I tried sclerotherapy and saw no results. I never shorts, but would like to. Is there another procedure that could rid my spider veins?
If sclerotherapy was unsuccessful, laser treatments might be the option. Consult with a vein specialist who is experienced in a variety of vein removal techniques to find out exactly what they recommend.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You need to be evaluated.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Have you had an ultrasound on your legs to determine whether your spider veins are being fed by other deeper varicose veins that need to be treated first? I would recommend an ultrasound to make sure there are no other veins that need to be treated that aren't seen on the surface. If there are veins that need treatment, your spider veins will come back until those other veins are treated.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Veinwave may be an option. This procedure uses thermocoagulation to heat and shut the veins. It takes less than 30 minutes and there is relatively no downtime.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You might have venous insufficiency of other larger veins that supply too much pressure into the spider veins. See a vein specialist for an ultrasound and exam.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
First, make sure you are seeing a vein specialist. Although some cases require special evaluation and treatment, most patients respond better when sclerotherapy is carried out by an EXPERT. If you are, in fact, seeing a vein specialist, he/she will know what to do next to sort it out (including VeinLite transillumination or duplex ultrasound techniques).
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Just so you know, sclerotherapy takes several treatments to rid spider veins.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Spider veins can take an average of 3-5 treatments to clear 70 to 80 percent. There is no magic eraser for spider veins, but they also must be treated appropriately. You should be examined for "feeder" reticular veins using a transillumination light. If these are not taken care of (usually with a slightly stronger solution and often foamed), they will reduce the efficacy of treatment on the surface. In our practice, we have our patients wear compression hose after treatment for 7 days. This helps keep the solution in the vein, providing for a greater return in terms of the success of the procedure. However, expect multiple treatments. I usually recommend starting with two, each spaced about 4 weeks apart for complete healing. I then see the patients back, check to see that all feeder veins are sealed and "clean up" whatever is on the surface. Again, the more extensive veins you have the more treatments it will take. Spider veins are usually an inherited problem, and you may develop new veins in the future. That said, if you stay on top of your treatment you can expect to wear those shorts again.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Veinwave is a possibility, as is laser. However, laser has variable results. It also depends on the veins.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Sclerotherapy is the most effective treatment for spider veins; however, there are some people it doesn't work well on. Others may need a few treatments. There are other options, including cutaneous laser and Veinwave. They work best on the smallest red spider veins.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
The best treatment for spider veins is sclerotherapy. One treatment will rarely get rid of all the veins. At times, the concentration of the solution or the type of solution may need to be altered. And in some cases, more than one kind of solution is used. The response to treatment often depends on the doctor doing the injection. Alternatives to sclerotherapy would be laser, but this is not as good as sclerotherapy on leg veins.
Published on Jul 11, 2012