If you have unwanted spider veins, then you can visit a dermatologist to have them removed. These visible veins are not necessary for your circulation, and while they are not usually harmful or painful, they don't exactly look appealing. One of the most common methods for removing spider veins these days is called sclerotherapy. Here is a look at the benefits sclerotherapy has over other procedures, along with a look at what you can expect if you decide to go through with it.
The Benefits of Sclerotherapy
1. It doesn't require anesthesia.
Some other vein removal procedures, like ligation and vein stripping, are quite painful and require at least a local anesthetic. Sclerotherapy does not. It's just a simple injection into each spider vein. The injection will feel like a prick, followed by some warmness. It's no different than getting a flu shot, but in your leg. The injected solution causes the vein to close off so your body can reabsorb the tissue.
2. It doesn't take long.
A sclerotherapy treatment takes about 20 minutes in your doctor's office. If you have a lot of spider veins, it might take 30 minutes. It's not a huge time commitment.
3. You can go right back to work.
You don't have to stay overnight in the hospital, rest at home for a week, or anything like that. Some patients even get sclerotherapy done during a long lunch and go right back to work afterwards. You don't have to take time off or change your lifestyle in recovery.
What to Expect After Sclerotherapy
Some people experience itching, redness, and a little soreness around the vein for a few days after treatment. This is normal and is rarely even severe enough for patients to need an over-the-counter pain reliever, but you can certainly take one if you prefer.
Your spider veins should slowly fade after sclerotherapy and should be completely gone within two or three weeks. Occasionally, a really large or long spider vein may need a second treatment. If one of your spider veins is still visible after a month, contact your dermatologist and ask to schedule a second appointment. The procedure will be the same the second time around.
If you have spider veins that have been bugging you, then it's worth seeing a dermatologist. Sclerotherapy is usually the preferred method of dealing with these veins, and as you can see, it is simple and nearly painless.
For more information about spider vein treatment, talk to your doctor today.
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