Does It Work on All Veins? Sclerotherapy is not usually recommended for treating facial spider veins. It is used primarily on the legs, although some blood vessels on the legs are too small to be injected. (Conversely, some varicose veins are too large. To collapse very large veins requires more sclerosing solution than is considered safe.) Your physician will advise you on whether or not this treatment is right for you. What Is the Treatment Like? First, the treatment area of your skin will be sterilized. No anesthesia is necessary, although some sclerosing agents contain a local anesthetic to provide extra comfort. Using an ultra-fine needle, your physician will inject the medicine into the targeted vein—usually about one injection for each inch of vein treated. You may feel a slight—and very brief—stinging sensation with each prick of the needle and, if a large vein is being treated, a temporary cramping sensation. Most patients find the pain to be easily manageable. The entire procedure usually takes less than half an hour. Afterward, you may experience some minor bleeding, bruising, and redness on the treated area of skin. Your doctor will likely encourage you to walk and go about your regular activities, although you should avoid strenuous physical activity for a few days. You may also be instructed to wear a “compression wrap” around the treated area. Complications from sclerotherapy are rare, but can include damage to or discoloration of the skin. If you notice any inflammation or red marks around your groin or a sudden swelling of your treated leg (both potential signs of a blood clot), you should call your doctor immediately. What Results Can I Expect? You won’t notice any change right away. Most veins begin fading within two to six weeks, although a few may take several months to disappear. Some people experience better results than others—and some require more than one treatment session. Any follow-up treatments should be scheduled at least four weeks apart to ensure that the previous treatment has had a chance to work. Remember, too, that although sclerotherapy can get rid of most spider veins, it will not stop new ones from forming. |