Spider Veins & Sclerotherapy Treatment in San Antonio, TX

About Spider Veins

Spider veins are small, purple, and blue veins that tend to appear on the thighs, calves, and ankles. They are caused by weakened valves in the veins.

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    About Spider Veins

    Spider veins are small, purple, and blue veins that tend to appear on the thighs, calves, and ankles. They are caused by weakened valves in the veins.
    An elderly women with spider veins touching her leg.

    What Causes Spider Veins?

    Spider veins are small, dilated blood vessels that are visible through the skin. They can appear on the face, legs, and other parts of the body. Several factors can contribute to their development, including:

    Genetics: Spider veins can be hereditary, and if someone in your family has them, you may be more likely to develop them as well.

    Age: As we age, the valves in our veins can weaken, causing blood to pool and creating spider veins.

    Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can increase the risk of developing spider veins.

    Prolonged standing or sitting: Jobs that require prolonged standing or sitting can put extra pressure on the veins in your legs and increase the risk of spider veins.

    Obesity: Being overweight or obese can put extra pressure on the veins, causing them to weaken and dilate.

    Sun exposure: Sun exposure can cause spider veins on the face and other parts of the body, particularly in fair-skinned individuals.

    Injury: Injury to the skin or underlying blood vessels can also lead to the development of spider veins.

     

    Spider veins can be a cosmetic concern for some people. If you’re concerned about spider veins, talk to our vascular surgeons about treatment options.

    Venous Reflux

    Venous reflux, also known as venous insufficiency, is a condition in which the valves in the veins of the legs do not function properly. Normally, these valves help to prevent the backflow of blood in the veins and ensure that blood flows back to the heart. However, when the valves become weakened or damaged, they may fail to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward and pool in the legs. This can cause a range of symptoms such as swelling, pain, heaviness, and fatigue in the legs. Over time, venous reflux can also lead to the development of varicose veins and skin changes, such as darkening or thickening of the skin. Treatment for venous reflux may involve lifestyle changes, compression stockings, or medical procedures such as vein ablation.

    Treatment Options

    Sclerotherapy

    What Is Sclerotherapy – Sclerotherapy works by irritating the inner lining of vein, leading to the vein’s closure and eventual absorption by the body. The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis, and patients can return to their normal daily activities immediately after treatment. It is a safe and effective treatment for most people with varicose veins or spider veins.

    What Are The Benefits of Sclerotherapy?

    There are many benefits of receiving sclerotherapy, including:
    • Safe and effective treatment with a high success rate.
    • Outpatient procedure that can be done in a vein specialist’s office.
    • Does not require general anesthesia or hospitalization.
    • Offered in 30-minute sessions, may require multiple sessions to achieve desired result.

    What Can I Expect During My Sclerotherapy Treatment?

    Sclerotherapy injections are typically well-tolerated by most patients. During the procedure, you may feel a mild stinging or burning sensation at the injection site. After the injections are complete small dressing will be applied and you will put on compression stockings. You will be able to return home shortly after your treatment and can typically resume your normal activities within a day or two.

    What Can I Expect After My Sclerotherapy Treatment?

    It is important to avoid high-impact activities and prolonged sitting or standing for a few days after the treatment to allow the treated veins to heal properly. You may also be advised to avoid exposing the treated areas to direct sunlight for a few weeks after treatment. Avoid soaking for 1 week after the procedure. Your specialist will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions and schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your progress and ensure optimal results.

    Is Sclerotherapy Right For Me?

    During your consultation with one of our Vascular Surgeons specialists, they will perform a thorough evaluation of your veins’ condition and discuss your medical history with you. Based on this information, they will determine if sclerotherapy is the best treatment option for you.

    Sclerotherapy is generally safe and effective for most patients with mild to moderate spider veins. However, it may not be suitable for everyone, including individuals with certain medical conditions or allergies to the sclerosing agents used during the procedure. Your specialist will consider your overall health and individual needs to determine if sclerotherapy is a suitable treatment option for you.