Cosmetic Procedures
Sclerotherapy
- What is Sclerotherapy?
- What causes veins to appear on the skin?
- What areas of the body can I use Sclerotherapy to remove veins?
- How does the procedure work?
- What kind of results can I expect?
- Where is the procedure done and who does the procedure?
- Who should consider Sclerotherapy?
- How do you know if I am a good candidate for the procedure?
- What would keep me from being a good candidate for the procedure?
- What should I expect when I come in for a consult?
- What should I expect on the day of my appointment?
- How much does Sclerotherapy cost?
- What are some of the common side effects?
What is Sclerotherapy?
A procedure for the removal of spider veins. These unsightly clusters of red, blue or purple veins appear mostly on thighs, calves and ankles. Weakened blood vessel walls due to a variety of physical and medical reasons cause these veins. A solution (sclerosing agent) is used to correct specific bothersome spider veins by blocking the blood flow through those vessels. This does not take away from normal blood flow since the body will simply use collateral routes for blood flow.
What causes veins to appear on the skin?
Spider veins are typically caused by pregnancies, hormones, prolonged standing or sitting, heavy exercise (weight lifting) or genetics. Facial veins are typically caused by hormones, emotions, sun damage, heavy exercise (weight lifting), cortisone medications, alcohol use, or rosacea.
What areas of the body can I use Sclerotherapy to remove veins?
Sclerotherapy is typically used to remove spider veins from the thighs, calves and ankles. Facial veins can also be treated with this procedure although we recommend laser removal due to the delicate nature of the face.
How does the procedure work?
The procedure used varies with different practices but the technique is the same. A very tiny gauge needle is used to inject the sclerosing solution into the veins of concern. After injections to treated sites, local compression is applied with gauze pads and tape and should be kept on overnight. Compression stockings are to be worn for 72 hours without removal, then should be worn for 3 weeks after the procedure except when showering. Research suggests that this time period gives the best results.
What kind of results can I expect?
Results vary with individuals and treatment may need to be repeated but results can minimize or completely eliminate veins that have appeared on the skin surface.
Where is the procedure done and who does the procedure?
The procedure is performed in our office under the directorship of Dr. Chirag Amin by licensed Registered Nurses trained and certified in this procedure. We have been trained in Arizona by Morrison’s Vein Institute, a highly recognized vein center.
Who should consider Sclerotherapy?
Any adult who has concerns about existing spider veins can benefit from this procedure.
How do you know if I am a good candidate for the procedure?
It is important to us to accurately assess your condition. If necessary, a veinlite and doppler maybe used to look for signs of deeper problems. If we feel it is necessary, we will not hesitate to send you to a vascular specialist before sclerosing the spider vein. Educating you is very important to us, so you can prevent further problems. We take this very seriously. We work with you to treat your veins but also diagnose why you have them and make suggestions as to how you can prevent them long term. As with any of our treatments, our goal is improvement, and having our clients feel better about themselves. Again, you are important to us, you are “Our Business.”
What would keep me from being a good candidate for the procedure?
They will be screened for medical history background, any contraindications for the procedure. The contraindications for this procedure are if you are on steroids, pregnant, lupus, blood clots, you are on anti-coagulants or have been diagnosed with diabetes.
What should I expect when I come in for a consult?
Our trained medical staff will discuss pre-sclerotherapy instructions. We will take measurements for compression stockings which is one of the most important post treatments to get the best results.
What should I expect on the day of my appointment?
Pre and post pictures will be taken. You will fill out an informed consent at time of treatment, explaining sclerotherapy, the treatment, common side effects and other types of procedure for treatment.
How much does Sclerotherapy cost?
The cost for this procedure is $250.00 per treatment. Additional treatments will be determined at time of visit.
What are some of the common side effects?
- Bruising: Can last several weeks, use of compression hose can help this.
- Transient hyperpigmentation: Darkening discoloration at injection site and vein treated which is due in theory to iron deposits remaining in treated vessel. This disappears over time.
- Pain: Some patients may experience mild pain at injection site and the vein may be tender to touch, this is generally temporary and diminishes within several days. There also may be some blood accumulation in a treated vessel causing a tender bump. Warm compresses will help this.
