Spider Vein Treatment (Sclerotherapy)

Millions of people across the U.S. are concerned by unpleasant spider veins on their legs, neck or face. Spider veins (or telangiectasia) are the small red or bluish blood vessels that appear just under the skin, caused by small incompetent valves.

Varicose veins, on the other hand, are usually larger than 1/4 inch in diameter and appear raised with a bluish color. Varicose veins may be related to a more serious vein disorder and require a careful evaluation by your doctor prior to treatment.

The good news for our patients all over Jacksonville is that there are several recent advances in treatments to minimize or eliminate these unsightly spider veins. New, advanced lasers deliver an exact dosage of energy to eradicate each vein without injuring the surrounding skin. During the treatment, focused light energy is delivered through a series of brief pulses to the targeted vein. The light energy is then absorbed by the blood cells and vessel walls, but not the surrounding tissue. The heat is absorped causing a coagulation of the blood vessel wall, which is then naturally absorbed by the body.

Treatments

Pulses of light (laser) energy are delivered along the length of the vessel starting with larger veins first. The light energy causes the blood within the vein to coagulate, eventually destroying the vessel. Your body then absorbs these vessels. Most laser therapy patients report little discomfort, although some experience a mild burning sensation.

Number of Treatments

The majority of the treated vessels will be gone for good with one or two treatments. For the maximum long-term resolution, one or two additional treatments may be necessary. However, if new veins appear, additional treatments are generally required for optimum results. These treatments may be in three to four week intervals.

Recovery

Following your treatment, you may be asked to wear supportive hose or special heavy- duty stockings to keep pressure on the veins and keep them closed. Bruises around the treated areas usually disappear quickly although tan or brownish pigment may persist for a longer when larger veins are involved.

While each vein may require several pulses from the laser, most will disappear in two to six weeks.

Keys to success with laser leg vein therapy includes the avoidance of hot baths and strenuous exercise, and may also include the short-term use of compression stockings. Patients are generally encouraged to resume most normal activities immediately. It is important to refrain from vigorous activities for the first 24-hours.