Sclerotherapy
For patients who have visible spider veins on the legs, sclerotherapy can minimize their appearance. Sclerotherapy is performed by injecting a solution into a vein, causing the vein to collapse and break down on its own.
Dr. Jones trained with one of the leading experts in sclerotherapy, and has performed research on the topic. At Virginia Square Dermatology, we can perform this procedure with expertise.
What causes spider veins?
Spider veins develop when normal veins stop functioning properly, leading to their dilation and visibility. On the most severe end, patients can develop bulging, painful veins, leg swelling and discoloration, and even ulceration. By age 80, 80% of women will have some evidence of venous malfunction. Other than female sex and age, factors that can predispose to spider veins include:
Genetic predisposition
Pregnancy
Hormones
Trauma
Prolonged standing, running, excessively tight clothing
What is sclerotherapy?
In sclerotherapy, your doctor will inject a solution directly into the target vein. The solution causes the vein to collapse. Your body naturally breaks down these veins and the blood is rerouted to healthier veins. Improvements in the appearance of the vein can be seen after 6-8 weeks. Multiple treatments are often needed for best results.
There are various types of solutions used for sclerotherapy injection. Hypertonic saline has mostly fallen out of favor, and now polidocanol, sodium tetradecyl sulfate, and glycerin are used. In addition to picking the best solution for you, at Virginia Square Dermatology we will also use the foam sclerotherapy technique, which is more efficacious.
While sclerotherapy will help with both spider veins and reticular veins, it may not be the appropriate first treatment for patients with varicose veins and leg swelling. Patients with these signs may need to be referred for endovenous laser surgery.