Spider Vein Therapy
In Saint Peters, MO we offer two treatment options for spider veins, laser ablation and sclerotherapy. Many patients will benefit from a combination of both.
Laser Ablation
Our FDA approved, LightSheer, diode, 800nm laser can treat telangiectasias veins. These are the tiny spider veins that we may not be able to inject. Oxyhemoglobin in the leg veins will absorb the light energy, given off by the laser. This light energy transfers heat to the vessel lining and collapses the vessel wall.
Risks and Complications of Laser Ablation
- Include but are not limited to burns, skin discolorations (hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation), ineffective destruction of vessel, or allergic reaction to numbing cream, if used.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapyis the process of injecting a chemical irritant through a tiny needle introduced into the abnormal (spider) vein. The sclerovant solution, causes the vessel to become irritated and collapse, prohibiting the blood from reentering the vein. A stronger sclerosing agent is used when the vein is larger, curvy, and protrudes from the skin surface.
Risks and Complications of Sclerotherapy
- Most patients experience no adverse effects. Some minor side effects have been reported; blistering, which occurs when small amounts of solution seep into surrounding areas. These areas usually resolve without complication. I encourage patients to treat these with an antibiotic ointment and report any complications as needed
- Bruising around the treated area is common but resolves with time. Some bruising can last up to a year. Fair skin people usually bruise more than darker skinned people.
- Allergic reaction is always possible but would be treatable with antihistamines.
Resuming normal activities
I know that my friends and neighbors in St. Louis, Saint Charles and St. Peters like to work and play hard but I do not recommend that you leave a treatment and go out and do a “pounding” type exercise, but normal activities such as walking are fine. You do not have to purchase expensive support hose but a nice pair of snug panty hose worn for the first 48 hours after your procedure with not hurt anything and may help to reduce swelling and bruising. Try to schedule your treatment on a day that you can go home and take it easy after your treatment.
