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Scheduling a private consultation with Dr. Timothy Jones is the best way to find out if sclerotherapy is right for you. In St. Louis, simply call Genesis at (314) 432-1772 or contact us online.
Leg Vein Therapy in St. Louis, Missouri
Women loathe unsightly spider veins-those red and blue lines on the legs and sometimes on the face. There are many factors that contribute to the development of spider veins-a strong genetic component, female hormones, pregnancy, weight gain, and excessive time standing. While men can develop spider veins, they are much more common in women. Fortunately, there are effective ways to treat them, namely sclerotherapy and laser treatments.
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is the injection of a solution in the spider vein that causes it to collapse and eventually disappear.
What is Laser Treatment of Spider Veins?
There are lasers that target the red or blue color of spider veins and can be used to treat smaller spider veins, veins no bigger than 1.5mm. The laser is more effective for treating spider veins on the face than the legs. On the legs, sclerotherapy is generally used as a first line treatment. The smaller veins that cannot be injected with sclerotherapy can then be treated with laser therapy.
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Are you a candidate for Sclerotherapy?
Most people are candidates for sclerotherapy for spider veins. Allergic reactions are very rare, but have been reported.
Varicose veins, which are enlarged, prominent veins in the skin, are common in people with spider veins. These can also be injected if they are less than one centimeter wide. Larger varicose veins may need to be surgically removed. In some people, the valves of the leg veins are incompetent, and this has to be addressed surgically. |
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What are some of the most common benefits of Sclerotherapy?
Spider veins are a cosmetic problem. Eliminating unsightly spider veins will dramatically improve the appearance of your legs. You may develop new spider veins, and these can be injected as they develop.
What will happen at the initial consultation?
The initial consultation will begin at our office in St. Louis, Missouri, with a complete medical history and exam. You should tell Dr. Jones if you have any history of leg trauma, leg sores, leg blood clots, leg swelling, leg fatigue, leg pain or itching at the involved areas. If you have some of these symptoms, other tests may be necessary, such as a doppler exam of your leg veins.
The areas you wish to have treated will be carefully examined. Other options available to you will be discussed along with risks and limitations. The costs of the treatment will be explained. Photographs will be taken.
Risks and Limitations
The results of sclerotherapy are usually very gratifying. However, occasionally there can be some minor problems:
New Smaller Spider Veins (Matting)-On occasion new spider veins appear around the area that was injected. These new spider veins can be treated with sclerotherapy or the laser.
Discoloration-This side effect is fairly common. Generally it resolves over time. Avoiding direct sun exposure and tanning booths and using sun block helps to prevent this.
Bruising-Bruising is common. After the procedure, the vein collapses, resulting in a firm, dark vein that will be absorbed by the body over the next several weeks.
Allergic Reactions-This can be just an irritation at the injection site or a full-blown systemic reaction that can potentially result in shock. Life-threatening reactions are extremely unusual.
Skin Healing Problem-If the sclerotherapy solution extrudes outside the vein, the skin can breakdown and produce an open sore. The sore requires treatment with creams, but will eventually heal. People who smoke are more susceptible to wound healing problems.
How is Sclerotherapy performed?
The goal of Dr. Jones and the Genesis staff is to make your surgical experience as easy and comfortable for you as possible. You will be asked to stop smoking and avoid certain vitamins and drugs that can cause bleeding, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and vitamin E. You will need compression hose for your legs immediately after the procedure. The hose need to be ordered prior to the procedure so that you can bring them with you to the office. Knee high or thigh high stockings that provide 20-30mm Hg of pressure are ideal and can be purchased with a prescription from a medical supply store or certain pharmacies. Also bring some shorts to wear for the procedure.
Sclerotherapy is performed in the office. No anesthesia is necessary. The skin is cleaned with soap. Using several very small needles, the spider veins are injected with a solution. Depending on how numerous the veins are, the procedure can last from 15 minutes to one hour. The compression hose are worn home.
What can I expect after Sclerotherapy?
You can drive yourself home. You may be a little sore the next day, but it is minimal. You may have some bruising, and this will gradually resolve over two weeks. To facilitate complete and permanent collapse to the injected veins, it is best if you wear the compression hose as instructed and keep your legs elevated as much as possible for the first three to five days. Compression garments should be worn continuously for five days after treatment except when showering. Then we recommend you wear these during the day for six to eight weeks. You may resume light exercise, such as walking, the next day, but limit vigorous exercise for five to seven days. Most people need more than one treatment. Subsequent treatments can be performed in four weeks.
What is the long-term outcome for most people?
Most patients are very satisfied with the results of sclerotherapy. They can wear shorts and no longer feel the need to cover up their legs. Sclerotherapy does not stop new spider veins from occurring, and you may need occasional treatments in the future.
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