Spider veins are not harmful but they do look unsightly, so if you would like to remove them, sclerotherapy is a great choice. Sclerotherapy is a non-invasive vein treatment that can get rid of pesky spider veins for good. But how long does sclerotherapy take?
Sclerotherapy For Spider Veins
Sclerotherapy is an effective treatment for both spider veins and small varicose veins. Spider veins or telangiectasia are tiny broken blood vessels that develop near the surface of the skin and have a web-like appearance. They are typically red, purple, or blue in color and frequently appear on the legs.
Sclerotherapy is a simple treatment in which a tiny needle is used to inject a sclerosing agent into the damaged vein. This causes the vein to scar and also seals it off, so blood is rerouted through healthy veins. The treated vein is subsequently reabsorbed by the body.
How Long Does Sclerotherapy Take?
Sclerotherapy treatment doesn’t take long, usually less than 30 minutes. It typically requires multiple treatments to achieve optimal results, usually about 3-5 sessions. However, very small spider veins sometimes only need 1-2 sessions to clear.
Are You A Good Candidate
If you have troublesome spider veins that you would like to get rid of, and you’re otherwise healthy, you may be a good candidate for sclerotherapy.
What To Expect After Treatment?
After sclerotherapy patients are encouraged to walk around and move their legs to prevent the formation of blood clots. They are also required to wear compression stockings for about 2 weeks to ensure that blood does not flow back into the vein.
There is no downtime after sclerotherapy but patients may experience side-effects such as irritation, itching, and bruising in the treatment area. These usually resolve within 7-14 days.