Spider veins are small, thin veins that are visible on the skin’s surface, but they are flat – unlike varicose veins, which are raised and larger. Spider veins are usually red or purple, and they can especially be found on the face, thighs, calves, and ankles. They may look like thin branches or web-like.
Typically, spider veins are not painful but may cause some discomfort in the legs and ankles. Spider veins are also a cosmetic problem that can keep you from wanting to wear shorts, dresses, or bathing suits.
Fortunately, there are now effective and safe treatments to help remove these unsightly and uncomfortable superficial veins. Let’s talk about how this works, and where you can go in Tampa Bay for outstanding vein treatment.
How Are Spider Veins Removed?
Many different types of procedures can be used to treat spider veins, but sclerotherapy is considered a treatment of choice for removing spider veins and small varicose veins. Sclerotherapy involves your vein doctor injecting a solution directly into the spider veins, and this solution irritates the spider vein, forcing it to close. This causes the vein to fade within a few weeks after treatment.
The blood simply reroutes naturally via other nearby veins. The body absorbs the closed vein, and the vein is eliminated naturally as waste from your body.
How Is Sclerotherapy Done to Remove Spider Veins?
Sclerotherapy to remove spider veins is performed via outpatient, so you can go home later the same day. You won’t require general anesthesia, and the whole procedure takes less than an hour.
You will be asked to lie down on your back during the spider vein removal procedure, and your legs will be kept slightly elevated. Your doctor will first clean the area with alcohol, and a very fine needle will be used to inject the sclerosant into your affected veins.
After the solution is injected, the needle is withdrawn, and your vein doctor will apply compression and massage to the area. This will disperse the solution in the vein. Before moving to the next vein, your vein doctor will keep a compression pad on each treated vein.
You may feel minor cramps or stings during the procedure upon insertion of the needle. Pain may also occur if the sclerosant solution leaks from your vein to surrounding tissues. Note that the solution is not harmful to other tissues.
After the Vein Removal Treatment
Soon after the procedure is complete, you will be able (and encouraged) to walk and move around, which is essential to prevent the formation of blood clots in the treated veins. To maintain the compression on the treated veins, your doctor will probably advise you to wear compression stockings for about two weeks.
It is recommended to avoid any strenuous exercise for about two weeks after the procedure. You should also avoid sun exposure as much as possible.
You will notice results within about three to six weeks after the treatment. Generally, spider veins that respond to treatment don’t come back, but new veins may appear – for which you can undergo another sclerotherapy session upon the recommendation of your vein doctor.
Varicose Vein Doctor in Tampa Bay, FL
If you have embarrassing or bothersome spider veins and are searching for a reliable vein doctor in the Palm Harbor area, look no further than Edward G. Mackay and Associates. Dr. Mackay is our board-certified vein doctor who has built a solid reputation for delivering unmatched treatment outcomes of vascular disorders, including eliminating spider veins and varicose veins.
To learn more or to arrange a consultation with Dr. Mackay, call us today at (727) 781-5652, or fill out our request an appointment form online now. We look forward to seeing you at one of our three convenient locations in Tampa Bay: Palm Harbor, St. Petersburg, and Largo.
