Spider Veins – Sclerotherapy
Spider veins are dilated venous capillaries that appear as small red, purple, or blue veins beneath the skin, most commonly in women, affecting nearly 50% of the female population. Predisposing factors include genetics, weight gain, a sedentary lifestyle, prolonged standing, pregnancy, and hormonal imbalances.
Spider veins may appear as isolated capillaries or as larger venous formations (spider veins) consisting of very small veins that typically originate from one or two central veins and radiate outward into thinner capillaries at the periphery.
This condition is primarily a cosmetic concern, while symptoms such as numbness or burning are rare.
The Treatment Procedure
Sclerotherapy is the oldest and most effective treatment for telangiectasias, particularly those of medium and large diameter. It involves the injection of a special sclerosing solution into telangiectasias larger than one millimeter using a very fine needle.
The sclerosing agent, either in foam or solution form, causes fibrosis of the vessel wall and closure of the telangiectasia. This prevents blood from re-entering the tiny vessel, making it no longer visible.
The improved sclerotherapy technique provides quick results—typically 2–5 sessions depending on the extent of the problem—with minimal risk of complications and a nearly painless procedure.
