Sclerotherapy

What are these ugly lines on my legs and how do I get rid of them?

If your once-sexy legs now look more like a tattoo sleeve, welcome to Sclerotherapy ... a simple treatment that removes spider veins with great success. Sclerotherapy will get you out of leg-concealing pants and into leg-flaunting shorts in no time. See the before and after photos at right.

Spider veins are more common in women than men, and approximately 60% of women over 30 have complaints about these unsightly veins.

Spider veins are thin veins that lie close to the surface of the skin. They may be caused by heredity, pregnancy, hormonal shifts, weight gain, or even certain jobs that require prolonged sitting or standing. These super-fine veins may be bluish in color and are often appear in a spider web pattern.

Varicose veins are larger veins, usually darker in color and they often bulge. Varicose veins often cause pain and may be related to other vein disorders. Some varicose veins respond to schlerotherapy; however, surgical treatment is often required. A free consultation with our physician will let you know whether your varicose veins are a candidate for schlerotherapy.

What does the treatment involve?

Sclerotherapy is a relatively simple procedure that requires no anesthesia and is performed by our physician in our facility. It is a well-proven, effective procedure that has been in use since the 1930's. Sclerotherapy involves an injection of a sclerosing agent (generally a salt solution) directly into the vein, using a very fine needle. The solution irritates the lining of the blood vessel, causing it to swell and stick together, and then collapse. Over time, the vessel turns into scar tissue that fades from view.

Approximately one injection is administered for every inch of spider veins, anywhere from 5 to 40 injections per treatment session.

Does it hurt?

During the procedure you may experience mild discomfort and/or cramping for one to two minutes, especially when larger veins are injected. The procedure itself takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes. You may experience certain side effects after sclerotherapy. There are milder effects, such as itching, which can last for one or two days after the procedure. Also, you may experience raised, red areas at the injection site. These should disappear within a few days. Bruising may also occur around the injection side and can last several days or weeks.

Is there any downtime?

You may resume most normal activities right away. After the treatment you will be asked to wear support hose to promote healing for 10 - 14 days or more. Walking is encouraged after treatment to help prevent clots from forming in the deep veins. However, during your treatment program, avoid prolonged sitting/standing, squatting, weight lifting, jogging, etc. Our physician will give you precise instructions so as to maximize healing. 

You should be aware that your treated veins will look worse before they begin to look better. You will notice bruising, and reddish areas at the injection sites. The bruises will diminish after a month. 

The result is a pair of great-looking legs!

After sclerotherapy, most clients report that the skin on their legs appears younger, clearer and healthier-looking. Clients are surprised at the dramatic difference in appearance between a treated leg and an untreated one. Although sclerotherapy will get rid of the noticeable veins for good, remember that this treatment will not prevent new spider veins from popping up in the future. As time passes, you may find you need a "touch up" treatment to keep your legs looking great.

Depending on the size of the area to be treated, sclerotherapy is a fast, effective and affordable way to great-looking legs.

15 minute session: $195

30 minute session: $295