If the first thing you think of when you hear the term “spider veins” is Spiderman, you’ve been spending a few too many hours in the local megaplex watching the exploits of the famed Marvel Comic webslinger.
Reality is known, spider veins aren’t anywhere near that exciting. Spider veins are those squiggly purple, red, or blue lines weaving their way around your legs and face. If your Mom had spider veins, it’s likely you will have them, too. Also, it’s thought that if your job keeps you on your feet a lot, you’re more prone to developing them. Plus, simple aging, as our tissues lose some of their support strength is thought to be a culprit behind spider vein development.
At Deschutes, Dr. Carter can get rid of those pesky spider veins with sclerotherapy.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is nothing new; it was first developed for the treatment of spider veins in the 1930s. Despite its nearly 90 years of practice, sclerotherapy is still the best way to deal with spider veins. Dr. Carter believes it to be the superior solution compared to lasers, particularly for smaller spider veins on the legs. Sclerotherapy is an outpatient procedure that is quick and mostly painless.
A sclerosion solution is injected into each vein selected for treatment. Dr. Carter offers both Asclera (a prescription medicine) or Hypertonic Saline. Once injected into the spider vein, the sclerosing solution irritates the lining of the vein, causing it to swell and the blood in it to clot. Once that happens, the vein turns into scar tissue and fades away with time, usually over two to three months. In some cases, the vein virtually disappears instantly upon injection. For most veins, a single treatment is all that’s needed.
Recovery
Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical treatment that doesn’t require a recovery period. Dr. Carter has her patients wear compression stockings or hose for up to two weeks following their treatment, and walking is encouraged. But there isn’t any pain. You should also avoid prolonged sitting, standing, or pounding types of exercise, however.
With our outdoor lifestyle here in Bend, no one wants to be embarrassed by purple and blue squiggly lines on their legs. Come to Deschutes and let us take care of them before the warm summer weather is here. Call us at [primary_phone] for an appointment.
Recent Comments