Sclerotherapy
Spider vein treatment for the legs
Sclerotherapy is the treatment of choice by many Dermatologists for the removal of spider veins in the legs as the treatment is safe and the results are favourable.
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is an injection of a sclerosing agent into the unwanted blood vessels. A fine sterile needle is used to inject the Sclerodex® or Thromboject® solution into the unwanted vessels. The injected solution irritates the lining of the vessel causing it to swell, stick together and the blood to thicken. Over a period of weeks the vessel turns into scar tissue that is absorbed, eventually becoming barely noticeable or invisible. This procedure has been used safely since the 1930’s for spider veins.
What are spider veins?
Veins carry used blood to the heart through one-way valve systems. When there is a weakness in the vein wall or a faulty valve, the valve stretches and no longer closes properly. The veins become filled with blood that can’t flow normally, causing pain, swelling, discoloration, sores that won’t heal, blood clots and other problems. Spider veins are small superficial blood vessels that appear purple, red or blue in color. They commonly occur on the legs, but frequently occur on the face or elsewhere on the body. These dilated blood vessels, each about the size of a large hair, may be short, unconnected lines or connected in a matted, "sunburst" pattern. They may also look like a spider web or a tree with branches. They may occur in a small area or they can cover a large area of skin and can be considered cosmetically displeasing. Larger dilated blood vessels called varicose veins may be raised above the skin surface. They may occur along with spider veins. There may be discomfort, ranging from a dull throbbing pain to a burning sensation. The larger vessels are more likely to cause discomfort. Spider veins won’t disappear on their own. Sclerotherapy treatment helps to cause them to disappear or become much smaller.
How can spider veins be prevented?
Spider veins can't always be prevented though wearing Bauerfeind Medical Compression Stockings can minimize the development of unwanted blood vessels. For your convenience these stockings are available at Dr. Miller’s Dermatology Rejuvenation Center. Keeping one's weight at a normal level, exercising regularly, eating a high-fiber diet and wearing low-heeled shoes may also help.
One out of 2 adults over the age of 30 needs compression stockings. Most drug plans cover an average of two pairs of stockings per year. Click here to view which drug plans cover the Bauerfiend Medical Compression Stocking.
Bauerfeind Medical stockings apply maximum pressure at ankle level, progressively decreasing toward the top of the affected leg. They fight the pressure exerted by the blood on the wall of the veins. They reduce the vein diameter and increase blood flow which results in improved health and circulation of the legs