ANDREW T. LYOS, MD, FACS

SPIDER VEINS
  • bullet If you are an adult woman, chances are 50/50 that you now have or will eventually get unsightly spider veins. These small, thin veins - red, blue, or purple in color - lie close to the surface of the skin and usually appear on the thighs, calves, and ankles.
  • bullet A number of different factors cause development of spider veins, including heredity, pregnancy, and other events that cause hormonal shifts. Weight gains, occupations or activities that require prolonged standing or sitting, and the use of some medications also contribute to spider veins.
  • bullet The good news is that today spider veins are easier than ever to eliminate with a proven simple procedure called sclerotherapy. This procedure calls for veins to be injected with a sclerosing solution, causing them to collapse and fade from view. The procedure can also be successful at remedying symptoms associated with spider veins such as burning, aching, swelling, and night cramps.
  • bullet As effective as it is sclerotherapy can not promise that every affected vein will disappear completely as a result of one treatment. After each session, the veins should appear lighter. Usually two to three sessions are required to achieve the best results. Following treatment with sclerotherapy, Dr. Lyos recommends a final treatment with the pulse-dye laser to erase any of the remaining tiny veins that have not disappeared with sclerotherapy.
  • bullet Lasting only 15 to 45 minutes, a typical sclerotherapy session is relatively quick. After the skin over your spider veins is cleansed with an antiseptic solution, sclerosing solution is placed into the veins. The procedure is virtually painless.
  • bullet The needle that is used for sclerotherapy is so thin and the sclerosing solution is so mild that pain is minimal. A cotton ball and compression tape are applied to each area. In addition to compression tape that is applied during the procedure, tight-fitting compression hose are worn for 48 hours to promote healing. You need to wait a month before you have your second series of injections in the same sites. After each treatment, further improvement is noticed.
  • bullet Most patients are extremely satisfied with the improved appearance of their legs after sclerotherapy. Skin appears younger, clear, and healthier. If, like so many women, you have been forced to wear long skirts and slacks to hide your spider veins, you will love the opportunity to change your wardrobe. Even though sclerotherapy can't prevent new spider veins from emerging, touchups or full treatments for new veins as they surface maintains your new look.
  • bullet For removal of very small spider veins on the face and legs, the Aura™ Laser is the newest and most effective option. The Aura™ Laser produces an intense but gentle burst of light that selectively reduces blood vessels in these locations. It is often used in combination with sclerotherapy.

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