Spring is nearly here! It’s almost time to start packing away the sweaters and jackets to make room for the shorts and sandals. However, for the many men and women who have unsightly veins, the thought of exposing their legs is enough to give them pause. Although varicose veins are usually a cosmetic issue, they can be embarrassing, and in some cases, painful to the 1 in 5 adults over 50 that are affected by them.
Some of the symptoms of varicose veins include the sensation of heaviness in the legs, itchiness or tightness in the skin that may increase the longer the person is standing or on their feet, and discomfort. Fortunately, many board-certified dermatologists can offer individualized treatments to reduce the appearance of varicose veins. Sclerotherapy, a minimally invasive treatment, fades veins by shrinking the vein wall with a small injection of sclerosing solution. Over time, blood is rerouted to healthy veins.
Results can be seen within 2-4 weeks depending on the size of the veins and overall treatment areas. Your dermatologist will determine if more treatments are necessary after assessing your goals. Some larger veins may require a combination of treatments such as VenaSeal or phlebectomy.
Are you a good candidate for Sclerotherapy?
- Someone with varicose veins that bulge or are unsightly
- Individuals with discomfort such as burning, itching or swelling in the legs due to varicose veins
- Those who are self-conscious or embarrassed by how their legs look because of unsightly veins