One of the most common ways clients find their way to our office is by searching for spider vein treatment in Northern Virginia and Ashburn. In fact, more than 40 percent of all women and 80 percent of women over 80 years old have some form of vein disease, making it one of the most common cosmetic procedures we perform. Below, we’ve answered some questions you may have about spider vein treatment.
How do I know if I have spider veins?
Though most patients seek treatment because they can see the spider veins on areas such as the backs of their thighs, knees, or calves, very few patients know that they can have vein disease without spider veins or that spider veins actually cause a myriad of uncomfortable symptoms that can limit their daily activity. This means that if you’re experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, a quick consultation appointment might reveal more than you think (and improve your symptoms dramatically):
- Visible blue and/or red veins in the lower extremity
- Veins that are bulging, deformed, or close to the surface of the skin
- A feeling of heaviness or fatigue in the legs
- Water retention and swelling
- Leg pain
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, spider vein treatment in Ashburn may provide relief for you.
Why seek treatment?
If you aren’t self-conscious about your spider veins, is treatment really necessary? The answer is yes. Vein diseases, including spider veins, can promote the development of blood clots. These clots can travel through the bloodstream to the lungs and other vital organs, causing a life-threatening emergency.
Many patients also find that following treatment, they feel much better—and often, they thought they felt fine before they came in! Vein disease can limit your daily activity in quiet ways: Perhaps you now take the closest parking spot instead of the furthest, or trade Zumba for water aerobics. Maybe you turned down the last trip to the zoo with family or passed on a job opportunity because you were worried about being on your feet too long. Many of these quiet changes are the result of peripheral artery disease and spider veins, but most people never suspect it.
How does sclerotherapy work?
During sclerotherapy treatment, a substance is injected into the affected veins, causing the veins to collapse and the body to metabolize them over time. The treatment itself takes about 30 minutes, and most patients see results over the next 2-12 weeks. Most patients describe the sensation during treatment as mild to moderately uncomfortable. The discomfort is not enough to justify numbing injections, which means numbing injections may be more painful than the treatment itself. At NOVA Plastic Surgery, we use polidocanol, which causes less pain than other treatment options.
The most common side effects include:
- Swelling, bruising, and irritation in the treatment area
- Itching for a day or two following treatment
- Light brown discoloration of the skin along the route of the vein after treatment, which usually clears after a few weeks
- Sloughing skin at the injection site
Some patients may need a single treatment, whereas others will require several; the team at NOVA Plastic Surgery will help you plan during your consultation appointment. Additionally, some patients need to return about a year later for maintenance injections.
How should I choose a treatment center?
Like other cosmetic procedures, sclerotherapy should be performed by a qualified healthcare professional. Patients experience better outcomes overall when they choose experienced, board-certified providers. The team at NOVA Plastic Surgery specializes in cosmetic dermatology, providing state-of-the-art treatment by experienced, board-certified professionals. Scheduling a consultation appointment can help you get to know the team, review their qualifications, and review testimonials from other patients who trust NOVA Plastic Surgery.
To take the first steps toward treating your unsightly and uncomfortable spider veins, schedule a no-obligation consultation appointment today. This infographic addresses some important points so you can make an informed decision about treatment.
To learn more, give us a call at 703-574-2588, visit us online, or stop by today. Our friendly team is standing by!
