Sclerotherapy in Chicago

What are Spider veins?

Spider veins, also known as telangiectasias, are small, thin veins that lie close to the surface of the skin. Although these super-fine veins are connected to the larger venous system, they are not an essential part of it. Several factors contribute to the development of spider veins, including heredity, pregnancy and other events that cause hormonal shifts, weight gain, occupations or activities that require prolonged sitting or standing, and the use of certain medications.

Spider veins are more common in women than men. People of any age may be good candidates for Sclerotherapy, but most fall in the 30-60 category. Spider veins may become noticeable very early on but may not become obvious until your 40s.

What is Sclerotherapy?

Injecting a sclerosing agent (Polidocanol) into the spider veins can help eliminate them. Polidocanol is not yet FDA approved but is widely used and is believed by many vein specialists to be the safest sclerosing agent with the least amount of side effects. Majority of patients will have significant clearing of the veins but there is no guarantee it will be effective in every case.

Spider veins take an average of 3-5 treatments spaced at least 4 weeks apart. The number of treatments may vary depending on your situation.

Sclerotherapy is usually considered cosmetic and is not covered by insurance companies. The cost of the treatment will vary depending on the treatment area and number of legs. Please call to schedule your consultation.

What to Expect From Sclerotherapy Treatment?

Your veins will look worse before they look better.

Discoloration may take a few weeks to several months to fade depending on your body’s ability to reabsorb the iron in treated vessels.

Bruising, redness, local swelling and some tenderness are normal after treatment. These symptoms may take 3-5 weeks or longer to fade.

You may resume normal activities on the day of treatment and may resume exercising in 3 days (no weights with legs for 2 weeks).

You will need to wear medical grade compression stockings in order to produce better results. We recommend stockings with 30-40mmHg compression. These can also be worn to help prevent or slow the progression of vein conditions later in life.

Potential Sclerotherapy Complications

Pain, burning, blister formation, bleeding, matting (bruised appearance that is often temporary, but sometimes permanent), bruising, temporary phlebitis, ulcer formation, scar formation and pigment (color) changes at the treatment site; hyper pigmentation (increase in skin color or darkening), poor cosmetic outcome, reoccurrence of vessels at the treated site, allergic reaction (possibly severe or life-threatening) and, superficial or deep clot formation (deep vein thrombosis).

Recommendations for Better Leg Veins

Regular Exercise – 30 minutes, 5-7 days per week will help reduce aching, pain and tiredness in your legs.

Elevate your legs – Elevating your legs above heart level for at least 10 minutes 1-2x a day may diminish aching and swelling.

Move your legs frequently – Flexing your ankles 10x a day will pump the blood out of your legs like walking does. Repeat every 10 minute while standing or sitting and try to walk for at least 2 minutes every half hour.

Avoid wearing high heels – Wearing high heels interferes with the normal pumping action that occurs when you walk and may lead to aching and cramping of the legs.

Maintain a proper weight – Even moderate weight loss may reduce aching in the legs due to varicose veins and diminish the rate at which spider veins develop.

Wear support hose – These are available at pharmacies and medical supply stores. There are many brands to choose from. Lighter support stockings are available at department stores. However, it is best to wear a stocking that is labeled “graduated” as this will really help to improve your vein function.

Sclerotherapy Pre-treatment Instructions

• You should bring a pair of loose fitting shorts with you to each visit
• You will be measured for compression stockings before or on the day of your appointment. Once you receive your compression stockings, bring them with you to each visit.
• Do not wear any lotions or other cosmetics on your legs on the day of your appointment.
• Do not tan or use bottled tanning lotions 2 weeks before or after your treatment.
• Do not shave your legs the morning of your appointment.

Sclerotherapy Post-treatment Instructions

• The veins will look worse before they look better.
• Discoloration may take a few weeks to several months to fade depending on your body’s ability to reabsorb the iron in treated vessels.
• Bruising, redness, local swelling and some tenderness are normal after treatment. These symptoms may take 3-5 weeks or longer to fade.
• If there is tenderness in treated areas, you may take either Motrin or Aleve (according to package recommended dosage) to help with any discomfort. If the pain persists call me
• Keep the compression socks on constantly for 48 hours. After the 48 hours you may remove them to shower. Wear the support hose continuously for 2 weeks after your treatment, except when showering and at bedtime.
• The use of public swimming pools, tanning beds and hot tubs are not permitted for 2 weeks.
• You may resume normal activities today.
• You may resume exercising in 3 days (no weights with legs for 2 weeks).
• Schedule your next follow up visit in 4-6 weeks.

Schedule a Sclerotherapy Consultation in Chicago Today

Ready to say goodbye to spider veins or just have questions about what option may be best for you? Simply fill out the form to the right or call us at 312-380-9780.