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