Spider veins treatment - Sclerotherapy FAQ

What are spider veins or small varicose veins?

Spider veins or telangiectasias are small thin blood vessels that lie close to the surface of the skin and appear red or blue. These small, enlarged blood vessels may be short, unconnected lines or may be connected in a spider web or cluster pattern. Spider veins can cover a large area of skin and be quite unattractive. They are most common in the thighs, ankles and feet.   

How many treatments do I need?

In any one session a number of veins can be treated. Several sessions may be needed for any vein region, depending on the type and number of veins being treated. Typically 1-4 sessions are required.

Are there restrictions before and after treatment?

Sclerotherapy is performed as a walk in walk out procedure in the cosmetic doctor’s clinic. No anesthesia is required and there is no preparation required before the treatment. Generally, normal activities can be resumed after sclerotherapy. Between treatments, many doctors recommend the use of compression stockings. At Dermedica Cosmetic Clinic we supply the compression stocking post sclerotherapy.

Is sclerotherapy painful?

The treatment is not painful, but individual micro injections can cause a stinging or burning sensation. Many patients at Dermedica Perth Cosmetic clinic that have undergone sclerotherapy find the treatment comfortable. In fact some patients reported that the solution that we use at Dermedica Perth Cosmetic Clinic is less stinging than other solutions they have administered into the spider veins.

How successful is sclerotherapy?

After several treatments, most people can expect up a 90% improvement in the treated veins. The fading process is gradual and may take a few months. Sclerotherapy usually produces disappearance of the spider veins, but it does not prevent similar veins from eventually appearing in the same general area.

What side effects are associated with sclerotherapy?

Side effects of sclerotherapy are generally minor and are far out weighed by the improvements that are possible with sclerotherapy. The side effects of sclerotherapy include:

• Brown spots. This is probably due to blood escaping at the time of injection into the vein. In most cases, the small mark disappears within 6 months to a year.
• Bruising. This is usually very small and disappears within 1-2 weeks.
• Small swelling/welt  of the injected site. This usually disappears within a few days.
• Development of groups of fine red blood vessels. The new appearance of previously unnoticed fine red veins can occur after sclerotherapy. These new very fine veins can occur in 2-3 days or may not be visible for several weeks following treatment. Usually the condition improves in a few months without any specific treatment.
• Small ulcers at injection sites. Rarely a small ulcer may occur over the injected vein. The ulcer can be successfully treated but it is necessary to inform the treating doctor as soon as possible.
• Inflammation of treated veins. Rarely the injected veins become inflamed. When this occurs it can be treated with anti-inflammatory medication.
• Allergic reaction to the solution. Extremely rare allergic reactions may occur with any sclerosing solution. Minor reaction can be treated with anti-histamine medication.
• Deep vein thrombosis. Very rarely, deep vein thrombosis may develop after the treatment. The chances of developing deep vein thrombosis are about 1 in every 7000 legs treated.