Sclerotherapy is the injection of a special chemical, called a sclerosant, into a vein to cause it to collapse and disappear. Sclerotherapy is a simple in-office procedure that is the most common treatment for spider veins. Spider veins are dilated blood vessels that form just under the skin and result in red, blue, or purple clusters of veins visible on the skin’s surface. Some people describe them as looking like a road map. Besides the appearance of these veins, other symptoms may include skin redness, itching, and a firm, tender, and warm vein. Some patients may experience pain and swelling as well. Spider veins can be caused by pregnancy, heredity, weight gain, and standing or sitting for long periods. These are the same factors that contribute to larger varicose veins.
Depending upon the severity, we may recommend walking, anti-inflammatory medications, cold compresses, and compression stockings as conservative treatment approaches for spider veins. However, in most cases, sclerotherapy is the best option to eliminate spider veins.
We use a very small needle to inject the sclerosant into the veins. We recommend no heavy lifting of over 30 pounds and no heavy physical aerobic activities for 48 hours afterward, but lots of walking is recommended. Most patients return to their normal activities after 48 hours. Some patients may experience temporary bruising, tenderness, or swelling after treatment. We recommend that compression stockings be worn for two weeks after treatment. The number of treatments will vary depending upon the patient and the severity of the spider veins. Many of the veins will disappear within several months of the first treatment and will continue to improve over time.
If you are bothered by spider veins or have questions about your leg health, call the Vein Specialists at 309-862-4000 to schedule a consultation with one of our physicians, or request an appointment online at ILveins.com. We have convenient locations in Bloomington, Eureka, Peru, Springfield, and Streator.