Do you have spider veins on your legs or face? Spider veins are small red or bluish veins just under the surface of your skin that are clearly visible.
At Osteopathic Center for Healing, Neil Spiegel, DO, and Jennifer Gularson, PA-C, recognize that if you’re uncomfortable with how you look, you may not be as active as you’d like to be, and your self-confidence can suffer. Living a full, healthy life includes being happy with how you look, which is one reason we offer sclerotherapy.
Your blood vessels aren’t simply tubes that carry blood through your body. They’re much more complex than that.
Each vein has valves throughout, so that the blood doesn’t flow backward. As the blood flows through the vein, the valves close to keep the blood moving back toward the heart.
Over time, those valves can weaken, and become leaky. The blood that pools around the valves causes the walls of your tiny blood vessels to weaken and bulge, making them visible. Those spider veins are named for the way they look, similar to a spider’s web.
Scientists aren’t entirely sure why some people get spider veins and others don’t. There appears to be a genetic connection, so if people in your family have them, you’re more likely to get them, too. Women develop spider veins more than men, and pregnancy may also cause them.
It sounds scary to hear that your blood vessels are damaged, but there typically aren’t health risks associated with spider veins. Most of our patients who want them treated just don’t like the way they look.
Even though spider veins are a cosmetic issue, getting them treated may help you feel more comfortable. You may find you’re more willing to get out and be active and participate in healthy activities. Plus, you work hard to be healthy. You should be proud of how you look.
We use Asclera® Injection to treat spider veins. The procedure is called sclerotherapy, and Asclera is the prescription medication we inject. We prefer it because it has a consistently high quality that delivers the desired results.
Sclerotherapy is the process of injecting a solution into a damaged vein to create scarring. The scar tissue effectively closes the vein so the blood reroutes to a healthier vein. The scarred vein collapses and over time your body absorbs the vein tissue, and it disappears.
You have enough veins that there’s no consequence to getting rid of a few of the damaged ones -- except, of course, that you look better!
You may need one to three injections for Asclera to be effective. Each session usually takes 15-45 minutes. Sessions are generally spread over a few weeks.
After your treatment, you’ll need to wear compression socks for a few days and as needed for a few weeks. Compression socks help keep your blood flowing, and they reduce discomfort and swelling.
You should avoid strenuous exercise, sunbathing, lengthy plane flights, hot baths, hot tubs, and saunas for about three days after your treatment.
If you’re tired of the appearance of blue or red veins in your legs or ankles, schedule an appointment. We’re happy to evaluate your situation and determine if you’re a candidate for Asclera Injections. You can book an appointment with us at Osteopathic Center for Healing online or by phone.
