0
0
When people get older, spider veins become more common. This problem doesn’t mean an unsightly or embarrassing appearance. Usually, they will start to appear on your legs, which results in discoloration or bulges, changing your perfect appearance. Sclerotherapy treatments are one option that can help you reduce the appearance of spider veins, helping you to restore your youthful look.
What are Spider Veins?
Spider veins are closely related to varicose veins, which are veins that have become tangled or enlarged as blood pools within the vein. This is a common occurrence, as veins often lose elasticity as we age. This can weaken the valves in the vein, which then causes the blood to flow backwards. This may form bulges. Because of a lack of oxygen, the blood will appear as blue.
What you Can Do
These veins are not painful, but many people are concerned by their appearance. A treatment known as sclerotherapy helps by injecting the affected veins with a sclerosant. This concentrated solution helps to close down the vein and reroute the blood to healthier veins. The spider veins then begin to disappear.
The treatment is usually performed without anesthesia. Only mild discomfort is caused by the small injection needle. In some cases, you may need multiple treatments in order to achieve the desired results. The spider veins will disappear a few weeks after the treatments.
Most sclerotherapy patients will see a significant improvement on their visible spider veins. The treated veins will not reappear; however, you may develop new veins in the future.
Side effects are usually very mild, with only slight swelling or itching in the treated areas. In some cases, bruises may appear and then fade in about four weeks. Hyperpigmentation, or darker appearances in the treated area, may also occur. This also usually fades in two to four weeks. If blood becomes trapped in the vein, this may need to be corrected with a small needle puncture a few weeks after treatment.
After Your Treatment
After your treatment, it is important to walk for at least 20 to 30 minutes per day. Compression hose may also be part of your treatment plan during the first week. You should avoid high-impact aerobic activities, such as jogging or running. Also avoid extended periods of inactivity.
During your treatment, you will notice that your veins look worse before they look better. The entire healing process takes about four weeks. For more information, contact your local plastic surgeon today.
