Are you starting to notice the presence of flat red or blue leg veins? These are known as spider veins or by the medical term telangiectasia. They are thought to arise after a blockage of blood flow deeper in the leg. After a certain point, the pressure created by the backup causes the more superficial veins to expand abnormally, leading to them become visible through the skin.

These are different from varicose veins, which are more blue and bulging. They can result in extreme discomfort. They can also cause issues like itching, swelling, thickening of the skin, bleeding problems, burning/throbbing sensations, sores, and ulcers.

Sclerotherapy Treatment

Spider veins can be treated with a procedure known as sclerotherapy, where Dr. Enzer injects a medicated solution into problematic blood vessels, causing them to shrivel up and disappear. The procedure is very simple, requiring only injections.

The solution used in the procedure is called a sclerosant. Once injected into the lymph vessel or vein, the solution causes an irritation of sorts, which results in swelling. The swelling inhibits the flow of blood or lymphatic fluid, resulting in the vessel or vein shrinking.

Sclerotherapy has been around since the 19th century, and the techniques used have evolved over the years. Today, it is regarded as an extremely effective option for vein treatment.

Sclerotherapy can also be used for varicose veins, although other internal laser techniques offer better results. External skin lasers can sometimes be effective for the spider veins, especially when they are too small to accommodate the needles of sclerotherapy.

What to Expect

The sclerotherapy procedure is a simple one and is usually carried out in the office. Typically, sclerotherapy does not require any anesthesia or any sort of special preparation. However, do talk with Dr. Enzer about the use of blood thinners, aspirin, ibuprofen, or other arthritis medications prior to undergoing treatment.

For the procedure, you will be required to recline and your legs will be parallel to the floor. The treatment area will be cleaned, and then Dr. Enzer will insert the tiniest of needles into the vein. This may cause some mild stinging.

The sclerosant is then injected into the vein. When this occurs, you may experience some tingling or burning. In some cases, patients do not experience any of these sensations. After the solution is injected, Dr. Enzer will apply cotton balls to each site and wrap the area with a compression wrap, which you can wear for 12 to 24 hours after your treatment.

You will likely be asked to come in for a follow-up session to ensure that the vein has collapsed completely. We tell patients to expect about three treatment sessions, but you may expect either more or fewer.

You may experience some temporary bruising and darkening of the skin after the procedure. These side-effects will disappear in a few days.

Get Your Veins Treated Today

If you’re suffering from spider veins and want to restore smooth skin, schedule a sclerotherapy consultation by contacting our office. Dr. Yoash Enzer is a board-certified surgeon and Rhode Island’s top laser and cosmetic specialist, and he has years of experience with vein treatments and more.