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ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM
SPIDER VEINS?
WE CAN HELP!
For more information on spider vein removal:
contact Dr. Busselberg
to make an appointment in his Houston, Texas
office.
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About the sclerotherapy procedure
A typical sclerotherapy session is
relatively quick, lasting only about 15 to 45
minutes. After changing into shorts your legs may
be photographed for your medical records. You will
be asked to lie down on the examination table and
the skin over your spider veins will be cleaned
with an antiseptic solution. Using one hand to
stretch the skin taut, your doctor or nurse will
begin injecting the sclerosing agent into the
affected veins. Bright, indirect light and
magnification help ensure that the process is
completed with maximum precision.
What
are some of the most common benefits of this
procedure?
Although treatment does not prevent the
development of new spider veins, the removal of
existing veins can dramatically improve the
appearance of the affected area, providing a more
youthful, healthy look and an even color pattern
to the skin. Veins lighten after each treatment.
Two or more sessions are usually required for the
best results.
Planning your spider vein treatment
During
your initial consultation, your legs will be
examined.
Your doctor may draw a simple sketch of your legs,
mapping out the areas affected by
spider veins
or other problems. During the examination, you
will be checked for signs of more serious "deep
vein" problems, often indicated by swelling,
sores, or skin changes at the ankle. A hand-held
Doppler ultrasound device is sometimes used to
detect any backflow within the venous system. If
such problems are identified, your surgeon may
refer you to a different specialist for further
evaluation. Problems with the larger veins must be
treated first, or sclerotherapy of the surface
veins will be unsuccessful.
How long does the procedure take?
Sclerotherapy normally takes fifteen minutes to
one hour, depending on the number and length of
the spider veins. A series of treatments at
bi-weekly or monthly intervals may be required.
Will I need to stay in a hospital?
No. Because anesthesia is not necessary, the
procedure is usually performed in the doctor’s
office or at an outpatient facility.
How much pain is there?
Most patients report minimal pain. However, the
type of sclerosing solution used is a factor in
the amount of pain involved. Be sure to discuss
with your doctor the benefits and drawbacks of the
sclerosing solution that he/she recommends.
Ideal
spider vein treatment candidate:
In general, the best candidates for sclerotherapy:
Enjoy good physical health
Are psychologically stable
Do not smoke
Want to improve their appearance
Are well informed about the procedure
Hold realistic expectations about the outcome
Do not have a blood-borne disease or condition
affecting the vascular system
Are not currently pregnant or nursing
The above is only a partial list of the criteria
that your surgeon will consider in determining
whether or not this procedure is appropriate for
you.
What will happen at the initial consultation?
During the consultation, your doctor will talk to
you about the changes that you would like to make
in your appearance. He/she will explain the
different options available to you, the procedure
itself, its risks and limitations, and the costs.
Your doctor will begin with a physical exam and a
complete medical history. He/she will need to know
the medications you’re currently taking, any
history of blood-borne diseases, and whether or
not you are pregnant or nursing. In some cases,
elaborate tests such as ultrasound or Doppler may
be performed, but this is usually not necessary.
Often patients will have both spider veins and
varicose veins, and your doctor may need to use
these tests to clearly differentiate between the
two. (More elaborate tests are sometimes performed
in scientific studies.)
Be sure to tell your doctor about any discomfort
you may be having, such as pain, itching or
swelling. These symptoms may indicate more serious
circulatory problem. If your doctor does suspect a
more serious condition, you may be referred to a
specialist for further evaluation. Any underlying
condition should be treated before sclerotherapy
treatment is begun.
Be sure to ask all the questions you have about
the procedure, and ask to see photos of the
doctor’s recent patients, before and after
treatment. Also ask for, and follow up on, patient
references. Learning everything you can about your
options, risks and benefits is the key to making
an informed decision.
Preparing for the spider vein treatment procedure
You will receive
specific instructions from your physician on how
to prepare for your
spider vein treatment. Carefully following
these instructions will help the procedure go more
smoothly. You'll be instructed not to apply any
type of moisturizer, sun block or oil to your legs
on the day of your procedure. You may want to
bring shorts to wear during the injections, as
well as your physician-prescribed support hose,
and slacks to wear home. When scheduling your
procedure, keep in mind that your legs may be
bruised or slightly discolored for some weeks
afterward. You probably won't be comfortable
wearing shorts, a swimsuit or a mini skirt until
after your legs have cleared up a bit.
How is sclerotherapy performed?
Your doctor may recommend that you avoid aspirin
and alcohol, as well as herbal medications and
anti-inflammatory medications, for two weeks prior
to your treatment to minimize bleeding during the
procedure. On the day of your treatment you will
be asked not to use moisturizers, sunblock or oil
on the affected area. You should wear shorts or
other comfortable clothing that exposes the spider
veins.
Your doctor will apply antiseptic to the area,
then inject a solution into the affected veins
with a very fine needle. Each injection covers
about one inch of the vein. During the procedure,
you may feel a slight pinch as the needle is
inserted and a burning sensation as the solution
is injected. Next, cotton dressing and compression
tape will be applied to the area. After one area
is injected and taped, the doctor will proceed to
the next area.
Generally a second treatment will be required in
order to complete the collapse of the vein. If you
have many veins requiring treatment, multiple
sessions may be required.
What can I expect after the procedure?
You may experience temporary itching or cramping
at the injection site. You will be asked to wear a
compression wrap for several days. During this
time you must keep the area dry. Your doctor may
prescribe support hose to be worn for several
weeks. This helps to keep the treated vein
collapsed. It also reduces the likelihood of blood
clots.
What is the recovery period like?
Although you should avoid activities that put
pressure on the treated area (such as heavy
lifting or jogging) for a few days, your doctor
will probably suggest a regular walking program to
increase circulation and promote healing.
When the compression wrap is removed, you will
notice bruising and discoloration. This will
gradually fade over a period of several weeks.
What is the long-term outcome like for most
people?
Most patients report a high degree of satisfaction
with the procedure and relief at no longer having
to hide unsightly veins. The treated areas are
noticeably clearer and in most cases the skin
continues to improve with each successive
treatment.
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