Spider veins might make you feel self-conscious or they might cause you physical discomfort. Fortunately, spider vein removal is usually a relatively quick and easy process. That said, if you’re looking to get rid of your spider veins, treatment isn’t necessarily something you want to rush into. Knowing what to expect and what to do to prepare can help you get the most out of the treatment process.
Spider Vein Removal: Things to Know
What to Do Before Spider Vein Treatment
Before sclerotherapy or another treatment to remove spider veins at a vein clinic, your doctor might ask you to make a few adjustments to your lifestyle or habits to help reduce the risk for complications and to help improve your treatment results. For example, if you smoke, you might be advised to stop smoking for a few weeks before your treatment. Your doctor might also recommend avoiding aspirin and certain other over-the-counter medications or supplements. It’s usually a good idea to avoid tanning or extensive sun exposure before treatment as well. You might want to purchase loose-fitting or drapey shorts to wear to the vein clinic and a pair of compression stockings to wear afterwards.
How Long Treatment Takes
How long it takes to remove spider veins depends on the size of the area being treated, but the process is usually fairly quick. For the most part, treatment takes about 30 minutes. It can take up to an hour, or even longer, if you are having a large area treated.
What Type of Results to Expect
You can usually expect spider vein treatment to remove most of the problematic veins. According to Smart Beauty Guide, up to 70 percent of treated veins are removed after sclerotherapy treatment. Some people might have less dramatic results and notice that half of the veins are permanently removed by the treatment.
You May Need Multiple Treatments
Sclerotherapy is often not a one and done treatment. Usually, people need a series of treatments, spaced a few weeks to a few months apart, before they see the full results they are after. While the treatment does permanently remove the effected veins, it is possible for new spider veins to develop over time. Even if you enjoy a successful treatment initially, you might need a repeat procedure after a few years.
Complications Are Possible
One last thing to know about sclerotherapy and spider vein treatment options: complications after treatment are possible, although they usually are rare. You may have some swelling and bruising right after treatment, for example. Some people develop persistent pain in the treated area. There’s also a small risk for infection.
Choosing an experienced vein doctor and receiving treatment at a vein clinic will help lower your risk for complications considerably. To learn more about your spider vein removal options, contact Premier Heart & Vein Care today.
