Step Out With Confidence. Spider veins are tiny heriditary purple and red blood vessels that appear mostly on the legs, from the top of the thigh to the ankle. Varicose veins are larger. These vessels may be raised, bluish in color and painful. Many unsightly veins can be permanently eliminated through a safe, simple procedure called sclerotherapy.

What Happens During the Procedure?
The length of treatment sessions vary. On the day of your procedure, you should wear a skirt or slacks that can be easily removed.

Veins will be marked while you are standing. You will then lie on an examination table, where the area to be treated will be thoroughly cleansed with alcohol.

A special solution will be injected into unwanted veins using a tiny needle that causes the veins to swell shut. Generally, larger veins will be treated first. Upon injection, the solution may cause a slight burning sensation. Pressure will be applied when the needle is removed.

What Can I Expect After Treatment?
You will wear a pressure dressing for 48 hours and compression stockings for up to one week to reduce bruising and to help keep the veins closed. Bruises around the treated areas will usually disappear after the first week. Sun exposure is discouraged during the first six months after treatment to avoid discoloration at the injection sites.

You will be able to resume most of your normal activities right away, although you should refrain from vigorous physical exertion for the first 24 hours. Also, avoid running and biking for a week following your procedure. Walking, however, will help to increase blood flow to your other veins.

In most cases, 50 to 70 percent of treated veins will disappear any time within two weeks to two months of treatment. Most patients require more than one treatment to achieve optimal results.