Around 20% of adults will develop spider veins or varicose veins at some stage in their lives. They are more common in women than in men. The causes behind them range from weight gain to trauma, to fluctuating hormones and the patient’s genetics. Spider and varicose veins are a result of damaged veins, with the latter often being enlarged and twisted. Common areas they develop in are the legs and ankles, but they can appear anywhere on the body.
Spider veins are not dangerous, but many people opt to have them removed for cosmetic reasons. Similarly, varicose veins are generally not dangerous but can, in some cases, lead to complications, such as ulcers or blood clots. Fortunately, there are treatment options available to remove them, the most popular one being sclerotherapy.
What is Sclerotherapy?
This non-surgical procedure has been proven effective in 75% – 90% of cases. It also requires no anesthesia or special preparation, and there is little to no downtime.
During the treatment, a doctor injects a solution into the affected vein. This irritates the lining of the blood vessel, causing the vein to collapse and forcing the blood to reroute and flow through healthier veins.
In order to ensure that the vein has collapsed, a follow-up treatment may be necessary. Patients are urged to be active post-procedure to avoid blood clots.
Other Vein Treatments
When it comes to spider veins, there are other treatment options available. The most popular one is laser therapy. Patients can expect to see results after two or three sessions.
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