Spider Veins

What are spider veins? Spider veins are small purple and red veins that generally show up on the thighs, ankles and calves. Although unsightly, they can also cause itching, aching and night cramps and many women (the most common suffers of spider veins) will seek cosmetic surgery to relieve their discomfort.

Sclerotherapy is one way to remove spider veins. This procedure does not entail surgery, but is a series of injections. Using small needles, the plastic surgeon will inject a solution into the vein. The solution works as an irritant effectively closing off the vein sealing it tight. The procedure takes about 15-20 minutes and can be done in the doctor’s office.

Support stockings are ordered for the patient to wear for a period of around two weeks. The removal of spider veins is generally done on a monthly basis, especially if the patient has a lot of spider veins to be removed. There are possible side effects to sclerotherapy. Burning and itching may show up following the procedure at the injection site. These are relatively common although generally will fade within a half-hour of the procedure. With new sclerosing agents used, pain is becoming less common.

Blood clots also present a risk with spider veins treatment, as well as inflammation of the area and even an allergic reaction to the solution injected into the patient's leg.

Skin discoloration is also a common complication where brown stains may appear at the site where the veins were packed off and sealed. This will generally fade over a period of a few months, although in some cases the discoloration becomes permanent.

Where the needles have gone in a small network of red veins will appear. These veins will vanish over time or with additional treatments of Sclerotherapy.

Note that varicose veins are different from spider veins. They are larger and darker and tend to bulge. They may indicate a more severe problem with blood vessels and require a different kind of treatment. While some varicose veins may be treated with sclerotherapy, they are more likely to require surgery.

Price will vary depending on how many veins are being treated and how many months the plastic surgeon wants the patient to schedule with him.