When the warm weather arrives, you may want to wear shorts or a bathing suit to enjoy the summer months. However, unsightly spider veins and varicose veins may put a stop to any idea of beach-ready legs. Fortunately, there is a solution. Sclerotherapy is a tried and true method for eliminating varicose veins and spider veins.
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that is approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). It involves injecting a compound into the vein through a tiny needle. This compound damages the vein, causing it to seal shut and gradually disappear. The procedure is an outpatient process that doesn’t require anesthesia.
Varicose veins are the large, twisted veins that bulge just below the surface of the skin. Spider veins are smaller versions of varicose veins and usually bright blue or purple. These veins are responsible for sending blood back to the heart, but if they become weak, they don’t properly function.
The valves inside the veins are supposed to push the blood against gravity, but when they don’t work, the blood pools in the veins and causes them to twist and bulge.
There are several causes for developing spider veins. The most common cause is genetics. If spider veins are common in your family, you’ll most likely develop them too. Other causes include:
• Poor blood circulation
• Hormonal changes after pregnancy
• Damage from direct sunlight
• Injury or trauma to the legs
• Radiation dermatitis
• Pressure on the legs from prolonged standing or sitting
• Corticosteroid use
• Obesity
• Age
Depending on the severity of your spider veins, there will be some recovery time. For treating a small area, the recovery time may be a few days or for a large number of veins it may be up to six weeks.
To prepare for sclerotherapy, there are some precautions you can take:
• It is best to start the procedure in the fall or winter, because the area treated should not be exposed to direct sunlight during the healing period. If more than one treatment is required, you’ll be finished by the time you want to wear shorts or a bathing suit.
• Don’t make serious plans for at least one month after therapy. You’ll need that time for complete healing.
• Wear support hose or compression stocking after the treatment. Our doctor will help you select the right one before the treatment so you can wear it immediately after.
• During the initial consultation, our doctor will ask you about your medical history. Be sure to answer the questions accurately about pre-existing medical problems.
If varicose or spider veins have been bothering you, contact the Institute of Aesthetic Surgery today. We have extensive experience performing sclerotherapy and leaving patients with satisfying results. With our help, you can get the beach-ready legs you deserve.