SCLEROTHERAPY

Sclerotherapy is a simple treatment for removal of small spider veins that are common in adults. Their cause is undetermined, but some individuals inherit the tendency, especially if many spider veins develop at an early age. Standing for long periods, pregnancy, hormones and being overweight may be contributing factors.

Sclerotherapy involves injecting a small amount of solution directly into the spider veins using a very small needle. The solution irritates the lining of the vessel, causing the walls of the vein to swell and the blood to clot. Over a period of a few weeks, the body initiates a natural healing process in which the vein is absorbed and eventually disappears. Many patients experience up to 80% resolution of the veins treated.