Many people suffer from unattractive and often painful blood vessels called spider or varicose veins. A simple method to treat these if called sclerotherapy which has been used for over 70 years. Performed by Nancy Luther RN at Age-Less Clinic at small needle is inserted and a solution is carefully injected into the veins irritating the inner vein walls causing them to swell, stick together and eventually fade.

What are spider or varicose veins?

Many people suffer with unattractive and often painful blood vessels called spider or varicose veins. These unsightly veins can occur in different areas of the body and although they do carry blood, the majority of these vessels are not necessary.

What are the causes?

It is believed that heredity plays a significant role in the development of spider and varicose veins. Hormones also seem to be an aggravating factor in unwanted vein production. For this reason, conditions such as pregnancy, menopause, use of birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy make women rather than men more susceptible to spider veins.

What is the treatment of sclerotherapy like?

A simple method of injection called sclerotherapy is often used to treat unnecessary veins. Sclerotherapy has been used for over 70 years.
Using a small needle a solution is carefully injected into the veins irritating the inner vein walls causing them to swell, stick together and eventually fade. This fading process is gradual and varies in length from person to person. Most often more than one treatment is required. A treatment takes approximately 20 minutes.
When large veins are treated, a tensor bandage may be used for compression for a day or two. Discomfort with injections varies, with most people tolerating the procedure very well. Number of injection done and areas treated are agreed upon prior to treatment.

What are the possible side effects?

The possible side effects are:

• Temporary redness or bruising at the injection site.
• Stinging at injection site. This usually disappears within minutes.
• Pigmentation (brown mark at injection site.)
• Small spider veins can occur as a result of injection and closure of a large vein.
• Small lumps at the site of a closed large vein. This usually disappears within several weeks.
• Allergic reaction to sclerosing solutions.
• Inflammation of treated vessels and surrounding area a superficial phlebitis.
• A superficial sore or ulcer.

Often, the side effects listed above do not occur. Any concerns or questions can be discussed in detail at your consultation.

What should be done for after care?

Walking is encouraged after treatments to reroute the blood flow through new vessels. As well, hot baths, shower, saunas, hot tubes etc. should be avoided for 24 to 48 hours after the injections. Heat opens (dilates) the vessels. Our goal is to close these unwanted veins, therefore application of cold (ice pack) after treatment is recommended when possible. Specific instructions will be given if tensor bandages or support hose are used with treatments.

What is the success rate?

After several treatments most clients should see a noticeable improvement.