Sclerotherapy Specialist

What are spider veins?

Spider veins are small blood vessels that are visible on the surface of your skin. They get their name from the fact that they often appear in a branching network that resembles a spider’s web. Spider veins can be red, purple, or blue. They most frequently appear on the legs or face. 

These veins aren’t harmful, but many people prefer the appearance of vein-free skin. Dr. Knott offers sclerotherapy to clear visible spider veins from your skin. 

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins often bulge from the skin and most commonly appear in the legs and feet. The fact that a vein is varicose signals that the vein isn’t functioning the way it should. You see the vein bulge from your skin because it’s twisted or engorged as a result of blood flowing the wrong direction in the vein.

While minor varicose veins cause only cosmetic problems, more serious varicose veins can make the vein painful and threaten blood flow in the area. Whether your varicose vein causes discomfort or you don’t want it for aesthetic reasons, Dr. Knott uses sclerotherapy to treat it.

What is sclerotherapy?

At Mill Valley Dermatology, Dr. Knott uses sclerotherapy, an injection-based treatment, to target the veins causing problems. During this treatment, she injects a sclerosing agent directly into the vein. 

Once injected, the sclerosing agent irritates the interior of your blood vessel, eventually causing it to swell shut. Once the vein seals, your body redirects blood flow through healthy veins. 

When the varicose or spider vein no longer receives blood flow, it starts to break down. In the coming weeks (for small spider veins) and months (for larger varicose veins), your body safely absorbs the blood vessel. As it does, the treated vein becomes less and less visible. 

What should I expect during and after sclerotherapy treatment?

Dr. Knott offers sclerotherapy because it’s convenient, effective, and safe. Your entire treatment should take an hour or less. If you have a large varicose vein, she may recommend multiple sclerotherapy sessions to fully treat it. 

After treatment, Dr. Knott may advise you to wear a compression garment over the area to improve your results. She lets you know exactly what to expect during the healing process.

If you’re ready to get rid of spider veins or varicose veins, call Mill Valley Dermatology or make your appointment online today.