Frequently Asked Questions

How Successful is Sclerotherapy?
After several treatments, most patients can expect an 80 percent or better improvement. However, fading is gradual. Total disappearance of spider veins is usually achieved.

Can Sclerotherapy Be Used on All Skin Types?
Yes. Although lighter skinned patients seem to respond better.

What Does The Sclerotherapy Procedure Feel Like?
The injections feel like small stings, similar to mosquito bites, and are not especially painful.

Are these veins necessary to circulation?
Though these blood vessels carry blood, the great majority of them, especially spider veins, are not necessary and perform no useful function.

Will Treated Veins Recur?
Larger veins and spider veins may recur. Or, it may seem that a previously injected vessel has recurred, when, in fact, a new spider vein has appeared in the same area. Since spider veins and varicose veins are genetically determined diseases, it is probable that problem veins will recur in some area.  Most patients can expect an interval of 2 years or more before additional injections are necessary.

Can Spider Veins On Other Parts Of The Body Be Treated?
Spider veins occurring on the face or elsewhere may be treated.

Are There Treatment Methods Other Than Sclerotherapy?
We offer both injection sclerotherapy and laser therapy. After a consultation, we can determine which type of treatment is best for your particular situation.

How Do I Prepare For Sclerotherapy Treatment?
No particular preparations are required for spider vein sclerotherapy. Varicose vein treatment requires that you shave your legs and not use lotion prior to treatment. Wear loose fitting clothing the day of the procedure and eat as you normally would. You will be able to drive home and resume normal activity after the procedure.

What Can I Do After Varicose Vein Sclerotherapy Treatment?
After the procedure, a compression stocking should be applied that cannot be removed except on your follow-up visits. Cast protectors can be purchased to cover the stocking and allow you to shower. No limitations are placed on normal activities with your stocking in place. On occasion, temporary skin pigmentation changes may occur following sclerotherapy. Limited sun exposure or use of 30 SPF sunscreen is advised until this staining resolves.

How Do I Prepare For The Ligation Procedure?
Ligation is a surgical procedure that is done under local anesthesia in the office at the time of sclerotherapy. You can therefore eat normally, but discontinue taking any Aspirin or blood thinners three days before surgery. Please shave your legs and ligation site but do not apply lotion. Jewelry should be removed, so it is best to leave it at home. When using local anesthesia, you will be able to drive yourself to and from the procedure. In rare cases, the doctor may determine that this procedure should be performed as an outpatient procedure in the hospital. In that case, you will be given specific pre-operative instructions by the office nurse.

What Can I Do After Ligation Treatment?
No limitations are placed on normal activities. The incision needs to be kept dry until the stitches are removed, which is usually three days after your surgery. During this time you will need to shower. Bruising around the incision line is normal.  No pain medications are usually required or prescribed so please have an over-the-counter analgesic (such as Tylenol or Motrin) available at home to be used if needed.