Sclerotherapy

Brighton Plastic Surgery offers a treatment for spider veins. This is carried out by a specialist sclerotherapist and Member of The Australian College of Phlebology who has joined our team.

What are Spider Veins?

Spider veins or telangectasias are small thin blood vessels that lie close to the surface of the skin, most commonly in the thighs, ankles and feet. They appear red or blue, may be short, unconnected lines or connected in a spider web or cluster pattern, and can cover a large area of skin.

The causes of spider veins are not entirely understood. In some instances, the absence of a valve or a valve weakness in the veins which prevents backward flow of the blood away from the heart, may cause pooling of the blood. Changes in oestrogen levels during puberty, pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause may also play a role in their development.

Spider veins most frequently affect women from childbearing age onwards. However, they can also occur in men. Having a family history of the problem appears to increase the likelihood of a person developing spider veins. Spider veins cannot be removed through surgery and are treated with sclerotherapy.

What is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution directly into the vein through a fine needle. This solution irritates the lining of the vein, causing the inner lining and ultimately the vein to collapse. The vein turns into scar tissue that fades from view. Each vein may require several injections given weeks apart and may take up to two to six months to resolve.

At your consultation all aspects of this procedure including any complications which can occur will be discussed with you.