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| Spider Veins / Hand Veins Sclerotherapy |
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These small superficial veins commonly occur on the legs and are more frequent in women. The female hormones in birth control, hormone replacement, and pregnancy may contribute to their development. They can also be related to trauma from accidents or surgery. Some are hereditary. Fortunately spider veins are usually without symptoms. Effective painless cosmetic treatments with sclerotherapy (vein injections) are available. Spider veins may also occur in association with varicose veins. In those cases, the varicose veins should be treated first since they are often related to a medical condition known as venous reflux.
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Dr. Lee will perform a detailed history and physical examination at your initial consultation to determine the cause of your vein problem and whether you are a candidate for sclerotherapy or minimal invasive surgery. |
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| Hand Veins |
Hand veins may become more prominent as the skin ages. The veins are not malfunctioning or pathological. Their appearance may be improved with cosmetic sclerotherapy. The treatment is typically localized to veins on just the tops of the hands, preserving veins in forearms. Two to four treatments are required for optimal results and they are typically scheduled 2 to 3 weeks apart. A compression bandage is worn over the treatment area for 24 hours without any other restriction.
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| Treatment with Sclerotherapy |
Sclerotherapy is the injection method used to treat unwanted spider leg veins, prominent hand veins, or small varicose leg veins. Large bulging varicose veins are usually resistant to sclerotherapy and often require additional surgical treatment (see Varicose Vein Section). In sclerotherapy, a medication (sclerosing solution) is injected with a very fine needle directly into the unwanted vein. The medicine irritates the inner lining of the vein and causes it to seal. When the vein is sealed, it will become invisible since it is no longer filled with the dark blood. The fading is gradual and additive with each treatment. Most patients achieve optimal results after two to three treatments to the same area. Extensive veins and other exceptional cases may require additional sets of treatments. The treatments are scheduled about three weeks apart. Dr. Lee specializes in microinjection of these veins without using saline, which is known to associate with burning discomfort. Dr. Lee also uses special ordered ultra fine needles (33 gauges) that provide more accuracy and patient comfort during treatment. Utilizing her special techniques, no anesthesia is required for this simple office treatment. Patients are prescribed a sheer prescriptive compression hose for 2 to 3 days after treatment to ensure optimal results. Some patients may have minor bruising, but more serious complications are very rare. There are few physical restrictions as long as patients are wearing their hose. Dr. Lee recommends patients avoid activities that can aggravate the venous system during this 2 to 3 day period such as heavy lifting, pounding exercise, and prolonged squatting such as gardening. Patients are encouraged to continue their normal activity and mild exercises such as walking. |
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| Sclerotherapy is typically not covered by health insurance because it is considered a cosmetic treatment. But the charges are very reasonable depending on the amount of veins to be treated. Financing is available through Care Credit® if needed. |
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