Spider Vein Treatment

What Are Common Vein Disorders?

Healthy veins transport waste-rich blood to the lungs and heart. Valves within the veins ensure that this blood moves in the right directions. However, excess pressure on the veins can cause the valves to function improperly, impeding blood flow to the heart and resulting in the enlargement or ballooning of the veins. Often these enlarged veins will appear as spider or varicose veins-small, thin veins, usually red, blue or purple in color, shaped like a spider web, a tree branch pattern, or thin separate lines. Though part of the blood network, spider veins and telangiectasia (dilated blood vessels) are not essential to blood transportation

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a nonsurgical procedure and is performed in our offices. After localizing and examining the dysfunctional veins or telangiectasia, the doctor will inject a chemical solution, called a sclerosant, into the blood vessel. The sclerosant, displaces the blood in the vein, which will then collapse from the lack of blood and action of the sclerosant. Eventually, your body will absorb the collapsed vessel. A typical sclerotherapy treatment lasts approximately 15 minutes. The amount of injections or treatments needed depends on the extent of the vein/telangiectasia disorder as well as the type and concentration of solution used. Some patients will notice immediate clearing of the veins, though some effects may not be seen for up to three months. Our doctors in our Queens, Long Island, NY, Bergen County, NJ and other locations will answer any questions that you may have during your recovery process.

For a couple of weeks the area surrounding the treated veins whether by laser or injection technique may appear discolored or bruised. This is normal. For this reason we usually suggest treating the legs any time except during the summer. Over time, the discoloration will fade. Your doctor may suggest you wear heavy-duty support hose or pressed bandages to help keep pressure on the veins and to reduce bruising. Although strenuous activities should be avoided during treatment, daily activities should not be interrupted. Walking is encouraged to promote healing and lessen any risks. Though sclerotherapy or laser treatment does not prevent future spider veins, it can make a difference in the appearance of your skin. It can give you the confidence to stop covering up, and start showing off, your younger, healthier looking skin!