Millions of women are bothered by spider veins, venules and reticular veins. These can appear as small yet unsightly clusters of red, blue or purple veins, or single darker veins and most commonly appear on the thighs, calves and ankles. In fact, it is estimated that at least half of the adult female population is plagued with this common cosmetic problem.  Men can also be bothered with superficial veins, but don’t typically seek treatment as the hair on their legs usually covers them.
Many practitioners are treating spider veins with sclerotherapy. In this rather simple procedure, veins are injected with a sclerosing solution, which causes them to collapse and fade from view. The procedure may also remedy the bothersome symptoms associated with spider veins, including aching, burning, swelling and night cramps.  It is unrealistic to believe that every vein will disappear.  Most people need 2 sessions to eliminate their spider veins, but many will disappear in a single session.
Although this procedure has been used in Europe for more than 50 years, it has only become popular in the United States during the past decade. The introduction of sclerosing agents that are mild enough to be used in small veins has made sclerotherapy predictable and relatively painless.

Varicose veins differ from spider veins in a number of ways. Varicose veins are larger - usually more than a quarter-inch in diameter, darker in color and tend to bulge. Varicose veins are also more likely to cause pain and be related to more serious vein disorders. For some patients, sclerotherapy can be used to treat varicose veins. However, often surgical treatment is necessary for this condition.

A Treatment Session typically lasts 20 –- 30 minutes. You may want to bring shorts to the office to wear during the treatement.You will experience multiple needle sticks. The needle is so thin and the sclerosing agent so mild, that any discomfort will be minimal. Cotton balls will be applied to each area with tape and are to stay on for 48 hours. During the treatment you may listen to music, read or chat with the practitioner.

Post Treatment you may experience some cramping in the leg for a day or two. This is temporary and doesn't require any medication. It is important to know that your veins will look worse before they look better.  After removing the cotton balls, you will notice some bruising and reddish areas at the sites.  The discoloration will disappear in 2 weeks to a month. You will be encouraged to walk after your treatments and avoid prolonged sitting and standing, squatting, jogging and heavy weight lifting during the course of your treatments.

Your New Appearance
Most patients are pleased with the difference sclerotherapy makes. The skin of your legs will appear younger, clearer and more healthy-looking. If you've been wearing long skirts and slacks to hide your spider veins, you'll now be able to broaden your fashion horizons.
Although sclerotherapy will obliterate the noticeable veins for good, it's important to remember that treatment will not prevent new spider veins from emerging in the future. As time passes, you may find that you need "touch-ups" or full treatments for new veins that surface.