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Sclerotherapy / Spider Veins

The Quick Facts Length of Procedure: 15 to 45 minutes Anesthesia: None In or Outpatient Procedure: Outpatient

Spider veins often develop in the face and legs of many people as they age. Regardless of their location, spider veins are usually difficult to camouflage with makeup or stockings, and for that reason many seek treatment.

Treatment for spider veins has evolved in the recent past, now focusing on two methods: lasers and sclerotherapy. The method most appropriate for your circumstances depends on a variety of factors, including the size and location of the veins. Whether treated with the laser or sclerotherapy, effective treatment for spider veins is now performed on a daily basis with a negligible recovery period.

As laser technology has improved, spider veins of the face can often be treated with minimal or no bruising at all. The underlying spider veins are effectively removed in one or two brief sessions while the overlying skin is left undamaged, avoiding the need for any recovery time. In most cases, people are able to return to either work or their usual activities immediately following the treatment.

Larger veins of the legs are treated by sclerotherapy. This rather simple procedure involves injecting a solution into the spider veins using a very fine gauge needle. This solution causes the veins to collapse and fade. In addition to the cosmetic benefit, sclerotherapy may also remedy the uncomfortable symptoms associated with spider veins, including aching, burning, swelling and night cramps.

For additional information on Sclerotherapy / Spider Veins, visit the American Society of Plastic Surgeons for this procedure.