Best Dermatologist for Spider Vein Treatments in San Francisco

What You Need to Know

Sclerotherapy is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive medical procedure designed to treat spider veins, those small, twisted and branching blood vessels that appear on the surface of the skin. This procedure may also be used to treat small varicose veins. During the procedure, a skilled healthcare professional injects a special solution into the affected veins, causing them to collapse and eventually fade away.

While spider veins are generally harmless and do not require medical treatment, some individuals may choose to have them treated for cosmetic reasons or if they cause discomfort. Note that sclerotherapy is only one method of spider vein removal. Other alternative treatment options include laser treatments, or vein stripping surgery for larger vessels with failed valves. This latter procedure is best performed by a vascular surgeon.

Why Choose Sclerotherapy?

• Non-Surgical: Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical procedure, meaning no incisions or stitches are required. It's a simple, outpatient treatment.

• Quick and Painless: The injections are virtually painless and take only a short amount of time to complete. Most patients can return to their daily activities right after the procedure.

• Boost Confidence: By reducing the appearance of spider veins, sclerotherapy can boost your confidence, allowing you to wear shorts and skirts without worry.

What are Spider Veins?

Spider veins, also known as telangiectasias or thread veins, are small, widened blood vessels that appear near the surface of the skin. They are named "spider veins" due to their appearance, which often resembles a spider's web or branches of a tree. These veins are often perfectly healthy veins, that just happen to lie shallow in the skin.Although they do not cause discomfort, they may still be a cosmetic concern for some individuals.

What Causes Spider Veins?

Spider veins develop for a number of reasons. These include heredity, aging, hormonal changes, and physical factors such as prolonged sitting and standing.

How Does Sclerotherapy Work?

Sclerotherapy is the most common treatment for spider veins. In this treatment, a sclerosing agent is injected into the affected veins, causing them to seal shut or collapse, and fade over time. A sclerosing agent is a chemical solution, which when injected into a blood vessel, works to irritate the walls of the treated veins. This causes the treated blood vessels to seal close, and eventually get reabsorbed by the body. This process is called sclerosis. By closing off or sealing the abnormal veins, the sclerosing agent redirects blood flow to healthier veins, leading to improved circulation and reduced symptoms such as pain, swelling, and cosmetic concerns. Common sites of treatment include the thighs, legs, ankles, and feet. Different types of sclerosing solutions may be used depending on the size and type of the treated blood vessels. At the California Center for Dermatologic Surgery, we use the sclerosant Polidocanol, also called Asclera, which is one of the most widely used sclerosing agents used in sclerotherapy treatments for both spider veins and small varicose veins.

What To Expect from The Sclerotherapy Procedure?

The sclerotherapy procedure is straightforward and involves the following steps:

Injection Procedure: After cleansing the skin, your doctor will inject the sclerosant solution into the targeted veins using a tiny needle. The treatment sites are then held with pressure for a few minutes, and then bandaged. For best results, you will be advised to wear compression stockings throughout the day, except when you are sleeping, for a few days while the treated sites heal.

Recovery: there is minimal downtime after sclerotherapy, and you will be able to resume your normal activities on the same day. It is advised that you avoid visiting an sauna for a few days after treatment. Bruises, redness or other discoloration,, and mild swelling of the injection sites and surrounding treated area may occur. This is minimal and is expected to improve over a few days.

Results: Over the following weeks, you'll notice a visible improvement in the appearance of treated spider veins as they gradually fade. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may need multiple or additional treatments for best results.

Do I Need Prepare for Treatments?

The best way to prepare for sclerotherapy is to schedule an initial consultation with a dermatologist or a skilled cosmetic or plastic surgeon who has experience with this treatment. During this appointment, your medical history will be reviewed, and your veins will be evaluated to determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure. During this visit, the procedure will be explained to you in detail, your skin condition will be assessed, and your doctor will recommend a treatment plan for your spider veins or varicose veins, including the number of veins that will be treated, and the number of sclerotherapy sessions to expect. Your doctor will recommend that you purchase compression stockings to wear after the procedure. These stockings help improve circulation and support the healing process. The type of compression stockings needed will be discussed during your appointment. Stay well-hydrated in the days leading up to the procedure. Good hydration helps ensure healthy blood flow and makes it easier for the doctor to find the veins to be treated.