Sclerotherapy for spider veins 

Complimentary Consultation

What is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is the injection of veins with a saline (salt) and dextrose (sugar) solution.  There are rare if any allergic reactions.  Occasionally, other solutions may be used but Dr. Wong will inform you prior.  The intent is to close these superficial veins by causing a mild inflammation in the vein. These superficial veins are not needed and often a cosmetic concern.  The blood flow will then go to where it should, into the deeper vein systems.

What is the difference between spider veins and varicose veins?

Spider veins are the very thin superficial veins that look purple or red, and look like marks drawn by a thin pen line.  Varicose veins are large blue bulging veins that are deeper.  Both types of veins often do not cause any symptoms but are often cosmetic concerns.  Although small spider veins do not have any medical risks, large varicose veins may lead to more serious problems such as poor circulation, swelling, and ulcers in the legs.

Dr. Wong will assess your veins and make appropriate recommendations.  Only spider veins are treated at glow Medi Spa.  If you have large varicose veins, Dr. Wong will refer you to another medical clinic.

What are the potential side-effects of sclerotherapy?

After the treatments, there will be tiny red spots at the sites of injection.  These will likely fade in a few days.  There may also be bruising which may last up to two weeks.  Please inform the doctor if you are taking blood thinners such as aspirin.  The smallest needles possible are used and you will feel a pinprick with each injection.  A slight stinging/tingling sensation is often felt immediately after the treatment and this may last for several hours.  Walking after the treatment helps it to resolve quicker.

There is a slight risk of change in skin colour around the injection site or vein injected.  This is called hyperpigmentation (increased colour)  or hypopigmentation (decreased colour).  There is a greater risk if you have a darker skin tone.  There is also a risk that the vein itself can turn brown in colour and look stained.  Infection and/or inflammation of the vein or surrounding skin are also slight risks as well as the possibility that clusters of new spider veins may appear as the result of the treatment (“spider bursts”). These potential side effects are usually temporary but can be permanent.

What can I expect after the treatments?

You will have cotton balls and tape on each injection site after the treatment.  Wear long pants that are not too snug to each treatment session so that the cotton balls will not be too apparent.  Keep the cotton balls on for two hours and then remove them gently.  If you leave the tapes on too long, you may get a black residue from the adhesive.  Nail polish remover with acetone is the most effective solution to remove the black marks.

What are the restrictions after the treatments?

Do not tan the area within the following two days as you will likely get an uneven tan since the tape may remove a very superficial layer of your skin.  Activities are not restricted afterwards although you may want to avoid going into a pool for the first 24-48 hrs due to the injection sites.

How do you prevent spider veins?

You may notice improvement immediately after the treatment on some veins.  On other veins, they may take 1-2 weeks to gradually fade.  Some veins will not respond at all and require re-treatment.  Dr. Wong will estimate the number of treatments needed after an evaluation of your veins during your consultation.

Medical compression hose are always a generally recommended to help slow down the recurrence of the veins.  However, the natural history of spider veins is that they usually recur or new ones can occur.  The time varies between recurrences.  Hereditary factors and the amount of standing and activity play a role on recurrences.

General advice on how to prevent recurrences:

• Wear special compression hose eg. Jobst, even if they are only knee highs
• Exercise but avoid resistive exercises on the legs (eg. Weights, presses)
• Avoid excessive heat for prolonged periods eg. Hot tubs, saunas
• Avoid standing in one position for long periods.  If you must, contract the muscles in the legs by standing on your tip toes, them heels, and move your legs up/down

How does sclerotherapy compare with laser treatments or IPL (Intense Pulse Light) for spider veins?

Depending on the size of the vein, treatment recommendations will vary.  For spider veins that are clearly visible, sclerotherapy will likely be recommended.  It is the gold standard treatment.  Dr. Wong is highly skilled in sclerotherapy and gets excellent results.  Laser therapy may get equivalent results, however, it is more costly, is similar in discomfort level, and has more potential side-effects.  We now choose sclerotherapy as our first line treatment at glow Medi Spa.

If the veins are so small that sclerotherapy cannot be done, IPL (Intense Pulse Light) is often effective to constrict the tiny vessels.  IPL is also very successful in the treatment of facial veins, generalized redness or flushing, and rosacea.  A consultation will provide you with appropriate recommendations.

What should I do?

Call us for a complimentary consultation at 416-920-9998.  Dr. Wong will assess your veins and discuss the options with you.