Spider Vein Treatment
Sclerotherapy is an effective procedure for reducing the cosmetic implications of ‘spider veins’ on the legs. Spider veins take the form of small pockets of noticeable and colorful veins that arise on the calves, ankles or thighs. They are purple, red or blue in appearance, often with a ‘spider web’ look, and the problem afflicts approximately half of all women at some point in their lives. This can occur at any age, most commonly during people’s early 20s but often not becoming prominent until the 40s. Men can also suffer from the condition, but the spider veins are usually hidden by their hair.
Who can benefit from spider vein treatment?
If you are irritated by spider veins, and especially if they are affecting your confidence or conception of your body image, surgery may be right for you. Spider veins can arise due to factors such as pregnancy, weight fluctuation, hormonal shifts, heredity, or from a job or other activity which necessitates long-term standing or sitting.
Your surgeon is likely to examine your veins in order to rule out more serious varicose veins or deep vein conditions. Symptoms at the ankles can help to identify these problems, as can an ultrasound device. If another problem is identified then a different doctor or specialist may be required.
What does the treatment involve?
Sclerotherapy is a safe, productive procedure that is designed to be relatively free of pain. No anaesthesia is necessary, and the treatment is generally performed on an outpatient basis in the surgeon’s office. Depending on the case and the severity of the spider veins, two or more treatments can be required for the best results.
With sclerotherapy, the surgeon injects a sclerosing solution into the problem veins while the skin is gripped taut. Approximately one inch of each visible spider vein requires an injection; the effect of the injections is to collapse the vein and reduce the unwanted aesthetic component. During the procedure, precision is ensured by using high power lights and magnification. The treatment should last no longer than an hour. Some cases necessitate the use of a laser in conjunction with sclerotherapy.
Recovery
A month of recovery between treatments allows proper and successful healing in the treated areas. Immediately after the treatment, each injection site is usually covered with a cotton ball and compression tape. These should be removed within the first week, and you will see bruising at the injection sites. Cramps in the legs are common for the first two days, but these will soon clear up. Prolonged sitting or standing is discouraged, and support hose for the legs can speed up the healing process.
Results and Long-Term Concerns
When all the necessary treatments have been performed and the bruising and swelling have diminished, the legs should appear a lot clearer and more pleasing to the eye. However, the results of spider vein treatment do not necessarily prevent more spider veins from forming at a later date. More treatment will be required if new spider veins emerge.
How much does it cost?
You can expect to pay between $200 and $500 per sclerotherapy treatment, and from $400 to $1000 for laser treatment. This will vary depending on the surgeon, your location, and all the relevant specifics. Health insurance companies are unlikely to cover cosmetic procedures.