Sclerotherapy & Leg Vein Removal

Spider veins, technically known as telangiectasias, are those tiny purple and red blood vessels found most commonly on the thighs or lower legs of women. They are hereditary and can form anywhere on the leg, from the top of the thigh to the ankle. Occasionally spider veins appear on the face.
Reticular varicose veins are larger. They can appear raised with a bluish color and can become quite painful. Although spider veins and varicose veins carry blood, they are not part of the venous valve system. Your spider veins and verticular varicose veins can be eliminated permanently through sclerotherapy.

Leg Vein Removal With Sclerotherapy

A sclerosing solution is injected into the vein through a micro needle which generally causes very little pain. The sclerosing solution causes the vein to blanch (turn white), then gradually disappear, this may be painful. A typical treatment may last for 15 minutes and consist of 70 - 100 injections. Injection sclerotherapy may eliminate the need for an invasive surgical procedure.

First, the area is thoroughly cleansed with alcohol. The larger veins are usually treated first. Using a a tiny syringe fitted with a micro needle, Dr. Rajagopal will inject a small amount of sclerosing agent into the vein.
Sclerosing solution displaces the blood within the vein, then causes irritation to the lining of the vein, making it swell shut. The needle is withdrawn and pressure to the area is applied immediately. While each vein may require several injections, most disappear in two weeks to two months. The Vein Directory also provides useful information on vein treatments.

Leg Vein Removal With Laser Treatment

The laser is used as a second line of treatment or as a clean-up procedure after sclerotherapy when the remaining veins are too small to inject. After treatment care is similar to sclerotherapy.

After Your Sclerotherapy/Laser Treatment For Spider Veins

You will be asked to wear special heavy stockings to help keep pressure on the veins for ten days. This will reduce bruising and help to keep the treated veins closed. Bruises around the treated areas usually disappear after the first week. A tan or brownish pigment may persist for six to eight weeks when larger veins are involved. Occasionally, small clots can develop at the injection site. These are not a cause for concern and may be removed to allow healing to progress. 

Patients are generally encouraged not to do prolonged standing for the first three days and must refrain from vigorous activities. Walking is encouraged from the fourth to tenth day, because it increases blood flow through the other veins. Although your final results may not be apparent for several months, most patients experience a 60% to 80% improvement.

How many treatments are needed to remove spider veins?

Complete correction of the treated area is not expected on the first treatment. On average, three treatments are necessary for complete correction. In most cases, about 50 - 70% of the treated vessels will be gone for good. However, new veins may appear and additional treatments are generally required for optimum results. These treatments may occur in three week intervals. 

If you have any questions regarding Sclerotherapy to remove spider veins, or wish to schedule a consultation, please call the San Francisco Plastic Surgery & Laser Center at 415-392-3333.