Leg Veins
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged blood vessels that form beneath the skin surface. The one-way valves in the veins that would normally channel the blood back to the heart do not function properly, causing the blood to "pool" in the veins. These veins can become large and unattractive and can produce symptoms such as tired, heavy, aching, burning, itching and cramping legs.
What are spider veins?
Spider veins or "telangiectasias" are small, thin blood vessels that lie close to the surface of the skin and appear red or blue. These small, enlarged blood vessels may be short, unconnected lines or may be connected in a spider web or cluster pattern. Spider veins can cover a large area of skin and be quite unattractive. They are most common in the thighs, ankles and feet.
How successful is sclerotherapy?
After several treatments, most people can expect a 50-90 improvement in treated vains. The fading process is gradual and may take a few months. Slerotherapy usually produces disappearance of spider veins, but it does not prevent similar veins from eventually appearing in the same general area.