Spider Veins (Sclerotherapy)

Treating 'Spider Veins'

Today, many surgeons are treating Spider Veins with Sclerotherapy. In this rather simple procedure, veins are injected with a sclerosing solution, which causes them to collapse and fade from view. The procedure may also remedy the bothersome symptoms associated with spider veins, including aching, burning, swelling and night cramps.

Although this procedure has been used in Europe for more than 50 years, it has only become popular in the Australia during the past decade. The introduction of sclerosing agents that are mild enough to be used in small veins has made Sclerotherapy predictable and relatively painless.

What Are Spider Veins?

Spider Veins - known in the medical world as telangiectasias or sunburst varicosities - are small, thin veins that lie close to the surface of the skin. Although these super-fine veins are connected with the larger venous system, they are not an essential part of it.

Varicose veins differ from spider veins in a number of ways. Varicose veins are larger - usually more than a 5mm in diameter, darker in color and tend to bulge. Varicose veins are also more likely to cause pain and be related to more serious vein disorders.