Your body delivers blood through your veins, which are made up of collagen, elastin, and other components. Veins are your body’s natural circulation system, but when they become twisted, bulging, or bowed, they can be problematic, unattractive, and even painful. We are dedicated to helping reduce problems such as varicose veins and spider veins using the most scientifically innovative procedures like sclerotherapy.
Varicose veins are elevated, swollen veins that appear twisted, turned, or jagged and are visible through your epidermis (top layer of skin). Varicose veins most commonly form on the legs and appear blue, purple, or darker in color. Spider veins are also visible veins, but they may appear lighter in color such as pink, purple, or red. Spider veins can form anywhere, but they are most commonly occurring on the arms, legs, or face. This condition gets its name by the affected veins resembling the legs of a spider. The main difference between these two conditions is that varicose veins often are large, whereas spider veins are smaller. Both of these conditions can cause embarrassment, discomfort, and even pain that is worsened by prolonged or frequent standing. Varicose and spider veins affect women more often than men and develop later in life as a result of aging. If you are unhappy, uncomfortable, or in pain because of your varicose or spider veins, then you may benefit from a sclerotherapy treatment.
| Symptoms of Varicose Veins | Symptoms of Spider Veins |
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Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive medical treatment that can help reduce and eliminate the visibility of varicose and spider veins. A sclerotherapy treatment involves the injection of a natural saline (saltwater) solution to the affected veins. This solution causes these problematic veins to deteriorate and eventually collapse, rerouting your blood through healthier, stronger veins. Following your sclerotherapy treatment, the surrounding tissues and cells will absorb and process your collapsed varicose or spider veins. During your procedure, our dermatologists will use a scientifically designed light to view your veins in order to successfully apply the solution with the most ease and comfort possible.
Sclerotherapy for varicose veins or spider veins is an out-patient procedure that is minimally invasive. This procedure requires no surgery, just a quick injection at the site of the affected veins. To ensure the success and safety of your sclerotherapy procedure, we may recommend to temporarily stop certain medications if applicable. A sclerotherapy treatment varies in length and success based on quantity of veins, location, and severity, but most procedures take twenty to sixty minutes.
The area being treated will be thoroughly cleansed prior to and after your sclerotherapy treatment. For larger or more severe cases, a compression pad may be applied to promote success. As our dermatologists treat larger cases of varicose veins, the number of injections needed to adequately deliver results increases, as well. If you have a large amount of veins in separate areas that you want to be treated, your sessions may be spread out in order to promote the success and comfort of your sclerotherapy treatment.
Following your treatment, it is suggested to stay away from prolonged exposure to sunlight and hot water. Results may be visible in the weeks following your sclerotherapy treatment, but each patient reacts differently to the procedure and will experience varying results.
Most patients are good candidates to receive sclerotherapy for varicose veins or spider veins, but during your consultation with our dermatologists, they will ask you certain questions about your medical history and general health to ensure that a sclerotherapy treatment will only be beneficial to you. Above all else, we prioritize your safety and health when choosing a treatment regimen. Patients who are pregnant cannot receive a sclerotherapy treatment. Also, if you have had a blood clot or a history of blood clots, your case for a sclerotherapy treatment will be personally decided by our dermatologists to ensure your well-being. Any major veins like those that can be utilized in the future if a heart bypass surgery is needed are generally not eligible to be treated by sclerotherapy.
Our dermatologists would be glad to discuss sclerotherapy with you. To request a personal consultation with our dermatologists to discuss sclerotherapy, please request an appointment online or call 212.838.0270.
