Treating Spider Veins Effectively
Spider Veins: Treating Them Effectively
If you are suffering from spider veins, you are not alone. According to the American College of Phlebology, spider veins affect up to half of the women in the U.S. While spider veins are usually not harmful to your health, many women feel embarrassed by their appearance. At our Cincinnati treatment center, we employ state-of-the-art treatment techniques that will reduce or completely eliminate the appearance of spider veins.
How are spider veins treated?
There are a variety of methods available to effectively treat spider veins. A Cincinnati vein doctor will be able to diagnose the severity of your condition and suggest the best methods for treatment. Most methods of spider vein treatment are minimally invasive with excellent results.
Sclerotherapy
One of the most common methods of treating spider veins is sclerotherapy. This method has been used for decades, and is particularly effective in reducing the appearance of spider veins. A solution is injected directly into veins using a small needle. The solution causes the spider vein to swell and close. Once the vein is sealed, the flow of blood is diverted to other veins. The closed vein turns to scar tissue and is reabsorbed. It usually takes three to five weeks for the vein to fade and several treatments may be required to achieve the desired result. How many treatments you will require will depend on the severity of your condition. After the treatment, most patients can resume regular activity. You will need to wear compression garments to help relieve stress on your veins. There is usually only minimal discomfort associated with the procedure, which can be done in-office.
Endovenous Radio Frequency Ablation
This treatment option involves inserting a small, thin catheter into the vein using a fine needle. The vein is sealed shut using radio frequency energy, which creates heat within the vein. This causes the vein to close, and blood flow is diverted to healthy veins. Treatments utilizing radio frequency ablation, such as Venefit, are minimally invasive and can be done in an in-office setting. A local anesthesia is used to ensure there is little discomfort involved. Recovery time is quick with this treatment. Most patients are able to return to work the following day and can walk immediately following the procedure. Similar to sclerotherapy, you will be required wear a compression garment to help facilitate the healing process. For more information on treating spider veins, contact our Cincinnati center or visit our website for more information about our treatment options.