Sclerotherapy
In order to treat uncomplicated spider veins or uncomplicated reticular veins, your clinician at
Glow Aesthetic Center may suggest sclerotherapy. This minimally invasive procedure treats these conditions with the injection of Asclera
®
, a sclerosing agent that damages the endothelium, which are the cells that line blood vessels. Due to the damage, cellular debris and platelets lead to clotting in the veins, which over time becomes tissue.
Asclera (polidocanol) Injection Treats:
- uncomplicated reticular veins, which are small varicose veins, at 1 to 3 mm in diameter
- uncomplicated spider veins, which are the smallest varicose veins, at or less than 1 mm in diameter
Asclera Studies
Studies show that an average of 87% of patients reported that they were satisfied or very satisfied with their Asclera treatment. They were significantly more satisfied with this than another treatment, sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS), or with a placebo.
What Is the Procedure Like?
These treatment sessions usually last between 15 to 45 minutes. Patients receive several injections per session, one per inch. After treatment, patients must wear compression stockings or support hose at all times for 2 to 3 days for spider veins and 5 to 7 days for reticular veins, then during the day for 2 to 3 weeks. Follow-up sessions may be required, most often 1 to 2
weeks apart.
What Should I Expect After Treatment?
Graduated compression must be maintained:
- 2 to 3 days following spider vein treatment
- 5-7 days following reticular vein treatment
Larger areas of veins require longer compression. Compression is needed to lessen the risk of deep vein thrombosis. Walking is necessary: For 15 to 20 minutes right after treatment. Then every day for about a week. For 2 to 3 days after treatment, avoid:
- Prolonged sun
- Exertion
- Sitting in one position for long periods, especially on plane flights
- Sauna, hot tub, or hot baths
Tell your clinician what medicines you take, including both prescription and over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins.
Avoid Asclera if you:
Know you are allergic to polidocanol. Are pregnant or nursing. Have a vein or blood clotting, or thromboembolic, disease
What Are Varicose Veins?
- Large veins
- Vary in color from blue to dark purple
- Protrude or bulge out of the skin
- Most often found on the legs
What Are Spider Veins?
- Very small and fine veins
- Can be blue or red
- Do not bulge like varicose veins do
- May resemble a thin line, a tree, or a spider web
- Appear on face or legs
- Can be small or large in area
What Are Reticular Veins?
- Also called feeder veins
- Can appear blue or green
- Beneath the skin surface, not bulging
- Grow larger due to increased pressure
- Can occur in people who also have spider veins
What Causes Spider and Reticular Veins?
Age. As aging wears down the body, the veins’ valves may weaken heredity. If a relative has them, you are at a greater risk of getting them, too. About half of varicose vein sufferers have a family history of them gender. Compared to men, women are 2 to 3 times more likely to get varicose veins. Perhaps half of women in the US have them. Hormone fluctuations from puberty, birth control pills, pregnancy, and menopause can increase the risk of getting varicose veins. Pregnancy. Pressure on the veins of the legs increases during pregnancy. Varicose veins caused by pregnancy usually get better within a year after giving birth. Being overweight or obese. This puts pressure on the veins. Sitting or standing too long. Sitting with the legs bent or crossed is especially bad on the veins because they have more work to do to pump blood up to the heart. Various studies show other possible causes for varicose veins: occupation, race, posture, hormones like progesterone and estrogen, and valvular incompetence
