Spider Veins or Varicose Veins are unwanted blood vessels that have a red or bluish colour and appear on the surface of the body, particularly the legs and occasionally the face or elsewhere. These are the veins that cause you to cover your legs even in hot weather because of their unattractive appearance.

They may be visible as short, unconnected lines each about the size of a large hair, they may be connected in a scraggly, sunburst pattern, or they may resemble a spider web or tree with branches. In some people, they occur in a small area and are not particularly noticeable. In others, they may cover a large area of skin and be quite unsightly.

Larger unwanted blood vessels may be raised above the skin surface, they may occur in association with spider veins. These large veins are also called varicose veins, but differ from the more commonly known varicose veins, which frequently occur in association with a poorly working valve in a large vein.

A characteristic of unwanted blood vessels in some sufferers is occasional pain, ranging from a dull throbbing pain to a burning sensation. Though unwanted blood vessels do carry blood, the great majority, especially spider veins, are not necessary to the circulatory system. This, if their presence is distressing, can be treated by injection of a solution that will cause them to disappear or at least become much smaller. The chance for a greatly improved appearance is about 80%, particularly if the physician is experienced in their treatment.

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What causes them?

The cause is not known, except that in many cases they seem to run in families. Identical twins, in face may be affected in the same area of the body and to the same extent. The condition can also occur as part of a large number of different diseases, both genetic and non-genetic.

Spider veins occur in both men and women, but more frequently in women. The hormone estrogen may play a role in their development, because puberty, birth control pills or pregnancy often seem to bring them on. During pregnancy the enlarged uterus may restrict blood flow contributing to their development. They may also occur after a blow to a certain area of the body or as a result of wearing tight girdles or hosiery held up with tight rubber bands. In addition, spider veins may occur in association with underlying large varicose veins.

When they occur on the face, spider veins may be related to chronic sun exposure. They tend to occur on either the nose or the cheeks of fair skinned persons.

Can they be prevented?

There is no known method of prevention. Wearing support hosiery may prevent some unwanted blood vessels from developing in some people. Maintaining normal weight and regular exercise may also be helpful. Protection from the sun is important to reduce the number of unwanted vessels on the face.

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How are they treated?

In the majority of cases, a procedure called sclerotherapy is used in which a solution, called a sclerosing solution, is injected with a very fine needle directly into the blood vessel. This procedure has been used for spider veins since the 1930´s and long before that for larger veins. The solution irritates the lining of the vessel, causing it to swell and stick together and the blood to clot. Over a period of weeks, the vessel turns into scar tissue that fades from view, eventually becoming barely or not at all visible. Depending on its size, a single blood vessel may have to be injected more than once, some weeks apart, but in any one-treatment session a number of vessels can be injected.

The solutions used vary somewhat with the size of the vessel to be injected. Your doctor will decide the solution that is best for your particular case. Occasionally larger varicose veins underlie spider veins. In such cases, some physicians believe these vessels should be treated before the spider veins, either by sclerotherapy followed by compression or by a surgical procedure carried out by a vascular surgeon. Other physicians believe that spider veins may be treated by sclerotherapy as usual without worrying about the varicose veins unless they become troublesome.

How successful is Sclerotherapy?

After several treatments, most patients can expect a 50% to 80% improvement in treated vessels. However, the fading process is gradual and perfection is seldom achieved.

Will treated veins recur?

Larger veins are likely to recur unless support hosiery is worn. Spider veins may recur. Often, however, it may seem that a previously injected vessel has recurred, when in fact a new spider vein has appeared in the same area.

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Can Sclerotherapy be used on all skin types?

Yes. All skin types and skin colours respond equally well.

What should I do before my appointment?

• Read this information again.
• Do not apply moisturizer to your legs on the day of appointment.
• You may prefer to wear slacks to your appointment, as they will conceal the stocking and underlying compression pads. Some people like to bring a pair of shorts to wear during the treatment session.
• Always bring your compression stocking for each appointment. You may not like the stocking but its use is vitally important to achieve good results.
• Do not take minomycin or iron supplements.

What do I do after treatments?

• Maintain normal daytime activities.
• Walk at least half an hour (4km) a day - the more the better, as this works the calf muscles and pumps blood through other vessels back to the heart. Walking reduces the pressure in the superficial veins.
• Standing for prolonged periods must be avoided for two weeks following injection sessions, unless you are wearing your compression stocking.
• Avoid strenuous physical activity (aerobics and weight lifting) for the first 72 hours. However, walking in the first 2 days is important, as it will relieve most of the aching from the injections.
• Do not remove the stocking until your physician has instructed. The compression following the injection is essential to obtaining a good result. Cover the stocking with a plastic bag when showering.
• In order to obtain the best possible results, it is essential that you attend all scheduled follow-up appointments. Between treatments, the use of support stockings and socks that are correctly fitted is recommended especially for people who must be on their feet a lot. If you feel you may benefit from these please ask the nurse to show you the range that the Clinic has in stock. Special requirements and sizes can be readily ordered.

Are there any side effects to Sclerotherapy?

As with all treatments there are potential side effects. These will be explained to you fully when you consult with Dr Julie Ostberg.

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How much does the treatment cost?

Charges to the patient may vary with the area of treatment and the number of treatments necessary. More than one treatment session is almost always necessary.

Will insurance cover the treatment?

Insurance coverage varies. If the treatment is solely for cosmetic reasons, it may not be covered. Sometimes a second opinion, pathology studies or photographs are required by insurance companies before treatment is begun.

Is a history of blood clots in the lungs or legs a contraindication to therapy?

Not necessarily, but the procedure must be done with caution to minimize the risk of blood clots.

Who performs these treatments?

Doctor Julie Ostberg performs Sclerotherapy at Victoria´s Cosmetic Medical Clinic. Dr Ostberg has had training and many years of experience with sclerotherapy.

How much will Sclerotherapy cost?

The average cost is $200.00 per session. In most cases part of this fee may be claimed from Medicare.

Stockings could cost between $10.00 - $80.00 depending on the gradient required. Some Private Health Insurances will cover part of this fee.

Contact us today to find out more information about any of our cosmetic treatments, or to book your appointment.