Unwanted Leg Veins

Treating Unwanted Leg Veins

For many years Sclerotherapy was considered the gold standard in treating unwanted leg veins. With this procedure a small amount of solution; such as Polidocanol or Sotradecol is injected into the leg veins with a very small, fine needle. The solution acts as a clotting agent and causes the treated veins or vessels to coagulate and degrade. As this is occuring the blood flow is rerouted to deeper vessels. This has been a historically safe and effective treatment but recent advances in laser technology have given patients other options for treatment.

At Dermatology & Laser of Del Mar, Deborah H. Atkin, M.D. treats unwanted spider and reticular veins on the legs with a combination of sclerotherapy and GentleMax YAG laser.

This allows us to safely and effectively reduce the appearance of undesired leg veins

Examples of leg veins that can be treated safely and effectively with sclerotherapy and GentleMax YAG Laser

FAQs about Unwanted Leg Veins

Do Sclerotherapy injections hurt?

The injections are not painful, however, you may experience a slight burning or tingling sensation when the solution is introduced into the vein. There may be a slight amount of tenderness afterward, but this is very temporary.

What is the after care when having leg veins treated?

If you are treating with Sclerotherapy (injections) we will fit you into a pair of compression stockings that you will wear for 10-14 days. You can take them off for sleep or showering, but the firm inward pressure assists in healing.

With the GentleMax YAG laser, there are no compression stockings post procedure. You will notice that the veins look worse before they look better. They will become somewhat darker and bruised in appearance during the healing process, but will gradually lighten and fade away.

Are there restrictions involved?

This is a great question. You cannot have sclerotherapy if you are pregnant or breastfeeding as there are no studies to show safety in pregnancy or during lactation. Certain clotting conditions or a histroy of deep vein thrombosis may exclude you from treatment with injections.

We ask that you refrain from any jarring or high impact activities during the healing period. We also ask that you do not fly or take any long car trips for 10 days after sclerotherapy treatment.

With the GentleMax Yag, there are no after care restictions.

How many treatments are needed?

This will depend on the number of veins, or how widespread the treatment area is. Few veins may require 1-2 treatments at 3-4 week intervals. More veins may be 2-4 treatments at 3-4 week intervals.

Will the veins come back?

The veins that are treated should not reappear, but if you are predisposed to getting them you may see new ones over time.

For more information about treating your unwanted leg veins, contact us.