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Cosmetic Treatment
Sclerotherapy is a procedure designed to decrease the visibility of unsightly spider or small varicose veins. During a sclerotherapy session, a chemical agent is injected into the abnormal vein using a tiny needle. This solution irritates the lining of the vein, causing it to collapse. The vein is then slowly absorbed by the body and eventually disappears.
Special wraps and elevation of the legs may be recommended to achieve the best cosmetic outcome. Downtime after sclerotherapy is minimal. Patients undergoing treatment may need to limit their sun exposure, minimize the use aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications, and avoid aerobic exercise for approximately 48 to 72 hours following treatment.
Side effects may include allergic reaction, ulceration of injection sites, slight stinging or burning during injection, and bruising which usually fades over the next month. Occasionally, there is some residual brownish pigmentation that will gradually fade. Pigmentation is minimized by wrapping, elevation, and massage.
PhotoDerm™ is an innovative, patented technology that uses light therapy to eliminate spider veins on the legs, face, and torso. This same pulsed-light technology is also used to treat birthmarks, freckles, age spots, and other vascular or pigmented lesions. This noninvasive procedure works by injuring the vein with heat, causing it to close off and be absorbed by the body. The treatment feels like a "pinch" or the "snap of a rubber band", and local anesthesia or pain medicine isn't usually needed. Side effects may include slight reddening of the skin or localized swelling. On rare occasions, a patient may experience a mild burn with blistering.
The number of PhotoDerm™ treatment sessions depends on the severity of varicose and spider veins. Individuals who expect to be exposed to intense, prolonged sunlight during treatment and those with darkly pigmented skin or dark tans may not be suitable for treatment with PhotoDerm™. There is no downtime with PhotoDerm™. In fact, patients may return to work and resume all activities of daily living immediately following the procedure.
Sclerotherapy and PhotoDerm™ may be used separately or in combination
to give the best cosmetic appearance. Each treatment usually takes
between 15 to 30 minutes, and any temporary discomfort you may experience
is minor. Your rate of skin clearing following each treatment varies,
just as the number of your treatments may vary. For this reason, you
may find that scheduling your treatment in the fall and winter months
is a good idea to allow time for your skin to clear.