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Sclerotherapy

Unsightly spider veins can be effectively and permanently eliminated with sclerotherapy in the comfort of our office. As a sclerotherapy Dallas expert, Dr. Wooming has more than two decades of experience using this proven method to address this common condition.

What is Sclerotherapy?

Spider veins are both unsightly and unnecessary. Sclerotherapy is a minimally-invasive, FDA-approved treatment for spider and uncomplicated reticular veins. During sclerotherapy, a special “sclerosant” chemical will be injected into each of the affected veins. Though the procedure may involve receiving a number of injections, Dr. Wooming uses a special numbing agent and small needles, so that patients experience very little–if any–discomfort.

Once in the vein, it clears the vein and routes any blood that may pass through it back through healthier veins. The unwanted vein then breaks down and is harmlessly absorbed back into surrounding tissue.

What Should I Expect?

Beyond the cosmetic benefits, this treatment offered by a sclerotherapy Dallas expert also can help reduce symptoms that sometimes are associated with spider veins such as: cramps, discomfort, burning/tingling, swelling.

Treated veins will disappear slowly over the course of a few weeks, and your skin should appear as normal.

The Treatment Process

You will lie down on one of our comfortable procedure tables with your legs elevated. The skin around the veins being treated will be thoroughly cleaned and prepared so that you will experience little to no discomfort.

Dr. Wooming will then inject the vein using a thin needle. He will ask if you are experiencing anything other than minor discomfort and make adjustments if you are. Once the injection is complete, compression will be applied to the injected area. He will then move on to the next vein, or, if it’s a large vein, make another injection as necessary.

The length of the procedure varies based on size, location and number of veins that need to be treated, but typically it takes less than an hour. Usually, one injection is administered per inch, with multiple injections per session.

Soon after the procedure, you will be asked to stand up and walk around, which can help prevent blood clotting. Before leaving, we will provide you with bandages or compression stockings, which we will ask you to wear for two weeks to assist in the healing process.

You will be free to resume normal activities almost immediately. After 2-3 days following treatment, avoid heavy exercise, long plane flights, sunbathing, and hot baths or saunas.

Possible side effects

While sclerotherapy is a safe, effective procedure, there are some possible temporary side effects around the injection sites that may last from a few hours after the procedure to a few weeks:

  • Skin discoloration/bruising
  • Small red bumps/sores
  • Dark lines or spots
  • Tiny red blood vessels

Sclerotherapy vs. laser therapy

While laser therapy also can effectively treat spider veins, sclerotherapy is usually simply faster, more effective, less painful and less costly for treating the vast majority of spider veins. If laser therapy is more appropriate for your veins, Dr. Wooming will tell you.

What is venous disease?

Venous disease is a condition caused by veins that become diseased or abnormal, and/or when the vein wall or valves are damaged. It leads to poor blood flow and the damage it causes results in higher intravenous pressure. Higher intravenous pressure results in more damage to vein walls and valves, allowing for reflux. Healthy valves keep blood moving in one direction, and diseased valves cause blood to move in both directions, elevating venous pressure.

How can I tell if I have venous disease?

Signs of venous disease may include itching, pain, edema (excessive fluid), skin discoloration, hair loss, thinning of the skin, ulcers, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), spider veins, and varicose veins.

What are spider veins and reticular veins?

Spider veins (also known as telangiectasia) and reticular veins are dilated veins found close to the surface of the skin. They may appear red or blue and can be a sign of venous disease.