It is an effective and well-documented treatment for permanently removing spider veins on the legs. Using a fine needle, a sugar-based solution is injected into the affected blood vessels, causing the vessel walls to become irritated and break down. The treatment is performed by specially trained cosmetic nurses and is almost painless. After the first treatment, a reduction of spider veins by up to 70% can be expected. For optimal results, 2–3 treatments are often recommended, spaced 3–4 weeks apart. The treated vessels disappear permanently, but new spider veins may appear over time, so annual follow-up treatments may be necessary. The treatment is most effective during the winter months but can also be performed in summer with proper sun protection. A free consultation is recommended to assess treatment needs and develop an individual plan.
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What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is used to treat spider veins on the legs (telangiectasias).The cause of vein enlargements on the legs is often hereditary, and these vein enlargements typically develop over a long period. Additionally, pregnancies, standing work, and phlebitis can be contributing factors. In more severe cases, there can be damage to the valves in the larger veins and a tendency for swollen legs. In these cases, it is beneficial to have the venous defects examined and treated before sclerotherapy of the superficial veins, as this results in a more lasting effect.
Sclerotherapy can be used to treat blue and red spider veins, especially on the legs where spider veins can be difficult to treat with laser. In some cases, sclerotherapy can be advantageously combined with laser treatment. In other cases, laser alone is preferred.
Which areas can be treated?
We treat spider veins on the legs with sclerotherapy. Usually, treatment is not done below the ankle or in the popliteal fossa (behind the knee), as the risk of affecting arteries here is too high.
How is the treatment performed?
The treatment is done with a very thin needle, causing small pricks in the skin. Through the needle, a tissue-irritating liquid called Aethoxysklerol is injected into the visible blood vessel. The liquid causes irritation in the vessel wall, which leads to the breakdown of the vessel. The veins are broken down over a period of 2–6 months.
The treated blood vessels have no function in circulation and can be permanently removed by the treatment. Some smaller vessels may not respond to treatment.
You should avoid touching the treated area for 4 hours after treatment to reduce the risk of infection. It is important to avoid sun exposure for 14 days after treatment to prevent discoloration in the treated area.
Exercise should be avoided for 4 days after treatment.
Extreme sports, sauna, and swimming in seawater or chlorinated pools are not recommended in the first week after treatment.
What is the effect of the treatment?
A reduction of about 60–80% of the vessels can be expected after the first treatment, and usually between 1 and 4 treatments are recommended. The number of treatments depends on several factors, including the size of the vessels, their location on the legs, and blood flow speed. Retreatments can be done after 6 weeks.
The effect is lasting for the vessels that are properly treated. The result of the treatment is generally good but can vary from person to person depending on the nature, location, and cause of the vessels.
In a few cases, vessels cannot be removed. The treatment does not eliminate any tendency to form new vein enlargements, so maintenance is recommended. Some studies suggest that using compression stockings afterwards improves results and reduces side effects.
It is important to have a clear agreement on expectations before treatment. Treatment fees are non-refundable.
Who cannot be treated?
Pregnant or breastfeeding women
Relevant allergies
If you have previously had blood clots in your legs or lungs
If you have had vein surgery within the last three months
If you have infections in the area
If you are taking blood-thinning medication
Possible side effects?
Immediately after treatment, there is a risk that the treated vessels may show moderate swelling, redness, tenderness, and possibly bruising. These reactions typically disappear within a few days and usually within one week.
Infection is rare. If signs of infection occur, contact the clinic as antibiotic treatment may be necessary to reduce the risk of permanent scarring.
Besides the immediate side effects mentioned, sclerotherapy may cause brown discoloration or clusters of very small red vessels, which usually disappear within about a year. These changes can sometimes be improved with laser treatment.
Rarely, ulcers may develop that can lead to permanent scars, or a superficial venous thrombosis may appear, causing temporary pain and swelling at the site. In extremely rare cases, a general allergic reaction may occur. Tissue death (necrosis) of the skin over the treated area has been reported but is extremely rare.
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Information and Consent
After reading this written information, you will receive verbal information about the treatment and have the opportunity to ask questions. You must answer questions regarding your health situation. Withholding necessary information about your health and medication use can increase the risk of side effects. You have the option to bring a companion. After the verbal information, there must be at least a two-day consideration period before you give your consent and the treatment can take place.