Spider vein removal before and after treatment
What do I need to do before and after spider vein treatment? Tips from a leading vein doctor
Spider vein removal is a fairly simple process, provided you get the right sort of treatment. To maximize your chances of a successful, permanent cure, here are a few tips that you need to follow before and after your spider vein removal.
Before and after spider vein removal: Things to know before the procedure
Spider vein treatment does not require lengthy tests or admissions before treatment. However, before you commit to spider vein removal at a vein clinic, ensure that you are getting optimal treatment! You can do this by checking on two things:
Discuss the benefits of your particular mode of treatment with the vein doctor
It always helps to know the exact treatment procedure beforehand, so that you know what to expect. In general, your vein doctor will advise one of two treatment options – sclerotherapy or laser vein removal. Sclerotherapy is a more effective solution for spider veins, and should always be the first choice. In this technique, a medicated solution (called sclerosant) is injected, using really tiny needles, into the individual spider veins. The sclerosant is supposed to irritate the interior of the veins, causing then to become sticky and seal off. The blocked up vein eventually shrinks and disappears within a month. This usually requires only a single sitting, and offers a permanent cure for spider veins.
Occasionally, however, your vein doctor may hesitate to use sclerotherapy. This is usually when the spider veins are located in the feet or on your face. The sin over these areas is delicate, and the sclerosant may cause untoward reactions. If the spider veins are too close to the veins communicating with the eye or brain, the vein doctor may not want the sclerosant solution getting into these areas. In such cases, laser treatment is a better option. This involves shining a laser light (or a blue light) onto the skin over the spider veins. The laser energy penetrates the skin and heats up the spider veins, causing them to shrink. The veins will not, however, disappear after a single sitting, unlike sclerotherapy. You will need three to four treatment sessions for more effective results. So be sure to discuss the risks and benefits of each of these procedures, before you go ahead with treatment.
Ask your vein doctor to screen you for other vein conditions
Spider veins do not usually exist in isolation; they may be associated with varicose veins as well. In fact, both varicose veins and spider veins arise secondary to a vein condition called chronic venous insufficiency (CVS). This is a disease of the larger veins of the leg, which fail to transport blood back efficiently to the heart. Blood instead flows in the wrong direction, and accumulates in the legs increasing vein pressure. The excess pressure forces the formation of new, unhealthy veins, which preset as spider veins and varicose veins. If you get only your spider veins treated, without getting treatment for CVS, they are liable to recur again. So ask your vein doctor to screen for CVS, and get that treated separately if you need to.
Before and after spider vein removal: What to do after the procedure
Spider vein treatment is a quick procedure and usually takes less than an hour. It requires practically no recovery time and you can get back to your normal routine almost immediately. However, there are a few things you need to remember for after the procedure.
Start walking immediately: When you walk, the blood circulation in your legs improves, and the blood moves out of the spider veins faster. This will speed up the healing process.
Wear compression stockings: Compression stockings serve two purposes. Firstly, they apply pressure on the treated veins, making sure they stay sealed. Secondly, they reduce swelling and bruising that can occur as a result of treatment. You should always use custom fitted compression stockings that have been prescribed by your vein doctor; they apply more pressure and are more effective than over the counter stockings.
Avoid sun exposure: Exposing the treated area to sunlight can increase the risk of hyperpigmentation. Avoid exposing the treated area to direct sunlight for at least three weeks, and use a proper sunscreen that has SPF60 at the minimum.
VTC: Providing one-on-one, exemplary care before, during, and after your spider vein treatment
The Vein Treatment Clinic provides state of the art, personalized care for your spider veins. When you visit VTC for spider vein removal, our team will assist you through the process.
At your initial visit, our nurse will take down a detailed medical history and ask you about any symptoms you may have had in connection with vein disease
You will then receive a consultation from our top team of vein doctors. Our vein specialists are all highly skilled, board certified physicians who are committed to providing compete comprehensive care for all vein conditions.
After examining your spider veins, our vein doctors may request a duplex ultrasound to screen for CVS. Depending on the results, you will be provided with a customized treatment plan that is designed to completely eliminate all of your vein problems! You can then schedule an appointment to get your veins treated.
After the procedure, the vein doctor and nursing staff will give you detailed instructions on aftercare and follow up. We will check in with you periodically to ensure that you are comfortable and satisfied with your vein treatment.
To learn more about VTC’s treatment options for spider and varicose veins, or to consult with one of your vein doctors, book an appointment online, or call.
Book a Consultation
Scheduling a consultation with one of our vein treatment experts is one of the best ways to determine the proper resolution for your varicose veins. The treatments can include sclerotherapy, laser or radiofrequency ablation, a medication called Varithena, or procedures such as Venaseal, or Clarivein.