How Sclerotherapy Can Help You Get Rid of Spider Veins
Spider veins are a mild form of varicose veins, which look like thin, tangled lines. They typically appear on the feet and legs and tend to disproportionately affect women.
According to the Canadian Society of Phlebology, half of Canadians 50 years of age or older, and about 15% to 25% of all adults in this country suffer from some sort of varicose veins. That adds up to about 3.7 million Canadians!
While they’re not nearly as difficult to deal with compared to more severe forms of varicose veins, spider veins do leave those unsightly lines on your legs and feet, which can create the impression that you’re old, or in poor health. This can negatively affect your self-esteem, and that’s part of the reason why so many people are looking for sclerotherapy in Vancouver.
In any case, if you’re looking to get rid of spider veins, this article will give you everything you need to know about how sclerotherapy works, its potential side effects, and aftercare tips so you can prevent or mitigate any adverse reactions.
How to Get Rid of Spider Veins with Sclerotherapy
When people think of anti-aging treatments, they don’t typically think about things like how to get rid of spider veins, but the truth is sclerotherapy can have just as much of an anti-aging effect as things like hair restoration or mesotherapy.
Luckily, we offer sclerotherapy in Vancouver, which is a highly effective treatment that can eliminate or reduce the appearance of these veins and help you to regain your confidence and look younger.
That being said, at this point, you’re probably wondering how this treatment works, so let’s get into it.
How Does Sclerotherapy Work?
Sclerotherapy is a treatment that uses what’s known as “controlled phlebitis”, which refers to intentionally inducing the inflammation of veins in a precise manner.
This technique is performed using injections of small amounts of fluid, which irritate vein walls and ultimately achieve the closure of these veins.
The fluids being used are known as sclerosants. These are injectable irritants that cause inflammation and subsequent fibrosis.
Fibrosis is a term that refers to the scarring and thickening of connective tissue. When fibrosis occurs in a vein, its lumen, or inside space, is obliterated, which essentially destroys it.
During sclerotherapy treatment, vein illumination – otherwise known as a vein light or vein finder – is used to make it easier to see the veins in question. These vein finders use lasers or very intense lights, which are bright enough to penetrate into the skin, but they’re not hot, so they won’t burn you.
These devices facilitate a more accurate injection and ensure that veins are more thoroughly destroyed, and therefore less likely to be visible after you receive the treatment.
Oftentimes, significant results can be achieved with just a single session, but depending on the severity of your spider veins, additional treatments may be required to achieve the desired effect.
It typically takes 3-4 weeks to see the full effect of this treatment, but depending on the age of the patient, it can take up to 8 weeks
Sclerotherapy Side Effects
Now that you know how sclerotherapy works, you should consider the potential side effects.
Typically, the side effects of sclerotherapy are mild and involve things like burning, cramping, or stinging sensations in the affected vein(s). However, there are other common side effects, such as swelling, bruising, or general discomfort. These kinds of side effects usually subside within a few days.
It’s also important to mention that while sclerotherapy can reduce or eliminate the appearance of spider veins, it can also result in discolouration of the skin, which is caused by the hemoglobin settling in one place after veins are destroyed.
This discolouration normally disappears within a matter of months, but in some instances, it can take longer, or even become permanent.
In rare instances, sclerotherapy has also been linked to more serious side effects, such as:
- Infections
- Blood clots
- Skin ulceration
- Allergic reactions
As with any medical or cosmetic procedure, side effects should be carefully considered and the benefits need to be weighed against the risks, so keep this in mind and talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
Sclerotherapy Aftercare
If you do choose to get sclerotherapy treatment to get rid of spider veins, there are several things you can do to avoid or alleviate side effects.
One of the most important things to do is wear Class I compression stockings for one week after the treatment, which can be removed at bedtime. This helps to relieve any discomfort.
In addition, you should also:
- Avoid prolonged standing or sitting
- Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for at least a couple of days post-treatment
- Avoid hot baths, saunas, swimming pools, direct sunlight, or going to the beach for at least two days after the treatment
- Try to stay active by walking and/or moving around, which reduces the risk of blood clots
- Do foot dorsiflexions by bending and contracting your foot at the ankle
If you have any questions or concerns about sclerotherapy, make sure to consult with your doctor. But if you’re ready to book an appointment, or want more information about sclerotherapy in Vancouver, please don’t hesitate to contact us and book a free consultation.