VEIN THERAPY
AN INTRODUCTION TO VEIN THERAPY
Spider veins are small dilated blood vessels that have a red or bluish color. Although they can appear anywhere on the body, spider veins are most commonly found on the legs. They usually pose no health hazard but may produce a dull aching in the legs after prolonged standing.
Varicose veins are abnormally swollen or enlarged blood vessels caused by a weakening in the vein's wall. They can be harmful to a patient's health because they may be associated with the development of one or more of the following conditions:
- Phlebitis or inflamed tender vein
- Thrombosis or a clot in the vein
- Venous Stasis Ulcers or open sores from inadequate tissue oxygen and fluid retention
The exact cause of spider and varicose veins is unknown, although heredity, pregnancy and hormonal influences are believed to be primary factors contributing to both conditions. Sudden changes in weight and sitting or standing for prolonged periods are also contributing factors.
More than 20% of women have some form of vein condition and more women than men have varicose veins.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
HOW ARE UNWANTED VEINS ON THE LEGS TREATED?
In the majority of cases, a procedure called Sclerotherapy is used to treat unwanted veins. One of several kinds of solutions, called sclerosing solutions, is injected with a very fine needle directly into the blood vessel. This procedure has been used for spider veins since the 1930's and before that for larger veins. The solution irritates the lining of the vessel causing it to swell and stick together. Over a period of weeks, the vein turns into scar tissue that fades, eventually becoming barely noticeable or invisible.
HOW SUCCESSFUL IS SCLEROTHERAPY?
After several treatments, most patients can expect a 50% to 90% improvement. However, fading is gradual. Disappearance of spider veins is usually achieved, but similar veins may appear in the same general area.
CAN SCLEROTHERAPY BE USED ON ALL TYPES OF SKIN?
Yes. All skin types and skin colors respond equally well.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
The number of treatments needed to clear or improve the condition differs from patient to patient, depending on the extent of the varicose and spider veins present. One to six or more treatments may be needed; the average is three to four. Individual veins usually require one to three.
HOW SOON WILL THE VEINS DISAPPEAR?
Usually the veins disappear over a period of two weeks to two months.
HOW OFTEN CAN I BE TREATED?
It is preferred to wait four weeks between sessions.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS:
Even with a highly experienced physician performing the treatment, there are some possible side effects. They include:
- Stinging or pain at the site of injection, swelling of the ankles or feet or muscle cramps. Muscle cramps are more common when the injection takes place in the ankle area. These usually go away within ten to fifteen minutes after injection.
- Mild itching may occur along the vein route. This itching normally lasts one to two hours, but may persist for a day or two.
- Bruises at the injection site. These will disappear in a few weeks and are probably related to the thinness of blood vessel walls.
- Allergic reaction to certain sclerosing solutions. Such reactions can be serious and require immediate intervention by your doctor. Less serious reactions are treated with antihistamines.
- Inflammation of treated blood vessels. This is very unusual, but when it occurs, it is treated with medication such as aspirin, compression, antibiotics or heat.
- Lumps in injected vessels, particularly larger ones may develop. This is coagulated blood but is not dangerous. The doctor may drain the blood out of these areas a few weeks after injection.
- Light brown streaks or spots on the skin. In most patients the veins become darker immediately following the procedure. In rare instances, this darkening of the vein persists for four to twelve months.