Sclerotherapy is one technique used to treat spider veins
This involves the use of a very fine needle to inject a solution (sclerosant) directly into the veins. The solution causes the lining of the vein swell, eventually sealing off the blood vessel and preventing blood flow.
After the skin has been thoroughly cleaned with alcohol, the doctor will use a syringe with a tiny needle to inject a small amount of the sclerosing (hardening) solution directly into a vein.
The solution displaces the blood within the vein, causing it to blanch or turn white. The vessel then becomes irritated and begins to swell shut. When the needle is withdrawn, pressure is immediately applied to the area. The skin may be kneaded to help disperse the solution and reduce bruising. Each vein may require several injections and most disappear in two weeks to two months. Following each treatment we suggest the wearing of medium support tights for approximately one to two weeks.
Is The Procedure Painful?
Patients who have sclerotherapy report very little discomfort. Some experience a slight to moderate burning sensation immediately after the injection, but this lasts literally only a few seconds.
Patients with varicose veins should not have thread veins treated until the varicose veins have been corrected first. The high pressures created by the abnormal veins in the leg will prevent a successful closure of the very fine thread veins often found at the terminations of the varicosities. This is very important as thread veins will get worse if treatment is given without this correction