Spider Veins (Sclerotherapy)

What are spider veins?

Spider veins are varicose veins - distended, visible superficial veins on the legs - almost always the result of problems with valves within the venous system of the leg. All leg veins contain one-way flap valves which are designed to help the flow of blood in the veins in an upward direction on its return to the heart. When one or more of these valves fails to function correctly ("leaks"), some blood is able to flow back down into the leg - in the wrong direction - and tends to overfill and distend branches of superficial veins under the skin. Over a period of time, this additional pressure of blood causes the veins to stretch, bulge and become visible. At the same time, tiny capillary branches of the veins are also overfilled with blood, producing multiple spider veins and purple discoloration.

Why do spider veins appear?

There is evidence that a weakness of these important valves may be inherited in some people and the valves may also be stretched and caused to leak by other factors such as obesity and pregnancy.

What can I expect with Spider Vein Treatment?

Spider vein treatment is performed by injection of sclerosing solution into the spider veins. This procedure requires no incisions or stitches, and is simple enough to be performed in our office.

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