dermasurgeon. A concentrated saline or specially developed chemical solution is injected with a very small needle into the spider or varicose vein. The solution causes the vein to close up or collapse and become scar tissue that is eventually absorbed by the body. The work of carrying the blood is shifted to other healthy blood vessels nearby. Sclerotherapy generally requires multiple treatment sessions. One to three injections are usually required to effectively treat any vein. The same area should not be retreated for four to six weeks to allow for complete healing, although other areas may undergo treatment during this time. Many dermasurgeons have found that treating all abnormal veins in one session gives the best results. Post-treatment therapy includes wearing bandages and support hose for two days to three weeks (most commonly one week) following treatment. Walking and moderate exercise also helps speed recovery. Although sclerotherapy works for existing spider and varicose veins, it does not prevent new ones from developing, but may decrease this risk. Are There Side Effects Or Complications? Most patients report few, if any minor side effects, which usually disappear in time. Temporary reactions can include a slight swelling of the leg or foot, minor bruising, pigmentation, the temporary appearance of new blood vessels, redness and mild soreness. What Are Other Treatments For Vein Conditions? Laser Surgery Laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy may be effective for certain leg veins and facial blood vessels. The heat from the high-intensity laser or IPL beam selectively destroys the abnormal veins. Electrodesiccation The veins are sealed off with the application of electrical current. The treatment may leave scars. Surgical Ligation, And Stripping And Intravascular Laser Or Radiofrequency Ablation Certain varicose veins may require an in-hospital procedure, usually performed by a vascular surgeon, which involves making an incision in the skin and either tying off or removing the damaged blood vessel. This procedure has been mostly replaced by intravascular laser or radiofrequency ablation of varicose veins. Intravascular laser or radiofrequency ablation, pioneered by dermasurgeons, is performed entirely under local anesthesia. A laser fiber or radiofrequency catheter is inserted into the abnormal vein which is then sealed closed by thermal energy. Patients are awake during the procedure and can resume almost all normal activities immediately after the procedure. PREVIOUS NEXT