Spider veins are superficial blood vessels appearing in the skin.
How are spider veins treated?
Sclerotherapy is used to treat unwanted spider veins. This procedure has been used since the 1930s and continues to be the most successful treatment of spider veins.
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is the introduction of a sclerosing or hardening agent into a vein by using a small needle. The agent causes the blood in the vein to displace. The vein then collapses and disappears over time.
Does Sclerotherapy work for everyone?
The majority of people who have sclerotherapy will have pleasing results. Approximately 10% of veins treated persist after multiple treatments. In very rare cases conditions may become worse after treatment.
Will I see immediate results?
After several treatments most patients can expect 50-90% improvement. However, fading is gradual, usually over several months, with complete disappearance achieved in most cases.
How many treatments will be required?
The number of treatments will vary for each patient, depending on the size of the vein and number of veins involved. Several veins can be injected at each session. One to six or more treatments may be needed, but the average is three to four. Extent of treatment is usually limited by the volume of sclerosing solution required, and a time limit of under an hour per session.
Will treated veins recur?
Spider veins can recur in some patients, new spider veins can develop near the site of previous injection. Additional treatments may be required; some veins do not respond to sclerotherapy.
Is Sclerotherapy painful?
The procedure is usually associated with minimal discomfort. A burning or stinging sensation at the time of injection may be reported. This discomfort usually resolves within minutes.
Can Sclerotherapy be used on all types of skin?
Yes. All skin types and colors respond equally well to sclerotherapy.
Do I have to wear 'medical' stockings after my treatment?
Yes. Compression therapy is an important part in the treatment of vein disease. In order to achieve and maintain pleasing cosmetic results, you must be committed to wearing compression stockings. Medical compression stockings must be professionally fitted according to a doctor's prescription and cannot be purchased at a regular drug store. Stockings are worn for 72 hours after the first session, and daily for 2 weeks.
Will my insurance pay for Sclerotherapy?
Most insurance companies will not cover the cost of sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy is not billed to insurance by Vanderbilt.
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