Sclerotherapy
In some patients, spider veins, the small clusters of red, blue, or purple veins that typically appear on the thighs, calves, and ankles, are noticeable at a young age. For others, the veins may not become obvious until much later. Though the exact cause of spider veins is not known, this skin concerns is common and many patients seek treatment.
At the Forefront Dermatology, formerly Asarch Dermatology, we are helping our patients minimize the appearance of spider veins with Sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy involves the injection of small amounts of saline into the spider veins which causes them to fade.
Consider Sclerotherapy to:
- Minimize the appearance of spider veins
- Varicose veins are not treatable with Sclerotherapy
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a procedure that is being used widely in the field of cosmetic medicine to minimize varicose veins and spider veins for patients in the Denver and Englewood area. It involves a series of injections administered directly onto the affected areas that will eventually cause these unusually prominent veins to fade.
- Sclerotherapy involves the injection of small amounts of saline into the spider veins that usually appear on the patient’s legs
- It generally takes between 3 to 6 treatments, with each treatment scheduled six weeks apart, to achieve the desired results
- Even after treatment, spider veins may reoccur as a result of genetics, or environmental factors like having to sit around all day because of work
- If you’re pregnant, breast-feeding, have had a history of blood clot formation, or have certain heart conditions, sclerotherapy may not be a procedure suitable for you. A consultation with one of the medical providers at the Forefront Dermatology, formerly Asarch Dermatology will help you determine if it is.
- Sclerotherapy is not enough to treat larger varicose veins
What Are Spider Veins?
Spider Veins in the legs are a common problem, most often affecting women. Small purple of red veins can form anywhere on the leg from the top of the thigh to the ankle. While spider veins do not pose a health threat, many people who have them find them unsightly and often attempt to conceal them with clothing or cosmetics. In the summer months, this can mean avoiding shorts and bathing suits out of embarrassment.
What Causes Spider Veins?
The tendency to develop spider veins is often inherited, especially those on the upper thighs. Pregnancy and prolonged standing or sitting, which increase pressure in the veins of the legs, seem to play a role in developing spider veins. Hormones, especially estrogen, also appear to be involved.
Although no one has discovered one clear cut method to prevent the onset of these veins, some authorities believe that the use of support hose, weight control and excercise may be beneficial.
How Do I Prepare for Sclerotherapy?
To allow the doctor to be able to visualize the small vessels better, the skin should not be tanned prior to the procedure.
What Can I Expect After Treatment?
- Immediately after the treatment, the legs may be wrapped in elastic bandages or compression stockings to facilitate recovery
- Patient will be advised to avoid prolonged standing or sitting for the first 48 hours for treatment. This includes long drives or air travel.
- Patient will be instructed to walk for half an hour after the procedure
- It may take up to six weeks before the small vessels begin to disappear
What Results Can I Expect?
Sclerotherapy targets small, prominent blood vessels and minimizes their appearance. It generally takes between 3 to 6 treatments to full results from Sclerotherapy.
Am I a Good Candidate for Sclerotherapy?
If you’re pregnant, breast-feeding, have had a history of blood clot formation, or have certain heart conditions, sclerotherapy may not be a procedure suitable for you. A consultation with one of the medical providers at the Forefront Dermatology, formerly Asarch Dermatology will help you determine if it is.
What Are the Possible Side Effects?
As with any procedure involving injections, bruising may occur at the injection site, but will be resolved within a couple of weeks
- Freckle-like pigmentation may occur at the injection site for six months after treatment
- There is a rare chance that an ulceration will form at the injection site
