Sclerotherapy/Treatment
of Leg Veins
Sclerotherapy is a treatment option for unsightly leg veins commonly
referred to as “spider veins”. This technique involves
the injection of a medicinal solution into the vessels of concern,
creating irritation of the vessel lining which subsequently leads
to their destruction. Once the vessel has been adequately treated,
it is in effect metabolized by the body, a process that may take
several weeks to months to be fully apparent. Immediately following
the injections patients may notice some bruising of the treated
site or even a “hive-like” reaction. It is recommended
that support hose be worn and that exercise of the lower legs be
avoided for the following 2 weeks. Most people tolerate the procedure
well with complaints of only minor stinging. Adverse effects are
rare, but can include ulceration of the injection site, an increase
in the number of smaller surrounding vessels, and scarring.
Veins of smaller size (i.e. reticular veins), and facial veins are
commonly treated with a laser specific for heating up the red blood
cells within the targeted blood vessels. This technique allows for
precise elimination, with low risk of surface “skin”
damage. Often times sclerotherapy and laser vein treatment are used
in combination to cover the spectrum of vessels present on a given
area.
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