Do you avoid wearing short skirts or other revealing clothing because of the spider veins criss-crossing your legs? These unsightly clusters of purple, red, or blue veins may appear on the ankles, calves, and thighs.
Varicose veins are a similar condition, except that these veins tend to be larger, darker, and stick out from the surface of the skin.
They may not be pretty, but they're unfortunately very common.
In fact, it's estimated that half of all women are affected by them, along with many men.
If you wish that you could get rid of your spider veins, now you can.
Sclerotherapy is a permanent form of vein removal developed to treat unsightly spider and varicose veins.
During treatment, the doctor injects a special solution into the vein.
Then, the vein collapses in on itself, and the body absorbs it, making it disappear.
The procedure is nearly painless and takes about an hour in the doctor's office.
You may be a good candidate for spider vein treatment if you are tired of your spider veins or varicose veins and are looking for a permanent solution.
Most people who are in good overall health can undergo this treatment.
This procedure can be performed on adult men and women of any age, although you should not undergo sclerotherapy if you are pregnant, bedridden, or have a history of blood clotting issues.
This treatment can be used on spider veins on many areas of the body.
On the day of the treatment, wear loose clothing so that the doctor can access the veins.
During the procedure, the doctor injects a solution.
Injections are placed about every inch along the vein.
Some patients experience a minor cramp as the solution is injected, particularly if a large varicose vein is being removed, although most patients find the procedure to be pain-free.
Once injected, the solution makes the blood clot inside the vein, and the vein's interior walls to stick together.
Over time, the body will naturally absorb the vein, and within six weeks, it will fade from view.
The treated veins are gone permanently, although the injections do not prevent new spider veins from developing.
Most patients find that one to three sessions is enough to make the targeted veins disappear, although particularly large varicose veins or large clumps of spider veins may require additional sessions.
After sclerotherapy treatment, there is no required downtime.
Most patients are back to work the same day, although exercise and hot baths should be avoided for up to a week.
There may be some swelling and bruising of the treated areas, and larger veins may become hard until they have been dissolved by the body, a process that could take several weeks.
During the first few days, patients are advised to wear support stockings, and walking is encouraged to promote healing.