If you have spider veins, the good news is that they rarely present any risks to your health. This is in contrast to varicose veins, which can cause pain and discomfort on occasion. While varicose and spider veins are similar in cause, the smaller size of spider veins takes away the likelihood of health complications. They can, however, contribute to an appearance that most people would prefer to have eliminated.
Spider veins are visible through the skin and often twist and turn, at times with sharp corners. This makes them resemble the legs of a spider, which is how the name is derived. They can be red, blue or purple and most often appear on the face, legs or chest.
In addition to the good news of limited health risks associated with spider veins, there is additional good news in that a variety of treatment options are available. Sclerotherapy is the one that has been in use the longest. Consequently, it enjoys the good track record of a high rate of success and a low rate of complications. It can also be performed in our office without the need of a hospital stay.
Sclerotherapy is done when a solution is injected into the veins that are to be removed. This solution causes the blood within the veins to clot. It also irritates the lining of the blood vessels and causes them to stick together and collapse. The veins are destroyed as a result and turn into scar tissue. Over the next few weeks, the body absorbs the scar tissue and the treated spider veins disappear.
You may be asked to avoid things like hot baths, whirlpools or saunas, as well as direct exposure to the sun for the first couple of days after the treatment is done. Otherwise, the downtime required is minimal. Most patients are able to drive themselves home after the treatment and can resume their normal day to day activities right away.
If you are struggling with the appearance of spider veins and want to have them removed, you should talk to the team at Pinnacle Dermatology about sclerotherapy. They will be able to make an informed decision as to what is the best course of action in your particular situation. Feel free to ask whatever questions you may have as we determine a treatment plan for you. Our office is located in Birmingham. Contact us today to schedule your consultation for sclerotherapy.
