SCLEROTHERAPY
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy (vein therapy) is the technique by which a specialized solution is carefully injected into the legs to help reduce the appearance of small varicose and fine leg veins, also known as spider veins. Essentially, this solution works to shrink the blood vessels near the surface of the skin so less blood flows through them, which helps minimize the unappealing marks.
What are varicose veins? What are spider veins?
Spider veins are small veins which have been damaged and are visible on the surface of the skin as red or purple ‘squiggles’. These are not painful or harmful but can compromise the look of the skin.
Varicose veins are larger, swollen and raised veins that usually appear on the legs and feet. They appear as blue or dark purple and have a swollen, lumpy and bulging appearance.
Varicose veins can cause aching, heavy or uncomfortable legs and swollen feet or ankles.
Spider veins and varicose veins tend to appear as we get older. Certain lifestyle factors can cause these unsightly veins and these include standing for long periods of time, straining or heavy lifting and environmental factors such as extreme temperatures. Spider veins and varicose veins can run in families and if your elders suffered with them, the chances are, you may too.
What areas can Sclerothearpy treat?
Sclerotherapy is advised for bodily areas such as the legs. It is not generally advisable to have sclerotherapy on the face, as the medication used can discolour the skin and even damage the delicate skin on the face.
Am I a candidate?
Most patients who are experiencing spider or varicose are suitable for sclerotherapy. However, as will most cosmetic treatments, there are some contraindications that can restrict you from having this procedure.
How many treatments will I need?
This all depends on the type of vein and the number of veins you have treated. In your initial consultation, the provider will discuss your requirements and give you an idea of how many sessions you may require for optimum results. Typically, clients require on average 2 sessions spaced 8 weeks apart.
When will I see results?
You may need a number of sessions to maintain the results which will be discussed in depth in your initial consultation, however the disappearance of the veins can be seen immediately after injection.
The results from sclerotherapy are permanent for the veins that have been treated. However, this treatment can’t prevent the formation of new veins, should you be susceptible. However, there are ways in which you can prevent new veins from appearing and can discuss how to minimise the risks of new veins appearing, with your doctor in your pre-treatment consultation.