Sclerotherapy of Spider Veins

What are spider veins?
Spider veins are formed by the dilation of a small group of blood vessels located close to the surface of the skin. Although they can appear anywhere on the body, spider veins are most commonly found on the face and legs. They usually pose no health hazard but may produce a dull aching in the legs after prolonged standing.

Who develops spider veins?
The exact cause of spider veins is unknown, although heredity, pregnancy and female hormones are believed to be contributing factors.

What is sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is an approved, successful treatment for spider veins. A chemical solution is injected with a very small needle into the spider vein. The solution then washes over the tiny cells that line the inner wall of the blood vessel. The solution irritates the blood vessel wall causing injury and collapse. Eventually, those blood vessels disappear by disintegration.

Sclerotherapy requires multiple sessions. The treated area should not be re-injected for four weeks to allow for complete healing, although other areas may undergo treatment during this time. Vessels slowly fade over a period of weeks or months. Treated areas will look worse before they look better, bruising is common.

Do I need to do anything special?
Do not use moisturizers on the day of treatment. You may eat a regular meal. You may be more comfortable wearing shorts for the treatment. After treatment, your legs may be wrapped with ace wraps for 24 to 48 hours or for maximum benefit you may wear compression stockings for 3 weeks. Listen to your body. If you are comfortable you may walk but should not do strenuous aerobic activity for 48 hours after the procedure. No hot baths or hot tubs for 48 hours. If you are experiencing any discomfort you may ice the area and/or take Tylenol.

Who should not be treated?

Patients with thrombophlebitis with active infection, bleeding or clotting disorders, poor circulation or those that are confined to bed should not be treated. Patients with a history of pulmonary embolus, clots in the legs, or a history of extreme swelling of the feet and legs should not be treated. Please inform your provider if you have asthma or are taking blood thinners such as aspirin, coumadin or heparin.

Laser Treatment Center Directions

We are located directly across from Evergreen Hospital in the Evergreen Professional Plaza.

Please do not hesitate to call for further directions or information. Our phone number is 425-899-4144.

 

Going South on I-405:

Take Exit 20 (NE 124th St.). At the exit stop light turn left onto NE 124th St. At Totem Lake Blvd. turn left. Follow to next light (120th Ave NE) and turn right. You are now on 120th Ave. Follow 120th up the hill (past Trader Joe's). Go through light at 128th and then turn into the 2nd driveway on the left. We are in the Evergreen Professional Plaza between 128th and 130th lane. We are in Bldg G towards the rear of the parking lot, Suites 100 and 104.

Going North on I-405:

Take exit 20B (NE 124th St/Totem Lake Blvd). Stay in the right lane towards Totem Lake Blvd. and go under the freeway, proceed through the stoplight onto 120th Ave NE. Follow 120th Ave up the hill (past Trader Joe's). Go through light at 128th and then turn into the 2nd driveway on the left. We are in the Evergreen Professional Plaza between 128th and 130th lane. We are in Bldg G towards the rear of the parking lot, Suites 100 and 104.

Be sure to allow sufficient travel time as this is a high traffic area and there is often construction going on nearby at Evergreen Hospital.