Sclerotherapy or laser vein treatment is a simple non-surgical procedure performed at SF Bay Area Plastic Surgery to “erase” spider veins, which are small clusters of red, blue, or purple veins, or larger varicose veins. During the sclerotherapy procedure or laser vein treatment, veins are injected with a sclerosing solution, which causes the vein to close off and fade from view. Spider veins are commonly found on the calves, thighs, and ankles. They can be especially noticeable and unsightly when you are wearing shorts, dresses, skirts, or a bathing suit. Typical symptoms of spider veins or larger varicose veins are itchy, bulging, swollen, or restless legs. Heredity, pregnancy, hormonal changes, trauma, weight gain, and prolonged sitting or standing are all sources that contribute to the development of both spider veins and varicose veins.
The SF Bay Area Plastic Surgery Difference
Sclerotherapy or laser vein treatment is performed as an out-patient procedure under local topical anesthesia and personal ice packs with a certified anesthesiologist; each procedure typically takes approximately 30 minutes. Sclerotherapy or laser vein treatment involves injecting a pharmaceutical–called a sclerosant–into your problem veins. The sclerosant causes the veins to scar and collapse, so blood no longer fills them. The body will absorb the diseased veins and reroute your blood to healthy veins within a few weeks. Some of our patients also combine their sclerotherapy or laser vein treatment with other cosmetic or plastic surgery procedures, such as BOTOX/Dysport or injectable dermal fillers ( Juvéderm, Radiesse, Restlane / Prelance, and fat injection), Fraxel Laser, chemical peels, laser hair removal, and skin care.
