In the majority of cases a procedure called “sclerotherapy” is used to treat surface / spider veins. This involves injecting a solution, called a sclerosing solution, directly into the blood vessel with a very fine needle. Sclerotherapy has been used for spider veins since the 1930’s. There are two types of solution used at Vein Doctors Group being “Fibrovein” and “Polidocanol”. They are solutions specifically manufactured for sclerotherapy. Both are rapidly broken down after contact with the vein wall and so do not circulate through the body as an active solution. The solution irritates the lining of the vessel causing it to swell and stick together. Over a period of weeks the vessel fades from view usually completely. Depending on its size, a single blood vessel may have to be injected more than once. In each treatment session many vessels are injected but involves minimal discomfort because of the tiny diameter of the needles. Some injections give a feeling like a bull-ant bite. Because larger veins (reticular veins) are often associated with spider veins these vessels must be treated first and the smaller “spider” veins are then usually treated 4 weeks later. Following treatment sessions you will be required to wear a special venous compression stocking to assist in sealing off the abnormal veins. The length of time that the stocking will be required to be worn varies from 3 – 5 days. Compression minimises the formation of haematoma (blood clot) and pigmentation, reduces the number of treatments necessary, reduces the risk of deep venous thrombosis and reduces the possibility of recurrence.
