Spider Vein Treatment
Causative factors include oestrogen, a female hormone, which means most women will get them to a certain extent and may be evident during puberty, pregnancy or if undergoing hormone replacement therapy. Genetic factors also play a significant role, as does occupations involving prolonged standing. Trauma can be another precipitant - perhaps you can remember a tennis ball hitting you just at the site of a cluster of veins. Whatever the cause, they don't go away of their own accord.
Injecting the vessels with a sclerosant solution using very fine needles is the treatment of choice. Many vessels are injected during each treatment session which lasts approximately 20 - 30 minutes. Some pain or discomfort may be experienced with the treatment, however this subsides rapidly. More than one treatment session is usually required to achieve a significant improvement. The veins fade gradually over the ensuing weeks and further treatment may be performed in 4 weeks.
Bandages are worn for 48 hours following each treatment session. It is then helpful to wear a light support pantihose for a couple of weeks afterwards.
Sclerotherapy is also an effective treatment for facial telangiectases. These facial capillaries are aggravated by extremes of temperature, alcohol and hot drinks. The application of a local anaesthetic cream on the face prior to treatment will reduce any pain or discomfort. An ice pack will reduce any bruising or irritation after treatment.
Following sclerotherapy treatment, some pin-prick marks, bruising or red raised skin irritation is to be expected, settling after a few days. Skin damage due to the solution is very uncommon. Pigmentation (brown lines or spots) at the sites of treated blood vessels may result when blood escapes the treated veins. This happens infrequently and will usually fade with time.
After a number of years, new veins may appear in the treatment area as the causative factors are still at play. After all, we haven't stopped you being a female! These may be treated when convenient.