Vascular Disease
What
Patients are saying...
There is very little discomfort. [Vein stripping] is no comparison whatsoever, this is good.
- Margaret S.
(Bristol, England)
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Spider Veins
Treatments
Non and minimally invasive treatments for spider veins are frequently and readily available in a clinic. Both kinds of procedures are considered safe and allow the patient to return to normal activity immediately following vein treatment.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is performed by injecting an irritant solution, either concentrated saline or a specialised detergent solution, directly into the spider veins themselves. The irritant damages the spider vein walls of the spider veins, causing them to swell, adhere and seal shut. The vein then slowly turns into scar tissue and gradually disappears over a period of weeks. Sclerotherapy (“sclero”), which was first developed in the 1930s, sclerotherapy is generally performed in a clinic in less than 30 minutes and is considered highly effective when properly done, although the same vein may require multiple injections and repeat treatments over time. The treatment can be painful, with a burning or stinging sensation common, but the discomfort usually passes in a few minutes. Side affects are generally mild and temporary, and can include skin sores, superficial phlebitis, bruises and discoloration around the treatment site.
Laser and Intense Pulsed Light
Laser and Intense Pulsed Light devices treat spider veins non-invasively by delivering heat through the surface of the skin to the vein, sealing the vein walls. Laser energy can be directed with a high degree of accuracy to minimize the damage to the tissues adjoining the treated vein. The patient will frequently feel a painful burning sensation during the vein treatment and depending on the severity of the vein condition, two to five treatments lasting 15 to 20 minutes a piece may be required to eliminate spider veins in the legs. Facial vein procedures require less time for treatment. Side effects of laser can include postoperative redness or swelling and discoloration of the skin, which will disappear within days or weeks. Side effects of laser can include postoperative redness or swelling, superficial phlebitis, and discoloration of the skin, which will disappear within days or weeks.