If you have red, purple and blue blood vessels that are twisted and visible through the skin (also called spider veins), you are not alone. Up to 60% of adults suffer from this condition. The good news Fairfax Vascular Center offers a simple minimally invasive procedure called Sclerotherapy that can be used to treat spider veins, as well as smaller varicose veins, with no down time.
Sclerotherapy is a simple minimally invasive treatment that is most commonly used to treat spider veins, but can be used to eliminate smaller varicose veins as well. During the sclerotherapy procedure, the physician uses a small needle to inject a medication into the lining of a vein. The vein then closes and is reabsorbed over a short period of time. The blood from the closed vein reroutes to normal working veins.
Sclerotherapy is helpful for treating spider veins and smaller varicose veins before they become further complicated and unsightly. Some patients may require several treatment sessions depending upon the complexity of the vein protrusion and the number of vein regions requiring treatment.
Patients may resume their normal activities after sclerotherapy treatment. However, flying should be avoided for three weeks, and hot tubs, long hot baths, and saunas should be avoided for one week after sclerotherapy. Light exercise, such as walking, will help speed the healing process. Some mild bruising may occur, but should disappear within two weeks. Patients will receive detailed post- procedure instructions. A follow-up visit is scheduled for two weeks after sclerotherapy treatment.
