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Leg Spider Vein Injection Sclerotherapy

Women are very often bothered by small, red & blue spider veins on the thighs and the entire legs. If not associated with the large, bulging and painful varicose veins, these small spider veins can be diminished or eliminated by injections of small amounts of sclerosing solution delivered through tiny needles. Sclerotherapy for small spider veins is generally more effective and comfortable than other available laser-assisted methods.

While several formulations of sclerosing solutions are available, Dr. Zemplenyi treats spider and small reticular veins with injections of  Asclera ™ (polidocanol 1%) brought into the United States by Merz Aesthetics ™ .  In Europe polidocanol has a very long, proven tract record of safety and effectiveness associated with very few side-effects, and it has been available in Europe and Canada for several decades while it finally became approved in the United States in 2010.  Several injection sessions may be required for elimination of spider veins, but clinical studies demonstrate that polidocanol 1% (Asclera ™) is more effective and safer for treatment than the older treatment options available in the United States such as sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) 1%.  In general, spider veins located on the calfs are more resistant to treatment than on the thighs and thus may require more treatment sessions. Temporary discomfort at the injection sites and temporary brown skin discoloration may occur.   Following each treatment, compression of the treated areas with medical-grade hosiery and walking are recommended, while heavy exercise and hot baths are to be avoided for about a week following each sclerotherapy session.

Dr. Zemplenyi refers patients for a venous ultrasound Duplex scan whenever he suspects the existence of an underlying open communication between the deep and superficial venous system. Dr. Zemplenyi does not treat varicose veins.