Spider veins— those small clusters of red, blue or purple veins that appear on the thighs, calves and ankles. If you would like to eliminate your spider veins and improve your appearance, your plastic surgeon can help. Today there are very effective, safe and relatively painless methods available for eradicating spider veins. In some women, spider veins become noticeable in their early 20s. For others, the veins may not become obvious until they reach their 40s. Men get spider veins, too. However, usually they are concealed by hair growth on the leg. A number of factors may contribute to the development of spider veins in the legs, including:
- Heredity
- Pregnancy
- Hormonal shifts
- Weight gain
- Occupations or activities that require prolonged sitting or standing
HOW IS IT DONE?
Sclerotherapy requires no anesthesia and is usually performed in an outpatient setting. Two or more sessions, each lasting less than an hour, are usually required to obtain optimal results.
My Recovery
After your treatment, you may be instructed to wear support hose to help your legs heal. You may feel some cramping in your legs for the first day or two after treatment. This discomfort is temporary and usually doesn’t require prescription medication. Following your physician’s instructions is key to the success of your treatment. It is important that the injection sites are not subjected to excessive force, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing.