Spider veins most commonly appear on the thighs, calves and ankles, but can also appear on the nose or face. Spider veins get their name because they resemble a star with numerous small veins radiating outward like the legs of a spider. They may appear red, blue or purple and appear to be thread-like lines. Varicose veins are blue or purplish enlarged veins that usually bulge out of the leg. While spider veins are a cosmetic problem, varicose veins can cause discomfort and pain.
To treat spider veins and varicose veins, a doctor must collapse them and fade them from view. Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical injection therapy that causes the disappearance of spider and varicose veins in the legs. Sclerotherapy uses small needles and requires no incisions or anesthesia. A solution is injected into the problem varicose or spider veins and causes them to close. Over the next four to six weeks the body will absorb the vein and it will completely disappear.

Sclerotherapy for spider and varicose veins usually takes less than 30-60 minutes.

Rhinoplasty usually lasts one to two hours and is performed as an outpatient procedure.

 

Cost of the Procedure

Risks of the Procedure

Sclerotherapy has a very good safety record. Patients are encouraged to resume normal activities immediately after a sclerotherapy session and walking is highly recommended. Allergic reactions are very rare but a few individuals may develop intense itching at the site of the injection.

Are travel and vacation activities compatible with surgery?

There is typically no downtime associated with sclerotherapy. Patients are encouraged to resume normal activity immediately following the procedure and are encouraged to walk, so all vacation activities are compatible with the surgery.

Preparing for the procedure

To treat spider veins and varicose veins, a doctor must collapse them and fade them from view. Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical injection therapy that causes the disappearance of spider and varicose veins in the legs. Sclerotherapy uses small needles and requires no incisions or anesthesia. A solution is injected into the problem varicose or spider veins and causes them to close. Over the next four to six weeks the body will absorb the vein and it will completely disappear. Sclerotherapy for spider and varicose veins usually takes less than 30-60 minutes.

Planning for my recovery

The patient experiences minimal pain. The patient may experience some temporary itching and cramping in the legs for the first day or two after the injections. The treated veins will look worse before they begin to look better. Tight-fitting support hose may be prescribed to guard against blood clots and to promote healing which must be worn for 72 hours or more. The area must be kept dry during this period. The tape and cotton balls are removed after 48 hours. Once the compression dressings are removed, the patient will notice bruising and reddish areas at the injection sites, which will diminish within one month. There may be some residual brownish pigmentation which may take up to a year to completely fade.