Spider Veins/ Sclerotherapy

Unsightly, small, red, blue or even purple veins called “spider veins” or “starbursts” often appear just beneath the skin surface of calves and thighs as individuals age. Although harmless, most find them cosmetically unacceptable and seek treatments to remove them. Several techniques have been advocated to remove these vessels including sclerotherapy and laser sclerotherapy (sclerolase).

What is sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a technique used by physicians to remove these unsightly leg vessels. A solution known as a sclerosant is injected into these vessels which is irritating to the walls of these blood vessels. The goal of the treatment is to permanently close these vessels down.

Is the technique painful?

The discomfort felt is short and transient. Individuals feel the needle prick and a little bit of discomfort as the small amount of solution (sclerosant) is injected into the veins.

How many treatments will be needed?

Because the blood vessels in the body including the spider veins are made up of a dense network of blood vessels, multiple treatments will be required to remove these unsightly vessels.

When can I schedule sclerotherapy?

Dr. Tan will do sclerotherapy only October through June. For best results, treatment should be scheduled at a time when patients can avoid exercise, travelling on planes and tanning for up to one week following the procedure.