Millions of men and women are bothered by varicose and spider veins – those unsightly clusters of red, blue or purple veins that form anywhere on the leg, from the top of the thigh to the ankle, and can sometimes occur on the face as well.

Fortunately, the technology exists to eliminate these embarrassing and unattractive veins, allowing your legs to look younger, clearer and healthier – all without surgery. Our medical experts are certified in the state-of-the-art process dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins and spider veins. From our beautiful Medical Spa in Weston, we are committed to improving the quality of life of individuals with vein problems by providing expert consultation, diagnosis and effective treatment in a personalized, comfortable atmosphere. Feel great about your legs again… allow us to remove those unsightly veins!

What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is the process of eliminating varicose veins and spider-veins by injecting a solution into the veins, and thereby dissolving them. Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical procedure developed almost 150 years ago to eradicate unwanted, non-functional veins. Although used primarily to remove varicose veins and spider veins of the legs and thighs, unwanted veins at other sites, including facial veins, can also be treated by Sclerotherapy.

What are varicose and spider veins?
These are veins that are often seen on the thighs, around the knees, on the calves and around the ankles or even on the face. They can be bluish and/or purplish-red in color. They are hereditary and do not serve a purpose in terms of tissue oxygenation. Varicose and spider veins are the result of increased pressure in the deeper veins. These veins can make your legs look unhealthy and tired. Get rid of them at Bellissimo Medical Spa & Salon in Weston and feel confident in showing-off your healthy, younger looking legs.

How does Sclerotherapy work?
Our trained professionals will inject a specially formulated compound into the unwanted vein via a sterile micro-fine needle. This solution targets the lining of the blood vessel, and causes it to close and vanish over time. In weeks, the vessel fades, eventually becoming virtually unnoticeable or invisible. During the procedure, a sclerosing solution is injected into the vein through a micro-needle. The tiny needle generally causes very little pain. The sclerosing solution causes the vein to turn white, and then gradually disappear. A typical treatment may last about 20 minutes, consisting of multiple injections. Sclerotherapy injections may eliminate the need for an invasive surgical procedure.

Who is a candidate for Sclerotherapy?
You are a candidate for Sclerotherapy if you have spider veins, reticular varicosities, recurrence of varicosities, are advanced in age, or any combination of these. You should be aware that Sclerotherapy treats only those veins that are currently visible; it does nothing to permanently alter the venous system or prevent new veins from surfacing in the future. Veins can make your legs look unhealthy and tired. Get rid of unsightly veins at Bellissimo Medical Spa & Salon and enjoy healthy, younger looking legs.

How many Sclerotherapy treatments will be required?
There is no simple answer to this. It depends on the extent of the vein problem. If disease is extensive, treatment may require numerous visits over several months. If there is only one small area of leg veins involved, treatment will likely involve one or two sessions for injections and perhaps one or two sessions for laser treatments.

What are the side effects of Sclerotherapy?
Serious medical complications from Sclerotherapy are extremely rare when a qualified practitioner, such as those at Bellissimo Medical Spa & Salon in Weston, performs the procedure. However, some common side effects include itching along the route of the vein, normally lasting 1-2 days after treatment. Approximately 10-30% of patients notice a slight discoloration of brown streaks along the veins after treatment. Spontaneous resolution of this hyperpigmentation occurs in 70% of patients at 6 months, and in 99% of patients within 1 year. Small scabs may occur at the injection site. A scar may develop, but it should return to normal color when the healing process is completed. Patients may experience mild to moderate pain at the injection site, with some possible bruising. The veins may be tender after the treatment, and an uncomfortable sensation may run along the route of the vein. This is temporary, usually lasting only days.

How should patients prepare for treatment?
Patients should not apply lotion or cream to legs the day of therapy. They should wear a pair of loose shorts and bring long pants or a long skirt to wear afterwards. Additionally, they should wear support hose after treatment. Patients need to avoid aspirin and vitamin E for one week prior to treatment, as well as eat well before the treatment to avoid hypoglycemia and fainting.

What can patients expect following treatment?
Treatment of small vessels requires elevation of your legs for 10 or 15 minutes. When large deep veins are treated, patients will need to elevate legs for a few hours. Soon after the injections, the patient will be asked to go for a 15-minute walk and for the next few days, they should continue to walk. Patients are encouraged to be as active as possible, except in the first 24 hours when exercise should be avoided. Patients should avoid hot baths for a few days, and they are advised to wear support hose.