While spider veins are usually harmless, many people seek out vein removal for cosmetic purposes.  Abnormal veins often appear on the body in areas that have poor blood flow, typically due to genetic factors and venous insufficiency.  These veins present as web-like featurs which are typically blue, red, or purple in color. With the demand for Upper East vein treatment  rising for spider and varicose vein removal,it's a good time to review what results to expect after sclerotherapy.

Several factors influence the effect of sclerotherapy.  This includes both physican and individual factors.

Patient factors

1. Size of vein
2. Number of veins
3. Underlying venous insuffiency (most important)
4. Duration of Spider Veins
5. Compression Therapy
6. Sun exposure post therapy
7. Location

Physician Factors

1. Experience
2. Medication Utilized
3. Concentration of Medication
4. Evaluation For Venous Insuffiency When Suspected
5. Enhancement Tools (Vein-Lites, Magnification, Cryotherapy)

How Vein Injections Work?

Sclerotherapy in NYC involves either polidocanol, STS or hypertonic saline.  In general, poli and STS are used with greater confidence as they are formulated to have both a high degree of safety and efficacy.  Injections are directly into abnormal spider and reticular veins that disrupt the endothelial lining of the blood vessels.  This causes the vessel walls to degrade and ultimately collapse. With time, the veins fade away. 

How Long Does It Take To Work?

Sclerotherapy has an immediate effect on the blood vessels that can be seen in 3 phases:

1. Immediate disappearance as the clear fluid is injected into the vein.  This is useful feedback for the vein doctor demonstrating successful cannulation of the blood vessel. 
2. Shortly after, the same veins take on a red, inflammed appearance that can last 2 weeks.  There can also be bruising during this period
3. Over the next 2-4 weeks, the treated veins will begin to fade in appearance.  A typical single treatment can be expected for 50-70% improvement.  Some smaller veins may even completely disappear.  Additional injections are advised for acheiving a balanced 75-85% improvement or more.  For most patients, this can be 2 or 3 sessions spread out over a few weeks.  For more advanced cases, the leg can be divided into different segments requiring few sessions for each region.

Slow healing veins are often secondary to venous insufficiency that underlies the bed of spider veins.  Prior to additional treatments, it may be advisable to have a reflux ultrasound.

 

What Is A Session Like?

A typical session is 15 minutes to 30 minutes and involves injection of the sclerosant using very fine needles.  20-40 small injections are not uncommon involving several syringes of the medication.

Your vein doctor may use some advanced techniques for increased efficacy including cooling techniques, magnification and vein lites to highlight target veins. 

The injections do not require the use of anesthesia. However, if you’re sensitive to needles, consult your North Shore Vein Clinic on possible local anesthetics that can be used to make the treatment more pleasant and comfortable for you.  Cryotherapy can also be considered if available. 

 

 

 

When Can Additional Sessions Be Done?

Additional sessions can be performed once the bruising has resolved.  This can take 2-4 weeks in most cases if the very same areas are being targeted.  If you have a larger number of spider veins and the treatment will be divided into separate sessions, then treatment can proceed quicker.  However, treating the same veins typically will still need some time for healing before re-treatment.

Resuming Normal Activities

Sclerotherapy is a minor procedure with minimal restrictions after treatment. Most patients can resume their normal activities the very same day or next.  It is recommended to wear compression stockings for 1 week post treatment but this can vary depending on the condition being treated.  Sun exposure should be limited during the healing period. Low impact exercises and walking are highly encouraged, whereas high impact activities can be usually resumed in the next 48-72 hours.  

If you are considering vein treatment in NYC, there are several high-end clinics that are dedicated to spider and varicose vein management.  It is highly advisable to select reputable centers to ensure both satisfaction and safety.