Unwanted veins can be a minor cosmetic issue for some, while others experience discomfort or aching sensations. Regardless of whether your concerns are medical or aesthetic, we offer solutions in Mountain View, CA. Sclerotherapy is a widely used treatment that is straightforward and effective for different types of unwanted veins. At Shaheen Vascular, we can help determine if this is the right treatment for your veins.
What Causes Spider and Varicose Veins?
Spider veins and varicose veins develop when the valves inside the veins weaken or fail and allow blood to pool instead of flowing efficiently back to the heart. In healthy veins, these valves open and close to keep circulation moving in one direction. When they stop functioning properly, blood collects in certain areas, increasing pressure on the vein walls. Over time, this pressure causes veins to stretch, twist, or become more visible beneath the skin. Smaller, broken capillaries result in spider veins, while varicose veins form when larger veins expand and bulge.
Risk Factors for Spider and Varicose Veins
- Poor Circulation: When blood doesn’t flow efficiently, pressure builds inside the veins, making it harder for them to push blood back to the heart. This can weaken vein walls over time, leading to enlarged or visible veins. Reduced circulation also slows the body’s ability to clear pooled blood, which can make existing veins worse.
- Genetics: If close family members have spider or varicose veins, there’s a higher chance of developing them. Some people inherit naturally weaker vein walls or less effective valves, which makes their veins more prone to stretching and dysfunction.
- Hormonal Changes: Shifts in hormone levels, particularly during pregnancy, menopause, or while using birth control, can affect vein elasticity. Estrogen and progesterone influence blood vessel function, and when levels fluctuate, veins may expand or lose some of their structural support.
- Prolonged Standing or Sitting: When legs stay in the same position for too long, blood pools instead of circulating efficiently. Standing for hours at a time puts strain on veins, while sitting with bent knees reduces proper blood flow, both of which can increase the likelihood of varicose or spider veins.
- Age-Related Factors: Over time, vein walls lose elasticity, and valves become less efficient at keeping blood moving in the right direction. The longer veins are exposed to daily pressure, the greater the chance they will stretch, weaken, or become visible beneath the skin.
- Obesity: Extra body weight increases pressure on leg veins and makes it harder for them to push blood upward. This strain can accelerate valve weakening and cause veins to expand, especially in the lower legs. Even mild excess weight can contribute to slower circulation, which increases the likelihood of developing spider or varicose veins.
What Is Sclerotherapy?
We inject a solution directly into unwanted veins, causing them to collapse and gradually fade from view. The solution irritates the vein walls and makes them stick together so blood no longer flows through them. Once this happens, the body reroutes circulation through healthier veins, and the treated vein is naturally absorbed. Since sclerotherapy for varicose veins and sclerotherapy for spider veins doesn’t require incisions, you’ll be able to get back to regular activities soon after the treatment.
What Does Sclerotherapy Treat?
We use sclerotherapy for spider veins and smaller varicose veins that sit close to the skin’s surface. When treating sclerotherapy for varicose veins, this approach works best for veins that are small enough to respond to an injected solution. Larger varicose veins may require additional treatments, such as laser therapy or physical removal to fully address the issue.
A Few Benefits of Choosing Sclerotherapy
Injections Are Minimally Invasive
We inject a sclerosing solution directly into the vein without the need for cuts, stitches, or anesthesia. The treatment takes just a few minutes per vein, and most patients feel only mild discomfort, similar to a small pinch. Since there’s no surgical removal involved, the risk of scarring or long-term irritation is low.
There Is No Downtime
Patients can walk immediately after treatment, which helps circulation and supports proper healing. Most return to work and daily activities the same day, though we recommend avoiding more intense exercise for a short period. We also may suggest compression stockings to improve results, but they don’t interfere with normal movement.
Offers Long-Lasting Results
Once a treated vein closes off, it won’t return. The body gradually absorbs it, leaving behind clearer skin and improved circulation. While new veins may develop, you should see noticeable improvement in the appearance of your legs after just one series of vein treatments. If needed, additional treatments can address any remaining or future concerns.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Sclerotherapy?
Patients with spider veins or small varicose veins that cause discomfort or are visibly bothersome often benefit from sclerotherapy. The best candidates have good circulation and do not have a history of blood clotting disorders. Pregnant individuals should wait until after delivery, as hormonal changes can impact results. Those with active infections, certain vascular conditions, or known allergies to the sclerosing solution may need alternative treatments.
How to Prepare for Sclerotherapy
Avoid blood-thinning medications, including aspirin and ibuprofen, for several days before treatment unless prescribed by a doctor. Keeping the skin clean and free of lotions or oils reduces the risk of irritation. Wearing loose, comfortable clothing and supportive shoes makes it easier to walk after the procedure and compression stockings may also be recommended in advance to promote circulation and enhance results.
How the Procedure Works
We start with an evaluation to examine the affected veins and determine if sclerotherapy is the best option. During this visit, we review medical history, discuss any current medications, and go over expectations for treatment. If a different approach is needed for larger varicose veins, we outline alternative solutions.
We inject a sclerosing solution directly into the targeted vein using a fine needle. Most patients feel a slight pinch or mild burning sensation. Some veins disappear quickly, while others take time to fade. If multiple veins require treatment, we can address several in one session. In cases where additional sessions are necessary, we space them out to allow for proper healing between treatments. Follow-up visits help assess progress and determine if any remaining veins need further attention.
What to Expect After Sclerotherapy
Immediate Aftercare
We recommend walking immediately after treatment to encourage healthy circulation and reduce the risk of blood pooling. Mild bruising, redness, or slight swelling at the injection sites is normal and usually fades within a few days.
Activity Restrictions
Most patients resume normal activities right away, but heavy lifting and high-impact exercise should be avoided for about a week. Long periods of standing or sitting should be minimized to prevent excessive pressure on the treated veins. Hot baths, saunas, and direct sun exposure on the legs should also be avoided for a few days to prevent irritation.
When to Expect Results
Treated veins begin fading within a few weeks, though some take longer to fully disappear. Smaller veins often respond faster, while larger ones may need multiple sessions. Patients typically see the best sclerotherapy results after a few months, once the body has fully absorbed the closed-off veins.
FAQs About Sclerotherapy
How Many Sclerotherapy Sessions Will I Need?
Most patients need one to three sessions per treated area, depending on the size and number of veins. We space sessions several weeks apart to allow the body time to absorb treated veins before reassessing the need for further treatment.
Will There Be Any Side Effects?
Mild bruising, redness, and slight swelling at the injection sites are common but usually fade within a few days. Some patients notice temporary darkening of the treated veins, which gradually lightens over time. Rarely, small lumps or trapped blood may develop but can be addressed with a follow-up visit if needed.
Do Treated Veins Ever Come Back?
Once a treated vein collapses, it does not reopen. The body gradually absorbs it, and circulation shifts to healthier veins. However, new veins can develop over time, especially if there is an underlying tendency toward vein issues, which may require future treatment.
How Long Should I Wear Compression Stockings?
Most patients wear compression stockings for about one to two weeks, depending on the size and number of treated veins. These stockings help reduce swelling, improve circulation, and support better healing. Some patients who are more at risk for developing new varicose veins may benefit from full-time use of compression stockings. We provide specific recommendations based on your treatment plan and medical history.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
Most sclerotherapy injections take about 30 minutes, but this depends on the number of veins being treated. The process is quick enough that many patients schedule their appointments during a lunch break. After treatment, normal activities can usually be resumed right away.
Additional Spider Vein and Varicose Vein Treatments
- Laser Treatments: Laser therapy targets unwanted veins with focused light energy, causing them to heat up and collapse. This option works well for smaller veins, especially on the face or legs, and does not require injections. Some patients combine laser treatments with the sclerotherapy procedure for more comprehensive results.
- Ligation and Stripping: This surgical approach involves tying off and removing larger varicose veins through small incisions. It’s typically used for veins that do not respond to less invasive treatments. Recovery takes longer than non-surgical options, but it effectively eliminates problematic veins.
- Radiofrequency Ablation: This treatment uses heat generated by radiofrequency energy to seal off larger varicose veins. A small catheter is inserted into the vein, and controlled heat causes it to collapse and reroute blood flow to healthier veins. It’s a minimally invasive option for patients with more significant vein issues.
- VeinGogh™: This treatment uses microburst technology to deliver controlled heat through a tiny probe, closing off fine spider veins. It’s commonly used for smaller veins that are too delicate for injection-based treatments.
- Conservative Treatments: Lifestyle adjustments like wearing compression stockings, elevating the legs, and increasing physical activity can help improve circulation and slow the progression of vein issues. These methods don’t eliminate existing veins but can reduce discomfort and prevent new ones from forming.
More About Shaheen Vascular
Dr. Raymond Shaheen, MD, FACS, RPVI, RPHS, leads Shaheen Vascular with expertise in both surgical and minimally invasive treatments for vascular conditions. As a board-certified specialist in vascular surgery, general surgery, and vascular medicine, he provides a full range of care, from traditional open surgeries to advanced endovascular procedures. His practice addresses complex vascular concerns, including aortic aneurysm repair, carotid artery treatment, and interventions for peripheral artery disease. Patients receive individualized treatment plans that prioritize both effectiveness and recovery. Whether managing circulation issues or treating spider and varicose veins, the focus remains on delivering precise, evidence-based care.
Improve Comfort and Aesthetics With Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy treatment effectively targets unwanted veins with minimal disruption to daily activities. With the right approach, patients can see lasting improvements in circulation and vein appearance. To learn more or schedule an appointment at Shaheen Vascular in Mountain View, CA, call (650) 965-1909 or contact us through the online form.
