Spider Veins on legs

Spider Veins on legs

Sclerotherapy is a cosmetic procedure that diminishes the appearance of spider veins on legs. At Bellezza Clinic London our practitioners help men and women reducing the appearance of veins.

Spider veins are those tiny purple and red blood vessels commonly found most on the thighs or lower legs of women. They are hereditary and can form anywhere on the leg, from the top of the thigh to the ankle, and even on the face.

Varicose veins are larger veins that usually appear raised with a bluish colour and can become quite painful. While they are very similar in appearance, spider veins are typically smaller and closer to the surface. As the name suggests, they can sometimes look like spider webs. Although spider veins on legs carry blood, they are not part of the venous valve system. Your spider veins and varicose veins can be eliminated through a simple office procedure called sclerotherapy.

How It Works

Sclerotherapy for spider veins on legs, has been in use since the 1920s. During the procedure, a sclerosing solution is injected into the vein through a micro-needle. The tiny needle generally causes very little pain. The sclerosing solution causes the vein to blanch (turn white), then gradually disappear. A typical treatment may last for 15 to 20 minutes and consist of multiple injections.

Most patients require multiple injections to completely correct their targeted veins. In most cases, about 50-70% of the treated veins will be resolved. However, new veins may appear and additional treatments at 4-week intervals are generally required for optimum results.

Is sclerotherapy safe?

Often patients wonder if it’s safe to get rid of spider veins on legs. It certainly is. These small veins carry minimal amounts of blood, and that blood flow is easily re-routed by the body. There is a large system of veins carrying blood throughout your legs, so eradicating a few veins in this cosmetic procedure will not interfere with blood flow.

Treating visible veins with sclerotherapy has been in practice for decades, but recent advancements in technology have made this procedure even more simple and more comfortable than it was previously. Our sclerotherapy treatment can safely give you back a more youthful appearance, without worrying about an invasive treatment.

Recovery & Results

You may be required to wear compression stockings to help keep pressure on the veins, which will reduce bruising and help keep the treated veins closed. Bruises around the treated areas are possible and usually disappear after the first week. A tan or brownish pigment may persist for 6 to 8 weeks when larger veins are involved. Occasionally, small, harmless clots can develop at the injection site. These can easily be removed in our office to facilitate healing.

Sclerotherapy side effects

Sclerotherapy is a very safe treatment option, and preferred by some because it has fewer risks than more invasive procedures like vein stripping.

After your sclerotherapy session you can experience temporary side effects such as soreness, as well as some itching or bruising. Please note that these symptoms will fade over time following the procedure. In some rare cases, skin necrosis may develop if the treatment is performed incorrectly and can take many months to heal properly.

Other side effects may include:

• Itching at the site of the injections.
• Veins may become lumpy or hard and may require several months to dissolve and fade.
• Bruising, tenderness, or discoloration may appear at the site of the injections.
• Neovascularization: new, tiny blood vessels may develop in the days or weeks following the procedure and usually fade within 3-12 months without further treatment.
• Hyperpigmentation in the form of darker brown marks is a known side effect, impacting one to two percent of patients.

Following sclerotherapy, our team recommend patients not engage in any strenuous activity. However, patients are encouraged to walk, as well as wear compression stockings to promote proper blood flow and prevent blood clot development.

Patients can resume normal activities immediately. Walking is encouraged because it increases blood flow through the other veins. Although your final results may not be apparent for several months, most patients experience a 60% to 80% improvement.

To learn more about our offering of vein therapies and other minimally invasive skin rejuvenation options, call our office at 07916565280 and arrange your private skin consultation today.

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