The presence of varicose veins or spider veins is a common problem for many women. In fact, almost half of the female population has this concern. They appear as blue, red, or purple veins on the legs. It can cause swelling or aching legs as well as cramps during the night. Many women are also reluctant to wear skimpy shorts and swimsuits because of the presence of spider veins. These detrimental effects have encouraged a lot of women to seek relief with the help of cosmetic surgrey and in the form of sclerotherapy.

Sclerotherapy is a type of cosmetic procedure that involves the injection of a solution into the vein. It is performed in a doctor’s office and does not require anesthesia. The procedure starts by cleansing the area. With a bright light and a magnifier used for extra precaution, the skin is pulled tight over the vein and the sclerosing agent injected to the vein. One injection is made for every inch of visible vein. The solution irritates blood vessel lining. This causes blood to collapse. Over time, the blood vessel becomes a scar tissue and fades from view.

The salt solution or the sclerant is injected to the vein by using a very fine needle. The injection may cause mild discomfort that will last for a minute or two. It is typically longer when the veins injected are bigger. A sclerotherapy can be completed in just 15 to 30 minutes with the patient being fully conscious throughout the procedure.

There are factors that have to be considered when determining the number of veins that will be injected per session. It depends on the size of the veins, its location, and general condition of the patient.

After sclerotherapy, bruises and discolored marks will be seen on the site. It should disappear in a month. Cramping may also be felt for a few days and should not last for more than that time period. A compression garment will be placed on the legs to maintain pressure while the veins heal.

Sclerotherapy can diminish the appearance of spider veins and promote a healthier looking skin. If you are unhappy with the presence of visible varicose veins on your legs, contact board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Randy Proffitt from Mobile Alabama and learn how sclerotherapy can reduce its size and visibility. Dr. Proffitt has over 20 years of experience and is double certified in Plastic Surgery and General Surgery. Set up an appointment today and find out how you can finally deal with the presence of unsightly spider veins on your legs.