An Inside Look into the Causes and Treatment for Spider Veins

The appearance of a minor, web-like network of blood vessels close to the skin surface may be unsightly for some people. Spider veins commonly appear in the legs but may develop on other parts of your body, including the face. Spider veins are usually a mild condition and may not be a bother to some people. However, spider veins may be a source of pain and discomfort to some people, especially after long hours of sitting or standing. Your Bowling Green Spider Veins Specialist may recommend less-invasive procedures to improve the symptoms and eliminate the affected veins.  Treatment for spider veins may involve minimally invasive procedures, including:

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is considered one of the most effective treatments for varicose veins, which involves injecting a solution into the affected veins. Like any other medical procedure, the initial consultation is necessary for evaluation before proceeding with treatment. During a consultation, your specialist will examine your medical report to check if you have a history of blood clots. Here, your doctor may discuss with you any risks associated with this treatment method, such as:

• Bruising
• Skin sores
• Skin discoloration in the form of lines and spots
• Red bumps

Before treatment, your specialist uses alcohol to clean the treatment area. Next, your doctor uses a fine needle to administer a solution into the affected vein. The solution blocks the flow of blood in the affected veins causing them to scar and disappear. Sometimes local anesthesia is combined with the solution to help relieve pain. Foam is used for more prominent veins instead of solution as it covers a larger surface area. Most patients experience minor stinging through the process as the doctor guides a needle through the skin. Inform your doctor if the pain is intense, as this occurs when the solution leaks into the surrounding area.

Massaging the treatment area helps with dispersing the solution and keeps blood out of the infected vessel. Your doctor may tap a compression pad on the injected site as he proceeds to treat a different vein. You may require several treatment sessions depending on the number of veins being treated.

Risks associated with sclerotherapy

What can you expect after treatment?

Most people can resume regular practices the same day after the procedure. However, you may need to observe specific rules the first few weeks after treatment that includes:

• Engage in light exercise such as waking as this facilitates blood circulation and prevents blood clots formation.
• Avoid strenuous activities at least two weeks after treatment as this may result in pain.
• Wear compression stockings or wrap your legs with a bandage to compress the treated veins.
• Avoid prolonged hours in the sun because you may develop dark spots on the treated area, which may be unsightly.

Most patients experience relief from symptoms including swelling, pain, and burning three weeks after treatment. A follow-up visit is necessary to help your doctor check on progress and determine if the procedure worked for you.

If you have any concerns about sclerotherapy, book a session with your doctor at Sky Vein & Aesthetics to learn more about the condition.

Paul Petersen