Sclerotherapy

What are Spider Veins?

Spider veins are dilated capillary veins that lie just below the surface of the skin on the legs or face. Spider veins may appear blue, red or purplish in color with a web-like or linear appearance. Sometimes they are painful and cause itching, aching, burning, and stinging.

What causes Spider Veins?

Multiple factors contribute to the development of spider veins. The most important contributing factor is heredity which means that you were born with a genetic predisposition to develop leg vein problems. Other contributing factors include pregnancy, birth control pills, hormone replacement therapies, prolonged standing or sitting, poor posture, obesity, weight fluctuation, constipation, aging, and leg injury. Almost all women have some spider veins and many women have so many that they are embarrassed to wear shorts or skirts.

How are Spider Veins treated?

The gold standard of treatment for spider veins on the legs is compression sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy uses a tiny needle to inject a medication that irritates the lining of the vein causing the veins to collapse and seal shut. The treatment is performed in our office by our certified Nurse Practitioner using the only medication which is FDA approved to treat spider veins. The number of treatments you will need depends on the number, size, and type of veins you have. The treatment is painless and takes about a half hour. You can resume your normal activities right away. For the best results, we recommend you wear medical stockings following the procedure.

Successful treatment of Spider Veins depends on the skill and experience of the practitioner providing the treatment. Have your Spider Veins treated by our qualified, experienced Nurse Practitioner. Heather Slusher is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner licensed in North Carolina to perform sclerotherapy and other cosmetic procedures. She has had extensive training in vascular ultrasound and vein treatments. She earned her Master’s Degree at the Medical University of South Carolina and has more than 18 years experience. We are the only medical office in our area offering sclerotherapy for treatment of spider veins using FDA approved medication. Call today for your free consultation to get rid of your unsightly leg veins!