| Millions of women and even many men are | | | | three basic patterns: |
| bothered by "spider veins," those unsightly | | | | |
| blue, red, and purple vein clusters that | | | | · Spider shape with a group of veins |
| usually appear on thighs, calves and ankles. | | | | radiating outward from a dark central point |
| It is estimated that approximately half of | | | | |
| the adult female population suffers with this | | | | · Branch-like shapes |
| common cosmetic problem. But now there's a | | | | |
| solution. | | | | · Linear appearing as separate lines |
| | | | |
| Thanks to the skill and artistry of highly | | | | Varicose veins differ from spider veins in |
| trained cosmetic surgeons, you no longer have | | | | that they are larger than spider veins, are |
| to be plagued with the unattractive markings | | | | darker in color and tend to bulge. Varicose |
| of spider and varicose veins. Dr. Broadway | | | | veins are much more likely to cause pain than |
| can treat vein problems with what is called | | | | spider veins, and varicose veins are usually |
| sclerotherapy, a fairly simple procedure in | | | | related to more serious venous disorders. |
| which veins are injected with a solution | | | | Sclerotherapy can certainly treat varicose |
| called sclerosing solution, which causes the | | | | veins, but sometimes surgery is necessary in |
| unsightly veins to collapse and fade from | | | | the more severe cases. |
| view. Sclerotherapy has also been known to | | | | |
| remedy the problems associated with spider | | | | How It's Done |
| veins such as burning, aching, swelling and | | | | |
| nighttime cramps. Although sclerotherapy has | | | | A typical sclerotherapy treatment only lasts |
| been popular in Europe for many decades, it | | | | between 15-45 minutes. After your bare legs |
| has just recently become popular in the | | | | are cleaned with an antiseptic solution, we |
| United States in the last ten years. | | | | will inject the sclerosing agent into the |
| | | | affected areas. Approximately one injection |
| Spider and Varicose Veins | | | | is administered to you for every inch of |
| | | | spider vein. A cotton ball and compression |
| Spider veins are called telangiectasias or | | | | tape will be applied to each area of the leg |
| sunburst varicosities in the medical world | | | | as it is finished. As the procedure |
| and are small, thin veins that lie very close | | | | continues, you will feel small needle sticks |
| to the skin's surface. These tiny veins are | | | | and a slight burning sensation; however, the |
| connected to our larger venous system, but | | | | pain is minimal during sclerotherapy. |
| they are not a necessary part of it. Several | | | | |
| factors contribute to the development of | | | | The treated areas will most likely look worse |
| these veins including: heredity, pregnancy, | | | | before they begin to look better, so you may |
| weight gain and occupations/activities that | | | | not want to wear shorts until the healing |
| required prolonged periods of sitting or | | | | process is complete. When the compression |
| standing. Certain medications may also cause | | | | dressings are removed, you will notice |
| spider veins. | | | | bruising and reddish areas at the injection |
| | | | sites. In about a month, the bruises will |
| Spider veins are usually found in one of | | | | diminish. |