Varicose Veins/Sclerotherapy
Spider veins — These varicosities are small, thin veins clustered close to the surface of the skin. Spider veins take on one of three basic patterns. The first pattern resembles that of a spider, with a dark center and vein groupings radiating outward. Arborizing veins resemble small, branch-like shapes; or the veins may appear separately as thin lines. Linear veins commonly appear on the inner knee, while the arborizing and spider patterns are traditionally found on the outer thigh. Women are the most common candidates for sclerotherapy since spider veins in men are not as common.
Sclerotherapy treatment involves injecting the sclerosing agent into the abnormal veins. The surgeon will utilize bright lights and magnification to ensure maximum accuracy. Typically there is one injection per inch of spider vein, with treatments requiring between 5 and 20 injections. Once injected, the site will be covered with cotton or gauze and covered with compression tape. Elastic bandages or stockings should be worn for at least 72 hours. For optimal results, two or more sessions of sclerotherapy are usually required. Additionally, laser therapy is being used with good success on these veins as well. Laser therapy is less painful but may require 2 - 3 sessions to get optimal results.
Varicose veins — These veins differ from spider veins because they are typically larger in size, darker in color and often bulge from under the skin. Varicose veins can be painful, and are often linked with other serious vein disorders. Sclerotherapy can be used as treatment for varicose veins in select patients, however surgical treatment is most often required. Surgical treatment necessitates making incisions over the vein and removing it.