Having veins that are visible on the surface of your skin, as well as swelling of the veins, can be an embarrassing problem. Dr. Keith Llewellyn offers sclerotherapy for men and women in Santa Barbara, Ventura, Solvang, Santa Maria, Santa Ynez, and the surrounding areas of California.
Sclerotherapy is used to treat unwanted smaller veins on the thighs and legs. Veins become visible when the blood does not flow properly, typically due to an abnormality in the vein. Blood pools inside the vein, causing it to enlarge and become visible under the skin. Spider veins are right under the surface and appear in weblike patterns. Varicose veins involve larger veins and may bulge from the skin and cause pain, itching, and other issues. Varicose veins treatment may involve injections or laser vein treatment, depending on the severity of your varicose veins.
Individual treatment plans will vary with each patient; however, two or three treatments are typically needed for optimal results. Each treatment is usually scheduled every six weeks. As part of your consultation, we provide you with a cost based on the treatment plan. If you are interested in our financing options, we accept cash and major credit cards.
Spider vein treatment is a type of vein treatment that targets smaller capillaries that are engorged with blood. These veins are typically red in color and resemble tiny webs.
If you have small or large veins that you can see below the skin and no underlying medical conditions, you may be a good candidate for sclerotherapy.
Sclerotherapy involves placing a very small needle into the vein and then injecting a solution. The solution historically and generally used is hypertonic saline. This irritates the blood vessel wall lining, which then swells and occludes the varicose vein. Typically, three to six weeks after sclerotherapy, up to 50% to 80% of the treated spider veins will fade away. Each treatment session usually takes 20 minutes and no anesthesia is required.
Following a sclerotherapy session, you will be asked to wear compression stockings for at least one week. For two to three days after sclerotherapy, you are advised to avoid hot tubs, hot baths, warm compresses, and long plane flights. Protect the treated area from the sun. Walking is encouraged, but heavy exercise should be avoided for one week.
Sclerotherapy is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not typically covered by insurance.
The veins treated with sclerotherapy usually resolve permanently. New veins, however, may appear in the future in the same or new areas that may require additional sclerotherapy treatment.
Sclerotherapy is more effective than laser for leg and thigh veins. For vessels on the face, laser is usually the treatment of choice.
2 to 4 sclerotherapy treatment sessions are usually required. Significant improvement can be seen, however, after a single sclerotherapy treatment.
Smaller spider veins respond 3 to 6 weeks after treatment. Larger veins treated with sclerotherapy resolve 3 to 4 months after treatment.
Aloe Dermatology offers sclerotherapy for men and women in Santa Barbara, Ventura, Solvang, Santa Maria, Santa Ynez, and the surrounding areas of California. The treatment destroys damaged veins that cause spider veins and varicose veins. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.