Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure used to eliminate unsightly spider veins. Spider veins are small, damaged veins that can appear on the surface of the legs or face. They are usually not painful or harmful, but some people may wish to treat them for cosmetic reasons. Spider veins can be blue, purple, or red and may appear in the form of thin lines, webs, or branches, hence the name ‘spider’ veins.

When you consult with double board-certified dermatologist Dr. Swetha Kandula, she will create a personalized treatment plan geared to your needs. Treatment is determined by your general health, and the size, position and severity of your spider veins.

Dr. Kandula recommends lifestyle changes, and compression therapy as a conservative approach to prevent worsening of the condition and prevent formation of additional spider veins. However, to completely remove unsightly spider veins, Sclerotherapy is the gold standard in cosmetic vein treatment.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive and effective treatment to eliminate spider veins. Sclerotherapy involves the injection of a solution into the vein which causes the vein to collapse and disappear. The most commonly used solutions are hypertonic saline and polidocanol. The injected solution works by irritating the lining of the spider veins, causing them to collapse, stick together and clot, thereby destroying the vein. Don’t worry, these veins are completely cosmetic and have no effect on the health of your bodies vascular system. The injections are safe and effective. Within weeks you can expect the appearance of your spider veins to fade.

Laser

In addition to Sclerotherapy, Dr. Kandula may recommend treatment using the Long pulse Nd:YAG laser. The energy produced by laser is selectively absorbed by the pigment, hemoglobin in the vein. Upon impact with the target area the light energy breaks up the unwanted spider vein.

Compression Therapy

When you walk, your calf muscles contract and relax to assist in moving the blood toward the heart. Compression stockings aid the calf muscles to work more efficiently, and compress spider veins to improve valve function, reduce backward flow of blood, and reduce swelling. Compression therapy is designed to squeeze veins so that the valves close, to help restore normal blood flow and improve overall circulation. This will help improve symptoms, and prevent worsening of existing spider veins. They also slow down the development of new spider veins. Compression therapy offers the easiest way to find pain relief and protect against recurrence.

Lifestyle Changes

• Losing weight can help to reduce pressure on your leg veins and prevent new spider veins from forming.
• Avoid standing or sitting for long periods. Take a break. Get up and walk around. For women, don’t wear high heels for long periods.
• Don’t cross your legs when sitting.
• Elevate your legs above your heart. At the end of a long day, this will feel great, and helps reduce swelling and achiness.
• Exercise to improve muscle tone which will improve blood flow.
• Avoid tight clothing around your waist, upper thighs and legs which can restrict blood flow.

Why choose Dermatology & Skincare Arts?

Dr. Swetha Kandula is double-board certified in dermatology and internal medicine. Board-certification is one of the highest certifications a physician can achieve. To be board certified, one must meet strict criteria, pass extensive examination and demonstrate an expert knowledge of their subject. In addition to Dr. Kandula’s expertise, she has assembled caring and compassionate staff. Together Dr. Kandula and her staff are dedicated to providing the most advanced dermatology care for our patients in the Parsippany-Troy Hills area.