ABOUT SCLEROTHERAPY
Spider veins, also called telangiectasia, may be caused by genetics, obesity, hormonal changes, certain medications, blood clots, and some medical conditions. They are usually red, purple, or blue and may become easily visible through the skin as they grow in branching patterns on the face and legs. Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Marguerite Bernett offers sclerotherapy to reduce or eliminate the appearance of spider veins on the face and body. A minimally invasive treatment with no required recovery period, sclerotherapy can help you get an even skin tone that you can show off in short shorts. Schedule a consultation at our facility in Irvine, CA to learn more about nonsurgical sclerotherapy as well as other cosmetic services.
IDEAL CANDIDATES
Sclerotherapy is best for patients who have small to medium blood vessels that are visible through the skin of their face and body. Typically, these spider veins are most prominent on the thighs and lower legs, so patients may avoid wearing shorts, swimsuits, or other clothing that don’t cover their spider veins. Sclerotherapy patients should be in good general health before their treatment to avoid complications or reactions. Patients should not be pregnant or have a history of blood clots.
PROCEDURE TECHNIQUE
Sclerotherapy can be performed in one of our treatment rooms quickly and without any anesthesia. The spider veins being treated will be identified and the skin will be sanitized with alcohol. A fine gauge needle will be inserted into the vein and the sclerosing solution will be applied. The needle will be removed and a bandage will be applied to the injection site to stop any minor bleeding. This process will be repeated until all spider veins have been treated.
WHAT TO EXPECT
After sclerotherapy, you will be able to leave to resume all normal activities. You may notice some redness, bruising, or swelling in the treated areas, but this should subside naturally. Compression garments will be recommended by Dr. Bernett to help blood circulation after your treatment for faster, better results. It may take some time for the sclerosing solution to work, but eventually the treated veins should shrink, turn white, and then fade or disappear. You may need two or more treatments to achieve optimal results, but most patients are pleased with their improvements after one treatment.
BANISH SPIDER VEINS
The branching spider veins on your face and body can be frustrating as they grow over time, so learn more about sclerotherapy at our cosmetic surgery facility in Irvine, CA to eliminate your problem. Dr. Bernett can help you create a custom treatment plan with sclerotherapy and talk about other cosmetic services that will help you look and feel your best.