Sclerotherapy

Telangiectasias (spider veins) - are small, thin veins that lie close to the surface of the skin. Although these super-fine veins are connected with the larger venous system, they are not an essential part of it. In fact, most people who have spider veins wish they were not a part of their venous system at all!
Telangiectasias can be removed via a process called sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy is the injection of a sclerosing (hardening) solution into a spider vein to produce inflammation and scarring. The inflammation and scarring renders the vein nonfunctional and it gradually closes and shrinks.

A typical sclerotherapy session is relatively quick, lasting only about 15 to 45 minutes. You will be asked to lie down on the examination table and the skin over your spider veins will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution. Using one hand to stretch the skin taut, your doctor or nurse will begin injecting the sclerosing agent into the affected veins. Bright, indirect light and magnification help ensure that the process is completed with maximum precision.

Approximately one injection is administered for every inch of spider vein - anywhere from five to 40 injections per treatment session. A cotton ball and compression tape is applied to each area of the leg as it is finished. Two or more sessions may be needed. Compression stockings are required for optimum results.