For years I've worn compression stockings to relieve swelling and pain from varicose veins along the inside and front of both my legs, and by my ankles. They were removed by a combination of radiofrequency ablation and sclerotherapy. After a month, my legs look great and feel great. I highly, highly recommend the procedure. My insurance company paid for both procedures so that was an added plus!
The most common treatment for removing spider veins is called sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy is the injection of a special solution directly into the small spider veins which causes them to eventually disappear. The main solutions used are sodium tetradecyl sulfate (Sotradecol), polidocanol (Asclera / Aethoxysclerol), and hypertonic saline. Sclerotherapy is a minor procedure and is performed in the office with minimal pain - depending on the solution used. Sclerotherapy uses very tiny needles, and therefore, feel like a tiny prick, rather than a painful injection. Usually, dramatic results will be evident after only one session, but more often, 2-3 sessions are needed (spaced out over several weeks) to remove spider veins successfully. It is important to know that even spider veins may be caused by an underlying condition called venous insufficiency. In this case if spider veins are injected without treatment of the underlying disorder, they often will recur. Therefore, treatment of the underlying venous problem is sometimes necessary prior to performing spider vein treatment with sclerotherapy.
