Treating Spider Veins: How Does It Work?

Spider veins are thin, visible veins that sprawl across the surface of the skin, resembling spider legs or webs. They are typically bluish, red or purple in color and are found mostly on the legs, feet and face. Spider veins typically don’t exhibit any symptoms and are often considered a cosmetic issue. But these tiny veins can sometimes be a warning sign of a serious underlying condition: venous insufficiency, also known as vein disease.

Treating spider veins with sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment used to successfully eliminate spider veins. A fine needle is used to inject a special sclerosing solution into the diseased vein, causing the vein to shrink and collapse, rerouting the blood to other, healthier veins. Over time, the collapsed vein is absorbed by the body. You may experience some mild discomfort or cramping during the 20- to 30-minute procedure.

Temporary side effects

There are a few temporary side effects that may occur at the injection site after your treatment. These include:

• Dark lines or spots
• Swelling and/or redness
• Bruising
• Multiple tiny red blood vessels
• Small sores on the skin

After the procedure

After sclerotherapy treatment of spider veins, little to no downtime required following the procedure. In fact, walking is encouraged afterward to help prevent the formation of blood clots. To aid in the healing process, compression stockings or bandages are recommended to be worn for two weeks afterward. Avoid hot baths, hot compresses, whirlpools, saunas and direct exposure to sunlight. Avoid taking any anti-inflammatory medication for at least 48 hours. You can expect to see noticeable results in as little as three weeks.

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