ABOUT SPIDER VEIN INJECTIONS

    Sclerotherapy of spider veins is a procedure designed to decrease the visibility of unsightly spider veins commonly found on legs. Spider
    veins are also occasionally found on other areas of the body. The procedure involves the injection of a medication into each of the involved
    veins that “closes” the vein so it is no longer visible. We have found patient satisfaction with the procedure to be high as long as the patient
    understands the following important information about the procedure. All of these points will be addressed with you during your consultation
    and we welcome any questions you may have.

    The treatment of spider veins of the lower extremities may require more than one series of injections. The doctor will give you
    an idea of the number of treatments that might be required, but an individual patients response to the treatment cannot be
    guaranteed.

    You will need to purchase compression hoses and bring them to your treatment session. We recommend Jobst ultra-sheer
    15-20mmHg or another brand with a similar degree of compression. You should leave these on for 24 hours. You will put these on
     immediately after your treatment.

    Please DO NOT apply moisturizer or other creams to your legs on the day of your injections. You may shave prior to the injections.

    The injections are performed with you lying down. You will feel some slight discomfort from the fine needle sticks, the number
    which will be determined by the number of veins requiring treatment. The medicine may cause mild discomfort on injections.

    The average treatment session takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.

     You may feel some cramping in your legs for the first day or two after the injections.

     The veins will look worse before they look better. By this we mean there will be some bruising at the injection sites which will
     decrease over time. In many cases, there may be some residual brownish pigmentation, which gradually fades over a period
     of one year.

      In rare cases, the skin overlying the vein can be injured resulting in a wound that on healing will leave a scar.

      Walking is encouraged after injections.

      Avoid prolonged sitting and standing, and pounding-type exercises. You should avoid squatting or heavy lifting after injections.

      Over time, you may develop new spider veins. These can be treated as well. Rarely, a person may develop a mat of very
      fine spider veins as a response to the treatment. If this occurs, it can sometimes be treated with injections and in other cases with
      a laser.

      Unlike varicose veins, spider veins are considered a cosmetic problem and treatment is not covered by insurance. If, after
      evaluation, the doctor feels you have true varicose veins, she may decline to treat you and will refer you to a vascular surgeon.

      There are alternatives to sclerotherapy.  One is to have no treatment and to use leg makeup to cover the veins. Laser treatment
      is also an option for most patients.

      If there is any item that you do not understand, please call the office. An explanation or additional information will be provided.