Sclerotherapy is the treatment of spider and varicose veins. Spider veins are those tiny purple and red blood vessels found most often on the thighs and lower legs of women. They are hereditary and may be found anywhere on the leg or face. Varicose veins are larger and can appear raised with a bluish color, they may be quiet painful. Though these veins carry blood they are not part of the venous valve system so they are able to be reduced significantly through a simple office procedure with Shu Cosmetic Surgery at our luxurious Edina, Minnesota clinic.

Sclerotherapy has been around since the 1920’s. At our clinic we will use a tiny syringe fitted with a micro-needle to inject a small amount of sclerosing agent into the vein. This solution will displace the blood within the vein. It then causes irritation to the lining of the vein, making it swell shut. The vein will turn white then gradually disappear. Laser treatments may be used for small purple spider veins. The treatment is very tolerable with only mild bruising occurring afterwards.

Most of our patients here at Shu Cosmetic Surgery report little if any discomfort. A few may feel a mild burning sensation when the sclerosing solution is injected, but it stops in a few seconds.

Usually more than one treatment is required. In most cases, about 50 – 70% of the treated vessels will be gone for good. Some new veins may appear during the healing process so appointments are usually 4 – 6 weeks apart. During the healing process you will be asked to wear a special heavy-duty stocking to help keep pressure on the veins. This will reduce bruising, and help keep the treated veins closed. Any bruising will usually be gone after the first week. Your final results will be fully apparent after several months.

If you are ready to eliminate your spider veins or varicose veins call Shu Cosmetic Surgery for a consultation today.