What Are Spider/Varicose Veins?

Telangiectasias is the medical term for what we call spider veins. It usually is small and thin veins that lie close to the surface of the skin. Often times these super-fine veins are often connected with the larger venous system, they are not an essential part of it.

Generally there are many different types of factors that can lead to the creation of spider veins. Usually these can be tracked down to it being hereditary. Other factors such as weight gain, pregnancy, hormonal shifts and the type of occupation that you do can all lead to the development of spider veins.

Spider veins are known take on one of three basic patterns. They may appear in a spider shape that results in a group of veins radiating outward from a dark central point. The veins may also take and resemble the shape of a tiny branch. Finally the veins may just look like thin separate lines.

Varicose veins are totally different from spider veins. Usually varicose veins are larger, often around a quarter-inch thick in diameter. These veins also tend to bulge and are much darker in color.  Varicose veins are also the type of condition that can lead to pain and generally they are related to a more serious vein disorders.

What to Expect From Sclerotherapy Vein Treatment?

For women who have sclerotherapy vein treatment they can expect to see a drastic difference in the appearance of their legs. Generally women who have this treatment done will also have a boost in self confidence as they feel more secure in their body.

It should be noted that your veins will disappear after one treatment and completely vanish. After each session, the veins will begin to lighten, but not all veins are affected. It should also be noted that new veins can appear, even after treatment.
Before you decide to have sclerotherapy treatment done, you should speak with your physician to ensure the realistic results that are possible.

The Sclerotherapy Vein Treatment Procedure

The procedure for the sclerotherapy treatment is very quick. It often lasts between 15-30 minutes and there is very little pain associated with it. The veins that will be treated are often cleaned with an antiseptic solution. Once this is done then the sclerosing agent will be injected into the affected veins.

Approximately one injection is administered for every inch of spider vein. Depending on the size of the vein and the area treated, the patient can expect to have anywhere from 5 to 40 injections per treatment session. A cotton ball and compression tape is applied to each area of the leg as it is finished.

As stated above, there is very little pain involved with the process. Most people usually describe it as a pin prick. Patients are able to listen to music, talk to their doctor or read; it is pretty laid back. During the treatment, the patient may be asked to change positions a couple times.

After the Vein Treatment?

Once the sclerotherapy vein treatment has been done, the patients are often made to wear tights or specially designed compression panty hoses. The compression products allow for healing and also reduce the chance of blood clots. Generally the compression tape is removed 2 days after the treatment, however the compression hose has to be word for 3 days or more.

Many people usually experience some amount of cramping in their legs, especially after the first and second day after the treatment. This is normal. Patients will also notice that their veins will look worse than before the treatment. This is a result of the bruising and this will usually vanish after a month.
It's not uncommon to experience some cramping in the legs for the first day or two after the injections. This temporary problem usually doesn't require medication.

The Sclerotherapy Vein Treatment Results

Generally the individuals who get sclerotherapy done are quite satisfied. The like how their legs look and they have no more spider veins to contend with. The legs will usually look younger and have a healthier feel to it. Self confidence will rise drastically and more women can wear clothes that they were embarrassed to wear before.

The before and after of the leg will be remarkable and the difference will be very noticeable. It should be noted that the treatment will not stop new spider veins from appearing. As a result of this, most people go in to have the treatment done again; especially those were highly satisfied with the results.