is re-absorbed by the body and the appearance of the veins is dramatically reduced.
Before Treatment
Before treatment, a doctor should conduct a thorough physical examination of the individual to determine the underlying cause of their spider veins. This exam usually includes visual examination of the veins and a medical history. During this time, the doctor may also discuss lifestyle factors that could be contributing to the spider veins, like lack of physical activity, prolonged sitting, smoking, sun exposure, and other risk factors.
During the Treatment
At the start of the procedure, the doctor will mark the area of the vein or veins to be treated. The doctor will then inject a saline solution into the veins using a very fine needle. The procedure typically takes around one hour and may include multiple injections depending on the size of the veins and their location.
After Treatment
Immediately after the procedure, patients should avoid strenuous activity, bathing, and swimming. Compression stockings may be necessary for a short time after the treatment. Patients may experience slight bruising, localized swelling, and itching at the injection sites which is normal and should go away within a few days.
Health Benefits of Spider Vein Treatment
In addition to its cosmetic benefits, spider vein treatment can also improve localized health problems associated with spider veins such as heaviness, itching, burning, and restlessness. The treatment can also help decrease the risk of blood clots, ulcers, and scarring associated with prolonged spider vein related problems.
Overall, spider vein treatment is a safe procedure that can be used to reduce the appearance of spider veins and improve peoples’ quality of life. It is important to discuss the procedure with a qualified doctor beforehand to understand the potential risks and benefits.
