Dealing with unsightly spider veins? If so, the last thing you need when researching potential solutions like sclerotherapy is to get lost in a sea of misinformation. This is why our team at Vein Specialists of the South places a strong emphasis on patient education, ensuring that each patient is confidently in control of their own care, which includes offering honest comparisons of different treatment options.
When it comes to spider veins, sclerotherapy is still considered the gold standard. The question is, why? Also, are alternative treatments more suitable in certain situations? Who is eligible for sclerotherapy treatments?
First, understanding the basic physiology behind spider veins lays the foundation you need to appreciate how each treatment approach works.
What Are Spider Veins?
Medically known as “telangiectasias,” spider veins are small damaged blood vessels located near the skin’s surface. These red, blue or purple veins often resemble spider webs or tree branches, which is where they get their name.
These visible veins develop when the backflow prevention valves in the veins are weakened or damaged. This allows blood to flow backward and pool in the vein, causing a pressure buildup that leads to the appearance of spider veins.
Factors contributing to spider veins include:
- Genetic predisposition
- Frequent and prolonged sitting and standing
- Hormonal changes
- Sun exposure
- Aging
- Pregnancy
- Injury
- Previous vein conditions
Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list, and in many cases, multiple factors may work together to increase your risk of developing spider veins. Our expert providers will assess your unique risk factors in a consultation appointment.
Overview of Current Treatment Options
Each of the treatments below varies in its mechanisms, the size and depth of treated veins, and downtime (if any). While they all have their place in a comprehensive vein care approach, they aren’t all created equal when it comes to their suitability for spider veins.
Treatment options include:
- Laser therapy is a noninvasive approach that uses focused light energy to treat spider veins from outside the skin. We offer laser therapy for select spider vein patients through SpaMedical. The light energy causes treated veins to collapse and eventually be reabsorbed by the body. Laser therapy can be highly beneficial for very small spider veins or for patients with needle phobias.
- Sclerotherapy involves the injection of a special solution called a sclerosing agent into the affected vein. Once injected, this solution causes irritation to the vein walls, resulting in the collapse of the vein.
- Thermocoagulation treats spider veins using heat, but the heat is not produced by a laser. Instead, a very fine needle or a probe is applied to the surface of the skin just above the targeted blood vessels. The heat causes the vein walls to scar and collapse into each other.
- Additional treatments like Varithena, VenaSeal and endovenous thermal ablation can also treat problem veins, but these approaches are more commonly used for deeper varicose veins. Varithena uses a specialized foam, while VenaSeal uses a medical-grade adhesive to seal targeted veins. Endovenous thermal ablation uses heat energy to close larger veins.
Why Sclerotherapy Is the Gold Standard for Spider Vein Treatment
For one, the pedigree behind sclerotherapy speaks to a high degree of reliability and safety. For decades, this treatment has held the mantle as the go-to treatment for superficial spider veins. But these aren’t the only reasons so many patients and providers turn to sclerotherapy for effective spider vein treatment.
Raw Effectiveness
Simply put, sclerotherapy delivers top results. The high success rate of this treatment, often reported at around 80% for spider veins and small varicose veins, surpasses that of most other treatment approaches in this category.
Precision
One of sclerotherapy’s greatest advantages is its precision. This treatment allows us to target specific veins with pinpoint accuracy, treating even the smallest vessels that might be difficult or impossible to address with laser therapy. This precision also allows treatment of multiple veins during a single session, making the process more efficient than many alternative approaches.
Versatility
Sclerotherapy works effectively on spider veins of various sizes and colors, unlike laser therapy, which performs better on certain vein colors and may struggle with larger or deeper vessels.
Continued Advancements Improve Outcomes
Today’s FDA-approved sclerosing agents are more effective, safer and more comfortable than the saline solutions used decades ago. These modern solutions have been specifically designed to treat various sizes of veins while minimizing side effects and discomfort.
Minimal Downtime and Quick Procedures
Sclerotherapy sessions typically last just 20-30 minutes, making them easy to fit into your busy schedule. Most patients can resume their normal daily activities immediately after treatment, though you may need to avoid strenuous physical activity, hot baths and sun exposure for a short period.
Cost-Effectiveness
Compared to multiple laser therapy sessions or more invasive procedures, sclerotherapy often proves more cost-effective for treating spider veins. While most cases require a series of two to four treatment sessions for optimal results, the overall investment typically remains lower than alternative approaches while delivering consistently better outcomes.
Proven Safety Profile
When performed by our experienced, board-certified vein specialists at Vein Specialists of the South, sclerotherapy has an excellent safety profile. Potential side effects are generally minor and temporary, including mild discomfort, temporary bruising or slight pigmentation that resolves over time.
Why Choose VSS for Spider Vein Treatment?
At Vein Specialists of the South, we bring over 25 years of experience in comprehensive vein care to every patient we serve. Our commitment to excellence, innovation and WOW service sets us apart.
Dr. Kenneth Harper was one of the first physicians to become a Diplomat of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine and is also board-certified by the American Board of Surgery. He has evaluated over 22,000 patients and performed over 18,000 procedures since 2000. No other physician treating veins in our area has that kind of experience.
Our vascular ultrasound lab and vein procedure facility are accredited through the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission, meaning you can trust that our equipment, staff and protocols meet the highest industry standards. We participate in nationally recognized vein research, with our work recognized at the Annual Congress of the American College of Phlebology, including receiving the Platinum Research Award in 2007.
We’re also passionate about education, with providers from throughout the country coming to learn from our vein specialists at the Comprehensive Vein Training Center. This dedication to advancing the field ensures you receive care based on the latest research and techniques.
Reclaim Your Confidence With Sclerotherapy by Vein Specialists of the South
There’s no need to hide your legs any longer. If you’re ready to finally say goodbye to those unsightly spider veins, our team at Vein Specialists of the South is here to help. Our advanced sclerotherapy treatments offer a safe, effective and minimally invasive solution to help you achieve the clear, beautiful skin you desire.
Schedule your consultation with Vein Specialists of the South today and discover how our expertise in sclerotherapy can help you achieve Better Veins for Life. Call (478) 743-2472 now or visit us online to book your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can sclerotherapy and laser therapy be combined for better results?
In some cases, yes. Spider veins on the face, or those too small for injection, may benefit from laser therapy. We will determine if this is the case in a comprehensive evaluation.
Why do some clinics recommend laser treatment over sclerotherapy?
Some providers may recommend laser therapy over sclerotherapy due to their specific training, available equipment or patient preferences. However, laser therapy is generally less effective than sclerotherapy for most leg spider veins. It may be recommended when veins are too small for injection, when patients have needle phobias or for facial spider veins.
What happens to blood circulation after spider vein treatment?
When we close malfunctioning spider veins through sclerotherapy, your body automatically reroutes blood flow through healthier, properly functioning veins. Eliminating these damaged veins actually improves overall circulation by forcing blood to use more efficient pathways.
Is there an ideal time of year to get sclerotherapy treatment?
While sclerotherapy can be performed year-round, many patients prefer scheduling treatment during the fall or winter months. This allows you to complete your treatment series and achieve full results before summer, when you’ll want to show off your legs. It’s also easier to manage post-treatment care (like avoiding sun exposure) during the cooler months.
How do I know if my spider veins indicate a more serious underlying vein problem?
This is an excellent question that can significantly affect the course of your treatment. At Vein Specialists of the South, every consultation includes a comprehensive evaluation with ultrasound imaging when appropriate. This allows us to determine whether or not any instance of spider veins is a sign of underlying issues in the larger veins.
