Banish Spider Veins With Sclerotherapy
Are you tired of hiding spider veins under long pants or thick makeup? If so, you're not alone. Spider veins — those small, thread-like veins that appear close to the surface of your skin — can be a source of frustration.
But there's good news: sclerotherapy can help.
Dual board-certified Dr. David T. Jacobs offers sclerotherapy at South Shore Vein and Aesthetic Medicine in Rockville Centre, New York.
Read on as our team explains what sclerotherapy is and how it can help banish spider veins.
What is sclerotherapy, and how does it work?
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure used since the 1850s — although modern technology has dramatically improved the process — to treat spider veins. Because it’s minimally invasive, no cutting, incisions, or stitches are involved.
A special solution called a sclerosant (or sclerosing agent) is injected directly into your affected veins during the procedure. The sclerosant irritates the lining of your blood vessels, causing the lining to swell and effectively “seal off” the problematic vein.
Following sclerotherapy, you can usually resume your normal activities immediately. However, you may be advised to avoid strenuous exercise or prolonged standing for a short period. Dr. Jacobs may recommend compression stockings to help promote healing and reduce the risk of blood clots.
Your body redirects blood to other, healthier veins. Over time, your body reabsorbs the problematic vein. This process won’t happen overnight, but most people see results in about 3-6 weeks.
Know your options
During your consultation, Dr. Jacobs examines your veins, reviews your aesthetic goals, and discusses your options. The South Shore Vein and Aesthetic Medicine team offers several types of sclerotherapy.
Depending on your needs, Dr. Jacobs may recommend:
Cryo-sclerotherapy
During cryo-sclerotherapy, Dr. Jacobs uses hyper-cooled air to numb your skin before your injection. In addition to reduced pain, the cold air constricts your blood vessels, reducing your risk of post-treatment bruising.
According to research, cryo-scleropathy also reduces ecchymosis — a type of skin discoloration that occurs when blood leaks into the surrounding tissues — by up to 30%.
Foam-based sclerotherapy
In many cases, sclerotherapy uses a liquid sclerosing agent. However, if you have a large spider vein, you might benefit from a foam-based procedure instead. Dr. Jacobs creates a foam by mixing oxygen with the sclerosant.
Help for spider veins in Rockville Centre, New York
Whether you’re dealing with hand veins, visible facial veins, or spider veins on your legs, we’ve got you covered. Give us a call at 516-865-1234, or simply click here to book your consultation today and find out what sclerotherapy can do for you.