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Leg vein

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Varicose and spider veins are terms used for the small, unsightly, superficial veins usually found in clusters on the legs.

Most women are concerned with the cosmetic appearance of these veins, but there are frequently associated symptoms such as itching, burning, aching and throbbing. The symptoms are often worse at certain times of the menstrual cycle. In addition, the presence of thread veins may indicate an abnormality of the venous system, which may require further investigation.

Microsclerotherapy is a safe and effective treatment to improve the appearance of these veins. It involves the introduction of a solution into the lumen of unsightly blood vessels, causing these to thrombose and consequently stop the flow of blood through them.

Treatment

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution (eg. Polidocanol or hypertonic saline) into the vein using a fine needle. The vein walls subsequently adhere to each other closing off the abnormal segment of vein. This process can take a few weeks for spider veins, to several months for large veins.

Most people require at least 2 treatments per leg and each session takes about 30mins.

There must be at least 4 weeks between treatments on the same leg.

Treatment on the other leg can be done within 2 weeks.

Compression:

Following each treatment session you will be required to wear a special compression stocking to assist the sealing off of the treated veins. The stocking will need to be worn continuously for 3-4 days. It will need to be worn for another 7-10 days, but during this time it may be taken off for showers or baths and in bed at night. Daily walking for 45-60 minutes is necessary while wearing the stocking.

Laser: New Candela V-beam

These lasers offer the latest technology in treating spider veins. This laser effectively treats vascular lesions and leg veins. It is patented and US-FDA cleared for leg vein removal. The laser contracts the veins, without bruising usually associated with other leg vein treatments. The V-beam is excellent for targeting fine superficial spider veins especially on the face, thighs and legs where previously sclerotherapy was the only viable option. Depending on the individual, one to three treatments may be necessary.

Surgery

Some people may also have larger varicose veins. These larger varicose veins should be treated first.

Larger veins can be treated by Surgery, Endovenous Laser Treatment or Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy.

The type of treatment necessary is determined by an ultrasound examination which gives an accurate assessment of vein abnormalities.