Making Spider Veins a Thing of the Past
Do you feel the need to cover up every time you go out because of spider veins? With sclerotherapy, you no longer have to deal with this problem.
How Do Spider Veins Form?
Veins are responsible for carrying deoxygenated blood from all parts of your body to your heart. The larger veins have valves, which prevent blood from flowing backward. When the valves become ineffective, the large veins start bulging and this is called a varicose vein. The normally invisible smaller veins can also enlarge and become blue or red. Over time, these veins get damaged, resulting in the formation of spider veins.
Sclerotherapy – What Is It?
Sclerotherapy is a process where we inject a chemical solution into your spider veins to eliminate them from the picture. The sclerosant – the chemical solution – irritates the targeted vessel’s inner layer, causing it to seal closed, making the red spider vein disappear.
What Are the Benefits of Sclerotherapy?
When you choose sclerotherapy, you will observe the following benefits:
- Since the treatment is quite short, you can fit it into your schedule easily.
- There is minimal downtime after the procedure, so you can get right back to work after completion of the treatment.
- There are usually minimal bruises after sclerotherapy treatment.
- There is a low risk scarring, since there are no scalpels used in sclerotherapy.
- You don’t have to visit a hospital for the treatment.
How to Prepare for Sclerotherapy
During your sclerotherapy consultation, Dr. Enzer will conduct a physical examination. He will ask you about your medical history, including any ailments you may have and any supplements or medications you are currently taking (especially herbal medicines and blood thinners). He will ask you to stay away from these medications for at least two weeks before the procedure.
If you have received any other treatments for your spider veins, make sure that you inform Dr. Enzer.
One day before the procedure, make sure that you don’t apply lotion or shave your legs. During the day of the treatment, wear comfortable and loose clothing. A pair of shorts is often a good option, as this makes it easier for Dr. Enzer to administer the injection.
Recovering from Sclerotherapy
Once the sclerotherapy procedure is complete, you won’t have any problems moving around. In fact, after treatment of your spider veins, Dr. Enzer will tell you to take a nice walk.
You can go back to your regular activities right after completion of the injection treatment. Keep the treated areas away from sunlight during your recovery.
After a couple of weeks, you will notice your spider veins disappearing, leaving behind clear and beautiful-looking skin. Please keep in mind that most patients require an average of three treatment sessions spaced out at least two months between each treatment. Although we can never eliminate 100% of the spider veins, most patients are very pleased with their results.
Make Your Appointment Today!
Dr. Yoash Enzer, a board-certified surgeon and Rhode Island’s top laser and cosmetic specialist, will be available to tell you more about sclerotherapy and the options available to you. Contact us today for a consultation so that you can start the process of eliminating spider veins once and for all!