As we age, spider veins can become increasingly difficult to ignore. That’s especially true for women navigating hormonal changes, years spent on their feet, or simply the natural weakening of vein valves over time.
If you’ve noticed small, web-like veins appearing on your legs or face, you’re not alone. Millions of people have spider veins, which are common on the legs and face. But sclerotherapy offers a simple, minimally invasive solution to reduce their appearance and restore clearer skin.
Understanding what causes spider veins is the first step toward finding the right solution.
WHAT CAUSES SPIDER VEINS
Spider veins can develop over time for a variety of reasons. Common causes include genetics, injury or trauma to the skin or veins, prolonged standing or sitting, sun exposure, and excess weight that causes pressure on the body. Fair skin can make spider veins more visible, even if it isn’t a direct cause.
Hormonal changes are a significant contributing factor, particularly menopause, which causes natural shifts in estrogen levels that can weaken vein walls over time. Pregnancy and birth control can also play a role for some people. As you age, vein valves naturally weaken, making it easier for blood to pool in veins and become more visible.
Since prolonged standing or sitting is a risk factor, people in professions that require this on a day-to-day basis, such as nurses and hairdressers, are at increased risk of developing spider veins.
If you’re dealing with spider veins, sclerotherapy offers a simple, effective way to clear your skin.
HOW SCLEROTHERAPY WORKS TO TREAT SPIDER VEINS
Sclerotherapy is a good fit for people with visible spider veins on the legs or face who are looking for a minimally invasive solution with little downtime. It works well for a range of veins and skin types, making it one of the most versatile treatments available for this concern.
During a sclerotherapy treatment, we inject a medical solution into the affected vein, causing it to collapse. Over time, the vessel turns into scar tissue and fades, and blood flow redirects to healthy veins.
Sclerotherapy is safe, effective, and can treat both small and large veins. After treatment, most patients notice results within weeks, with fading continuing over time.
Here’s a closer look at what the treatment process looks like from start to finish.
THE TREATMENT PROCESS
Before your treatment, we recommend having a consultation with one of our licensed, professional aestheticians to discuss treatment goals and what other procedures could pair well with sclerotherapy.
A consultation is a great time to ask questions, find out how many treatments are recommended, and address any concerns you may have. Most patients require a few sessions to achieve their desired results, depending on the size and number of veins being treated. Your aesthetician will give you a clearer picture of what to expect during your consultation.
When you come in for your treatment, expect it to last around 15 minutes. During this time, your provider administers the small injections into the targeted veins. Most patients report having minimal discomfort during treatment.
Once your treatment is complete, a few aftercare steps will help you get the most out of your results.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER TREATMENT
Afterward, we may recommend compression stockings to support healing, and any mild redness, bruising, or swelling that occurs is normal and temporary.
We encourage walking immediately after treatment. To optimize your results, avoid intense exercise, sun exposure, and hot baths in the days following treatment. Most patients notice initial fading within three to six weeks following a treatment, with full results typically visible after a few months. For patients with more widespread spider veins, additional sessions may be needed for optimal results.
Ready to take the next step toward clearer skin?
GET STARTED ON CLEARER SKIN
At Fort Wayne Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics, our licensed aestheticians will assess your veins, discuss your goals, and recommend a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Whether you’re dealing with a small cluster of spider veins or more widespread coverage, we’ll help you find the right approach.
Book your consultation online now or call us at 260-469-1400 to get started on your path toward clearer, more even skin.