FACET DERMATOLOGY
Sclerotherapy Toronto
Genetics, weight gain, age, and trauma all play a role in the formation of spider veins, small veins visible at the skin's surface. While they're completely harmless, some people find unsightly veins to be an aesthetic nuisance.
Sclerotherapy Treatment Toronto
At Facet Dermatology, we offer spider vein treatment that improves the appearance of the treated veins without affecting the surrounding tissue. This procedure is known as sclerotherapy. It is quite effective and most commonly used on the legs and body. Sclerotherapy treatments are always performed by our medical director and dermatologist Dr. Geeta Yadav.
How is sclerotherapy done?
How is sclerotherapy done?
Sclerotherapy is an injectable treatment performed in the office. Using a fine needle, Dr. Yadav injects the sclerotherapy solution directly into the treated vein. The solution works by irritating the lining of veins, causing them to collapse. This renders the treated vein dysfunctional, causing blood to travel through a different blood vessel. Over time, this results in the body absorbing any veins treated with the injection. After a few weeks or so, they disappear entirely.
Anesthesia is not required. Depending on the solution used, you may experience some pain at the injection site. Treatment of spider veins using sclerotherapy is often quick. In most cases, this treatment doesn't take more than an hour to complete, with some small veins only taking 15 minutes to treat.
Which conditions does sclerotherapy treat?
Sclerotherapy is best used to treat spider veins and small varicose veins commonly found on the legs and body. In sone cases, it is used as a treatment for tiny veins visible on the face. Sclerotherapy is not ideal for treating larger varicose veins. The most effective varicose vein removal treatment options are typically surgical. During your personal consultation, Dr. Yadav will examine your skin and determine the right solution for your unique needs.
How will I know if I am a candidate for sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is an effective method of spider vein removal and can be performed on patients of all skin types and tones. However, it is worth noting that those with deeper skin tones may experience hyperpigmentation where the tiny needle entered the skin, which could be permanent. However, the appearance of that discoloration could be improved by certain energy-based treatments; ask Dr. Yadav for more information if hyperpigmentation is a concern.
A patient who has experienced blood clotting in the past will be considered on an individual basis during their consultation. Those who are pregnant are not candidates for the procedure.
In some cases, patients may want treatment on a vein that could be used for future heart bypass surgery. Unless they have already been determined unusable, that vein will not be considered for treatment. Additionally, not all veins qualify for this procedure. Larger veins, including varicose veins, cannot be addressed with sclerotherapy treatment.
Patients who have previously tried laser treatments to improve the appearance of spider veins may find that sclerotherapy is a more effective option.
Before your appointment, you should not apply any lotion to the treatment area.
What to do before sclerotherapy
To best prepare for this form of spider vein removal, it may be necessary to discontinue the use of blood-thinning medications, including fish oil and herbal supplements. You may also be advised to avoid certain pain relievers, such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications, as well as alcohol consumption ahead of your procedure. Your general practitioner will best be able to guide you before you have your spider veins treated.
Before your appointment, you should not apply any lotion to the treatment area.
Results and Recovery
Most patients can resume their daily activities immediately after treatment, though it is suggested to have a friend or family member take you home post procedure in case you have any lasting discomfort in your legs. You may experience minor side effects such as swelling, bruising, redness, irritation, or itching at the injection site.
Though strenuous exercise is not recommended for about a month afterwards, patients are encouraged to walk around to prevent the formation of any blood clots in your veins. For the same reason, doctors recommend wearing compression stockings for two or three months after the injectable treatment if you've received sclerotherapy in your legs. Dr. Yadav will be able to recommend specific compression stockings to you.
For several weeks after your spider vein procedure, avoid overly hot showers or baths, extended periods of sitting or standing, or excess sun exposure to support the healing process. Expect for the full results to take up to six months to appear. Many doctors recommend scheduling this spider vein treatment in the winter, allowing you to protect your skin as you recover, then reveal the results of your spider vein treatment once warmer weather hits.
Most patients only require one treatment, though multiple treatments (usually annually) may be needed to achieve optimal improvements to your spider veins.
When performed by a skilled and experienced provider like Dr. Yadav, this treatment can be quite effective in resolving the appearance of spider veins and small varicose veins. The results are permanent, though new spider veins are likely to appear as you age, which may cause you to seek further treatment.
Larger varicose veins cannot be treated with sclerotherapy injections; varicose veins typically require surgical vein removal known as a phlebectomy.
If you have more questions about whether or not sclerotherapy is right for you, we encourage you to book a consultation at Facet Dermatology, during which Dr. Yadav can assess your veins and determine the best course of treatment for your aesthetic goals.