Sclerotherapy - Vein Treatment

Sunset Cosmetic Surgery – Beverly Hills and Los Angeles Vein Therapy Plastic Surgeons

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Sclerotherapy is a cosmetic technique used to reduce the appearance of spider veins. Spider veins are clusters of thin red, blue, or purple colored veins that appear on the thighs, calves, ankles, and sometimes the face. We perform sclerotherapy treatments in Los Angeles here at Sunset Cosmetic Surgery.

What causes spider veins?
Can you treat all types of veins at Sunset Cosmetic Surgery?
Am I a good candidate for vein treatment at Sunset Cosmetic Surgery?
How does sclerotherapy work?
What is the typical recovery time involved when you have Sclerotherapy?


What causes spider veins?
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Patients often ask us what causes these veins to show up in some people and not others. There are many reasons, inlcuding aging, genetics, pregnancy, hormone changes, a extended periods of sitting or standing, and even some medications can be contributing factors to the development of spider veins.

Some estimate that half of all adult women are affected by spider veins. Not only are spider veins aesthetically displeasing, they can also cause physical discomfort including pain, swelling, burning, and night cramps. For patients who suffer from spider veins, sclerotherapy can be an excellent way to diminish the appearance of these bothersome and painful veins.

Can you treat all types of veins at Sunset Cosmetic Surgery?
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Spider veins, medically termed telangiectasias or sunburst varicosities, can vary in size and skin depth. Most spider veins can be successfully treated with sclerotherapy, though larger troublesome veins (like varicose veins) may not be treated with sclerotherapy.

Am I a good candidate for vein treatment at Sunset Cosmetic Surgery?
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Good candidates usually include adult men, and women who are not currently breast feeding or pregnant.

Patients with certain medical conditions, like AIDS, hepatitis, heart conditions, circulation problems, and diabetes, may not be good candidates for sclerotherapy.

How does sclerotherapy work?
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Veins collapse and fade from view when exposed to the sclerotherapy solution. The veins that are close enough to the surface of the skin to see are not productive, functioning veins, so they are not needed for any role in the body.

The procedure itself takes anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes during which time between 5 and 40 injections are administered to the affected areas. During sclerotherapy a patient can be fully awake due to the low level of discomfort associated with this technique.

Sclerotherapy is a safe, effective, non-invasive procedure that can greatly diminish the appearance of spider veins.

What is the typical recovery time involved when you have Sclerotherapy?
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Sclerotherapy generally does not require a recovery period. Patients are encouraged to walk immediately after the treatment but should take it easy for a day or two. Bed rest is not required, but you should avoid strenuous exercise for a few days after sclerotherapy. Some patients experience minor leg cramping in the first few days. Spider veins may look worse temporarily after sclerotherapy before they get better. Number of treatments needed varies by patient, but within a few visits, the desired results are achieved for most patients.

Before & After photographs shown on this site are patients of Dr. Svehlak's or Dr. Yamini's who have given permission to have their photos published. They are for illustrative purposes only. Individual results vary with our Los Angeles blepharoplasty procedure. Reputable surgeons do not guarantee outcomes and no prediction of outcome is implied. Individual healing characteristics and unexpected complications can affect the outcome of any surgery, including Los Angeles blepharoplasty surgery.