Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins

Walk In. Walk Out. With Little to No Down Time®

At Vein Specialists of the South, we are committed to providing you with the best vein care designed to meet individual needs, delivered with WOW service. Our comprehensive approach to spider vein treatment includes sclerotherapy, the industry gold standard for vein treatment to help you achieve Better Veins for Life®.

Sclerotherapy Macon

Understanding Spider Veins

Spider veins (telangiectasias) are small, damaged blood vessels that appear at the skin’s surface. They resemble spider webs or tree branches and can be red, blue or purple. While these tiny vessels rarely cause physical symptoms, many people seek treatment for cosmetic reasons.

Spider veins develop when tiny valves inside the veins become weak. In typical veins, these valves push blood in one direction—back to our heart. When valves weaken, blood flows backward and accumulates in the vein. This puts pressure on the vein walls and with continual pressure, they weaken and bulge.

BEFORE & AFTER GALLERY

*Individual Results May Vary

Common Causes of Spider Veins

  • Genetic predisposition
  • Prolonged standing or sitting
  • Hormonal changes
  • Sun exposure
  • Aging
  • Pregnancy
  • Injury
  • Previous vein conditions

Why Choose Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins?

Sclerotherapy is recognized worldwide as the gold standard for treating spider veins. Significant progress has been made in sclerotherapy in recent years, with advances in solutions and injection technology lowering risks, diminishing discomfort and giving better results.

Benefits of Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins

  1. Minimally invasive treatment: Uses micro-needles with minimal discomfort
  2. Proven effectiveness: 70-80% fading of visible spider veins with a series of treatments
  3. Quick procedure: Sessions typically last 20-30 minutes
  4. Minimal downtime: Resume normal activities immediately
  5. Safe solution: Performed by our experienced, board-certified vein specialists
  6. FDA-approved alternatives: New solutions result in more effective, safe, and comfortable treatment

 

How Sclerotherapy Works

 

Sclerotherapy is minimally invasive. During the procedure, microneedles (30 gauge or smaller) are used to inject a special solution directly into the spider veins. The sclerosing solution irritates and closes the spider veins. Over time, the treated veins collapse and are reabsorbed by the body, causing them to fade or disappear.

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Our Advanced Sclerotherapy Techniques

At Vein Specialists of the South, we utilize the latest advancements in sclerotherapy treatments.

Modern Sclerosing Agents

We use FDA-approved alternatives to saline that are:

  • More effective at treating spider veins
  • Safer with fewer side effects
  • More comfortable during injection
  • Specifically designed for treating various sizes of veins

Precision Micro-Injection Technique

Our specialists use microneedles (30 gauge or smaller) to:

  • Minimize discomfort during the procedure
  • Target veins with pinpoint accuracy
  • Reduce bruising and side effects
  • Allow treatment of even the smallest spider veins

What to Expect

Initial Consultation

Your journey begins with a comprehensive personalized consultation with one of our experienced vein specialists. We’ll evaluate your medical history, examine your spider veins and determine if sclerotherapy is right for you.

Preparing for Your Procedure

For optimal results, follow these pre-treatment guidelines:

  • Avoid certain medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and other anti-inflammatory medications (with your doctor’s approval) for 48-72 hours before treatment
  • Do not apply lotion to your legs before treatment
  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
  • Bring shorts to wear during the procedure
  • Stay hydrated

During Your Sclerotherapy Treatment

The sclerotherapy procedure is performed in our office and doesn’t require anesthesia. Most sclerotherapy sessions take around 20-30 minutes, depending on the amount and size of your veins being treated. While you may feel mild discomfort similar to a small pinch at each injection site, the procedure is generally well-tolerated.

You’ll lie comfortably on an examination table while our specialist:

  • Cleanses the treatment area
  • Uses very fine needles to precisely inject the sclerosing solution into only the affected veins
  • Treats multiple veins in a single session

After Your Treatment

Most patients quickly return to normal activities immediately after treatment. After your sclerotherapy, it is normal for your treated areas to appear bruised for a few days. In fact, they may look worse after the first treatment and then begin to fade and look better after the second.

For optimal results:

  • Wear light compression stockings as directed
  • Avoid strenuous physical activity, hot baths, and sun exposure
  • Walk regularly to promote circulation
  • Avoid anti-inflammatory medications if you have any pain
  • Attend all follow-up appointments

Results and Follow-Up

To obtain the best results, we may suggest a series of 2-4 sclerotherapy treatment sessions (mild cases may only need 1-2). The number of treatment sessions necessary to reach your goals may vary depending on the number and size of the veins treated. Treatments are usually given 6 weeks apart.

Touch-up sclerotherapy sessions may be needed every 6-12 months to keep your legs looking and feeling great. With successful treatment, the treated veins will not reappear, though new veins may develop over time.

Sclerotherapy vs. Other Treatment Options

At Vein Specialists of the South, we offer a variety of treatments for spider veins. While sclerotherapy is excellent for many cases of spider veins, other options may be more appropriate depending on your specific condition.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is a noninvasive procedure that uses light energy to treat spider veins. It may be recommended when:

  • Veins are too small for injection
  • The patient has a fear of needles
  • The spider veins are located on the face
  • There are specific allergies to sclerosing agents

Combination Therapy

In some cases, a combination of sclerotherapy and laser treatment may be best for completely removing veins. Our vein specialists will determine the most effective approach for your unique situation.

Is Sclerotherapy Right for You?

Sclerotherapy can be highly effective for a variety of patients. The ideal candidate:

  • Is in good overall health
  • Has realistic expectations about results
  • Is not pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Does not have an active blood clot condition

Sclerotherapy is particularly effective for:

  • Small to medium-sized spider veins
  • Veins that cause cosmetic concerns
  • Multiple clusters of spider veins
  • Patients seeking minimal downtime

Safety and Side Effects

Sclerotherapy is considered a comfortable and easy procedure, but there are reports from some patients of some minor side effects. A full discussion of any expected side effects will be part of your detailed consultation before beginning treatment.

The most common are:

  • Trapped blood: This occurs when a portion of the vein remains open between sealed segments, holding blood in that section of the treated vein. It can cause a small, tender lump but is easily treated at a follow-up visit.
  • Pigmentation: The minor light brown discoloration of skin overlying a treated vein may take several weeks to months to resolve, but is temporary.
  • Matting: Sometimes an area of discoloration near a treatment area blanches with pressure and then returns. This also is temporary and usually resolves quickly on its own.

Why Choose Vein Specialists of the South for Sclerotherapy?

CREDENTIALS

We are dedicated to providing the ‘best and most advanced’ vein care. Our commitment to continuing education in the treatment of vein disease is ongoing. Dr. Kenneth Harper was one of the first physicians to become a Diplomat of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine (AMVLM) and is also board-certified by the American Board of Surgery (ABS).

ACCREDITATION

The VSS vascular ultrasound lab and vein procedure facility are accredited through the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC). This means you can trust that our equipment, staff, and protocols meet the highest industry standards.

RESEARCH

The VSS team participates in nationally recognized vein research. Our research has been recognized at the Annual Congress of the American College of Phlebology on several occasions, including the Platinum Research Award 2007.

EDUCATORS

The VSS team is passionate about sharing vein education. Our team members regularly speak at regional and national phlebology meetings, practice management seminars, and vein care conferences. Providers from coast to coast come to learn from our vein specialists at our Comprehensive Vein Training Center.

EXCELLENCE

VSS is committed to providing excellence in vein care. Our team offers the best care, using the latest advances in equipment and procedures. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our thousands of satisfied patients who have come to expect the right attention and treatments at the right time, every time.

SERVICE

VSS is known for ‘WOW’ service. At VSS, the patient comes first, and our medical team is excited to be a part of their care. Our practice culture is committed to going above and beyond expectations.

EXPERIENCE

We have over 25 years of experience offering ‘Comprehensive Vein Care,’ and many of our management and clinical staff have been part of the VSS team for over 10 years. Dr. Harper has evaluated over 22,000 patients and performed over 18,000 procedures since 2000. No other physician treating veins in our area, and few in the country have that kind of experience.

INNOVATION

VSS introduced several minimally invasive vein procedures to Georgia, including the first endovenous closure procedure in the state in the early 2000s. We vow to remain at the forefront of vein treatment innovation while providing the best care plan for each and every patient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sclerotherapy painful?

Most patients experience minimal discomfort during treatment. The microneedles are very thin, and the sensation is often similar to a small pinch at each injection site.

How long do sclerotherapy treatments take?

Most individual sclerotherapy sessions take around 20-30 minutes, depending on the magnitude of veins being treated. We recommend a series of more than one treatment and follow-up visits to ensure your safety and complete satisfaction.

How many treatment sessions will I need?

For majority of our patients, we typically suggest a series of 2-4 sclerotherapy treatment sessions to obtain the best results. Mild cases may only need 1-2 sessions. The number you will require depends on the number and size of the veins we’re treating.

Are the results permanent?

Yes, the veins that are successfully treated will not return. However, be aware that new spider veins may develop over time. In those cases, we recommend touch-up sessions every 6-12 months to maintain your clear leg results.

Is there any downtime after sclerotherapy?

You may immediatly resume your normal daily activities immediately after each treatment sessions. However, your results may be improved if you avoid strenuous physical activity, hot baths and exposure to the sun for a short healing period.

Is sclerotherapy covered by insurance?

Unfortunately, sclerotherapy for spider veins is typically considered a cosmetic procedure by most insurance companies and they don’t cover the expense. Our staff will assist you by discussing your payment options at your consultation.

How soon will I see results?

After a sclerotherapy session, it’s normal for the treated areas to appear bruised for a few days. They may even appear worse after the first treatment. But they will begin to fade and look better after the next session. Optimal results become most obvious after 4-6 weeks when the body finally absorbs the treated veins.

What should I wear to my appointment?

We recommend wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your appointment. You may want to bring shorts to wear during the procedure.

Can sclerotherapy be combined with other treatments?

Yes, in many cases, combining sclerotherapy with other treatments like laser therapy can provide optimal results. Your vein specialist will create a customized treatment plan based on your specific needs.

What makes sclerotherapy better than other spider vein treatments?

Sclerotherapy is recognized worldwide as the gold standard for treating spider veins. It offers high effectiveness rates, minimal downtime and can treat multiple veins in a single session, making it the preferred treatment for most cases of spider veins.

Take the First Step – Call Today

Since 1997, Vein Specialists of the South has helped thousands of patients like you with varicose veins, spider veins, and leg swelling. Dr. Kenneth Harper is a leader in vein health is a Diplomat of the American Board of Surgery and the American Vein and Lymphatic Medicine. Terri Harper, MSN, FNP-C, is a renowned educator in the field of cosmetic sclerotherapy. Our dedicated nurse injectors have been trained by the best.

At Vein Specialists of the South, we have a passion for veins – big and small. We’ve helped over 30,000 people get Better Veins for Life®. Call today to schedule an appointment with the VSS team, where ‘Veins Aren’t Just One Thing We Do, They Are the Only Thing We Do.®’

Schedule Your Consultation

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Vein Specialists of the South Macon

PATIENT REVIEWS

*Individual Results May Vary

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Vein Specialists of the South Macon

WHY CHOOSE VEIN SPECIALISTS OF THE SOUTH

The Area’s first accredited
Vein Care Center

Over 25 years
in business

30,000+
patients treated

Voted Middle Georgia's Best Vein Specialists for 6 years in a row

It’s not just one thing we do, it’s the only thing we do.®

DR. HARPER

  

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