Further reading

Sclerotherapy

Millions of women are bothered by spider veins. It is estimated that at least half of the adult female population is plagued with this common cosmetic problem. Although the procedure has been used in Europe for 50 years. It has become the treatment of choice for the treatment of spider leg veins. Spider veins also called telangiectasias, are tiny visible vessels within the skin. They develop most commonly on the face and legs.

The treatment comprising of injecting irritant solution into small varicose veins is known as Sclerotherapy. It has been a treatment used for varicose veins for many years. Treating the small thread veins in the legs and on the cheeks had been a more difficult problem until the advent of a French product known as Scleremo, which is a solution of Glycerin Chromate. The great advantage of this solution is that it is so safe to use. Previous solutions have been effective dealing with thread veins, but complications of treatment have included ulceration, making these treatments quite unacceptable. Previous treatments have also included diathermy, which is specifically cauterising the small vessels, this is extremely time consuming, painful and in our experience, not very effective.

For the treatment to be effective, it is necessary to inject the solution into the thread vein. These veins are extremely small and can sometimes only be seen under magnification. It therefore requires quite considerable skill on behalf of the therapist. We use the smallest needle that is manufactured and has the same diameter as a human hair. When the needle is introduced into the vein and the solution injected, the solution can be seen tracking through the various branches of the vein. Glycerin Chromate sets up an immediate inflammatory reaction in the veins, so that they become more noticeable temporarily. In response to this inflammatory process the veins then go into spasm and over a course of the following few weeks, atrophy(break down). Because of the difficulty in injecting these tiny veins, it is generally necessary to repeat the treatment two or three times or even more, depending on how many veins are present in the first instance. To allow the process of atrophy to take place in the treated vessels, treatments are spaced six weeks apart.

Although complications do not readily happen, there still is a posiibilty of the occurring. These include:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Itchiness
• Bruising
• Tenderness
• Cramping
• Ulceration

How many treatments will I require?

This can vary depending on the severity of the veins and the time involved to break them. Some patients require a minimum of 3 treatments which are spaced approx. 6-8 weeks apart. In more severe cases an additional 1 or 2 treatments may be recommended. On rare occasions, some individuals do not respond to Sclerotherapy when used for cosmetic reasons. Patients should have realistic expectation that whilst 90% plus clearance is common, 100% disappearance of all veins is rare. You should also be aware that the procedure treats only those veins that are currently visible, it does nothing to permanently alter the venous system or prevent new veins from surfacing in the future.

When will I see results?

Some patients see changes taking place after only one session. Normally about three weeks after the treatment fading begins to occur and the finer thread veins will tend to disappear. It is however, extremely important for you to continue with your treatment until the thread veins have completely faded to achieve the greatest results.
There should not b more than 8 weeks between treatment times.

What are the risks?

Complications are extremely rare, risks include blood clots, inflammation, allergic reaction and pigmentation changes and scarring. If the leg area is been treated , then waxing should not be done if possible. Extremes in temperature can be a strong factor in causing thread veins to appear. Not just heat but also cold, therefore protect the skin where possible. Facial thread veins can be due to cold water being used to cool the cheek rapidly, use tepid water instead.

How will I look?

Treatment on the facial area normally causes a moderate amount of puffiness particularly across the cheek bone and lower eye area. Please consider this when booking your treatment if you require to be away from work for a period of time.

Providing you are suitable, Sclerotherapy is generally an extremely successful treatment and can truly provide satisfactory results with improved personal confidence and self esteem. The veins treated can look slightly redder at first, this only lasts a day or two. There may be some redness on the skin at the areas treated, which can last up to 5 days. It is extremely rare that the redness lasts longer than this.
The veins shrink over 4 weeks after each treatment.

If you do have any queries regarding treatment please do not hesitate to call your clinic.

What can I expect after treatment?

For one or two weeks, the vessels may appear more prominent. The injection sites look like insect bites for a few days, but do not itch. The veins begin to fade after 3 weeks or so and continue to do so for up to six weeks. After six weeks, any remaining vessels may be re injected to further reduce them. There is rarely any discomfort after treatment. With larger veins some patients may experience bruising but is extremely rare. It is not necessary to take time off work.

What preparation is needed prior to sclerotherapy?

• Discontinue asprin for a few days prior to treatment
• If you bruise easily, commencing arnica orally would be advisable – available from any chemist.
• Do not apply any products to the treatment area on day of treatment.

What Factors contribute to the development of spider veins?

A number of factors contribute to the development of spider veins, including heredity, pregnancy and other events that cause hormonal shifts, weight gain, occupations or activities that require prolonged sitting or standing, and the use of certain medication. Women develop them to a far greater extent than men and there is no doubt that hormonal influences aggravate them, adolescence, pregnancy and menopause. Prolonged standing may aggravate veins but does not primarily cause them.

Who are the best candidates for Sclerotherapy

Women of any age may be good candidates for sclerotherapy, but most fall in the 30-60 category. In some women, spider veins may become noticeable very early on – in their teens. For others, the veins may not become obvious until they reach their 40s.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you may be advised to postpone sclerotherapy treatment. In most cases, spider veins that surface during pregnancy will disappear on their own within three months after the baby is born.

There should not b more than 8 weeks between treatment times.
 

Aftercare Advice

• Arnica- a homeopathic cream can be applied to the areas the day after for 3-4 days. This can be obtained at any good chemists.
• If you have had legs treated, loose fitting dark trousers are probably the most comfortable item of clothing to wear immediately afterwards if you have to go somewhere.
• Avoid going to extremes of hot or cold for a few days. Avoid excessive exercise for at least 3 days. Immediately after treatment there may be slight redness, tiny swollen areas, tenderness or an itching sensation at the treated area, this is a normal result of the injection. The inconvenience is temporary and generally disappears in a day or two.
• Try to wear support tights for the first two weeks. Please try to bring a pair of these with you to your treatment so that you can wear then afterwards.
• Its not uncommon to experience some cramping in the legs for the first day or two after the injections. This temporary problem usually doesn`t require medication.
• During the period of time to complete your treatment program, prolonged sitting and standing should be avoided, as should squatting, heavy weight lifting and pounding type exercises, including jogging.
• Maintain normal daytime activities – walk daily to prevent blood clots.
• Exercise, weight loss and support stockings may help limit the number of new vessels
• Avoid waxing for 2 weeks post treatment
• If you have had your face treated, sleeping with your head on a couple of pillows rather than one can help t prevent puffiness appearing around the eye area.