About Spider Vein Treatment

In Clarity Medical Spa, there are two ways we can help you clear away unwanted spider veins. One method is called sclerotherapy and the other is through the use of lasers.  In your consultation we will discuss with you the most effective method (or combination treatment) to achieve your goal.

 

Treatment through Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a procedure developed in France and has been used over 60 years for the treatment of spider veins and larger veins. A solution is injected with a fine needle directly into the blood vessel. The solution stimulates the clotting and dehydration of the blood in the vessel and eventually washes out of the system. Over a period of weeks, the vessel turns into scar tissue that fades, eventually becoming barely noticeable or invisible.  The fading is a gradual process.

Treatment through Laser

Palomar’s 1064 laser handpiece is a safe, FDA approved technology to correct the appearance of spider veins.  This advanced laser treatment allows our doctor to deliver a precise dosage of energy to each vein, with minimal risk to the skin. During the treatment, the laser produces energy at one specific wavelength which is selectively absorbed by the hemoglobin (blood) inside the spider veins.  This heats up the small amount of blood that is inside the vein and closes off the vein. 

 

FAQ on Sclerotherapy

Is Sclerotherapy Safe? The sclerotherapy agent is FDA approved. It is a safe procedure with few significant risks. 

What areas are most commonly treated?  The most common areas for the application of Sclerotherapy are legs and face. They can cover either a very small or very large area of the skin. They can look like tree branches or spider webs with their short jagged lines.

How painful is the procedure? Sclerotherapy uses a fine needle to inject a solution directly into the vein. This solution irritates the lining of the vein, causing it to swell and the blood to clot.  Patients may experience mild temporary cramping during the injection as the solution enters the vein. Patients should discontinue aspirin for a week before sclerotherapy because aspirin may interfere with the sclerosing agent.

How soon do I see results and how long does it last?  Most people will notice a dramatic improvement approximately 4 weeks after the initial treatment. The total number of treatments vary from patient to patient, depending on the type, size and quantity of veins to be treated. Spider veins may require anywhere from 2-4 sessions. Subsequent treatments are usually scheduled every 4-6 weeks to allow time for the body to respond to the treatment. Your body will continue to heal and “fade” injection sites for months after treatment.   We will discuss the number of treatments you require during the consultation.

What is done and how long is recovery? Post-treatment, the treated areas are tightly wrapped with elastic bandages and with compression hose.  The hose must be worn continuously for 48 hours post treatment. Wearing compression hose minimizes the risk of edema, discoloration and pain. Patients are encouraged to walk or participate in low-impact exercise to prevent the formation of blood clots. You should avoid prolonged periods of standing or sitting and high-impact activities such as running.

What are the possible side-effects?  Possible side effects are generally mild and may include stinging where the injection was made, temporary red raised patches, small skin sores, temporary bruises. Light-brown discoloration of the skin may develop along the vein in the injected area.  The discoloration usually fades in a couple of weeks but may take a few months to totally resolve. The treated vein can also become inflamed. Applying heat and taking aspirin can relieve the inflammation

Which treatment is right for me: Sclerotherapy or Laser? During your consultation, we will discuss which treatment is suitable for you. Sometimes, it can be a combination treatment depending on the size of the target area.

 

FAQ on Laser Therapy

Is Sclerotherapy Safe? The sclerotherapy agent is FDA approved. It is a safe procedure with few significant risks. 

What areas are most commonly treated?  The most common areas for the application of laser spider vein therapy are legs and face. They can cover either a very small or very large area of the skin. They can look like tree branches or spider webs with their short jagged lines.

Does it hurt? There is a little bit of discomfort involved.  It feels like a light rubber band being snapped at you, but it lasts a fraction of a second, and most people do not need any sort of pain medication.  Our medical doctor will then move on to the next treatment area, and repeat the process over the entire treatment area. 

How many treatments are required?  1-3 treatments, 2-6 weeks apart, depending on the number and size of the veins.

What is done and how long is recovery? Post-treatment, the treated areas are tightly wrapped with elastic bandages and with compression hose.  The hose must be worn continuously for 48 hours post treatment. Wearing compression hose minimizes the risk of edema, discoloration and pain. Patients are encouraged to walk or participate in low-impact exercise to prevent the formation of blood clots. You should avoid prolonged periods of standing or sitting and high-impact activities such as running.

What are the possible side-effects?  No medical procedure is completely free of side effects.  Occasionally, patients have some redness, swelling, and blistering similar to a mild sunburn, or some lightening or darkening of the skin; these are almost always temporary.  As with all medical procedures, there is a small chance a patient can have an infection or scarring, but we will give you instructions after your procedure to minimize these risks.

Which treatment is right for me: Sclerotherapy or Laser? During your consultation, we will discuss which treatment is suitable for you. Sometimes, it can be a combination treatment depending on the size of the target area.

 

 

Restore, Renew, Rejuvenate to a Clearer You !