Weight gain, heredity, hormonal changes from puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and a history of blood clots are among the main contributing factors for spider and varicose veins. Spider veins are small purple, blue, or red blood vessels that have become twisted and visible on the legs and face. Painful varicose veins are also twisted blood vessels; however, they only appear on the legs and feature a large, bulging, swollen appearance. Sclerotherapy provides a solution for both issues. Take a moment to learn about the procedure below to help determine your candidacy.

What Is Sclerotherapy & Am I a Candidate?

What Is It?

Bodily veins feature valves that direct blood flow to the heart only. When these valves sustain damage from excessive weight or another health issue, they no longer direct blood back to the heart. Instead, they cause blood to pool to create bulging varicose veins. And while spider veins do not enlarge, they often feed varicose veins.

Sclerotherapy offers a minimally-invasive treatment for spider and varicose veins by redirecting blood flow. It involves injecting sclerosant, a type of salt solution, into the affected areas so blood trapped in the vessels moves into healthier veins. The solution also irritates the affected vessels’ lining so they collapse and no longer allow blood to accumulate. Collapsed veins get reabsorbed by the body, resulting in smooth skin. Eliminating the veins keeps their damaged lining from creating more unsightly, often painful blood clots.

How Do I Know It’s Right for Me?

You’re a candidate for sclerotherapy if you have spider or varicose veins; however, you cannot receive treatment if you’re pregnant, allergic to sclerosant solution, have a heart condition, or take blood-thinning medication. A history of blood clots can also decrease your candidacy, depending on the location of the clots and your overall health. If you will undergo heart bypass surgery, the affected veins may be used in surgery, and you cannot receive this procedure. Your dermatologist or skin surgeon will require a full medical history to determine your candidacy.
 

If sclerotherapy seems right for you, contact Lauren A. Damen, MD, PC. This skin surgeon and her experienced team provide a wide range of dermatological services to clients throughout Hartford, CT, area, including microdermabrasion, Botox®, and phototherapy. Call (860) 246-3533 to schedule an appointment or visit the website for more information.