Spider veins (telangiectasia) can occur on the face, legs, or any other part of the body. They are actually enlarged capillaries in the skin, not true veins. Spider veins on the face are treated mainly by laser. This is discussed below. On the legs, however, sclerotherapy or laser can be used to eliminate spider veins.

Sclerotherapy Treatments

Sclerotherapy is considered the “gold standard” of leg vein treatment.  During sclerotherapy, a solution is injected into the spider veins and compression is applied. This causes the spider veins to close, shrink up, and disappear. There is minimal discomfort, and even people who “hate needles” find the procedure easily tolerated. The patient can return to normal activities immediately, except for high-impact exercises, which should be avoided for one week.

Laser Treatments

Dr. Laufer also uses laser to treat spider veins. Treatment of spider veins on the face is very simple and nearly painless. There is slight redness afterwards for a short time, but there is no bruising, blisters, swelling or crusting. No special creams or ointments need to be used, and make-up can be applied in a short time. Note that there are different “light” technologies used to treat veins and other skin problems. Dr. Laufer uses only true laser technology, not pulsed light. There is a significant difference in these instruments.

Reticular Vein Removal

Reticular veins are the larger, blue-green veins just under the skin. They can be up to one-quarter inch in diameter. The veins on the back of the hand are examples of reticular veins. On the legs, these veins can be eliminated by using the same sclerotherapy technique as with spider veins. The only difference is that the compression is used longer. In some cases, lasers can also be used to eliminate these larger veins.

Varicose veins are large, bulging, occasionally painful veins on the legs. They sometimes go from the foot to the groin. Previously, treatment has consisted of leg elevation, compression stockings, vein stripping or “minimally invasive surgery.”  However, compression sclerotherapy (a simple, safe, office procedure) can be used as an alternative to surgery, for even the largest varicose veins.

Compression Sclerotherapy

With compression sclerotherapy, a solution is injected at certain points along the varicose vein. The patient feels a slight pinprick and a mild burning for a few seconds. Compression is then applied. This causes the varicose vein to “glue shut” and shrink up and disappear.  The patient can resume work and normal activities immediately after treatment, and is encouraged to remain active. Weekly checkups are done to monitor progress. Compression sclerotherapy has been a standard treatment of varicose veins in Europe and Canada for over fifty years, with proven results. It’s important to note that compression sclerotherapy requires absolutely no surgery at all. It takes approximately one-half hour in the office. There is no hospitalization or anesthesia, no scarring, minimal discomfort, and no time lost from work.