Spider and Varicose Vein Treatment

Effective Spider and Varicose Vein Treatment in San Luis Obispo and Avila Beach, CA

Spider and varicose veins in the legs can become a thing of the past with breakthrough Asclera® (polidocanol) Injections, a prescription medication for removing unwanted veins in the legs. Reclaim your skirts and shorts again with vein injection therapy (sclerotherapy) at Lapidus Med Spa! We are pleased to offer this effective treatment to patients in the Avila Beach and San Luis Obispo area. 

Asclera® Injections are highly effective vein treatments administered in our luxurious and comfortable medical spa by our expert RN Rita. Once injected, Asclera® causes the lining of visible blood vessels in the legs to swell, blocking the blood flow. The affected veins then safely clot, and your body’s natural elimination processes destroy and absorb treated veins so they are no longer visible.

What causes spider and reticular veins?

Spider and reticular veins can be caused by many factors.

• Heredity. Having a family member with prominent veins may increase the risk of you developing them. Approximately half of the people who get varicose veins have a family history of them.
• Age. The normal wear and tear of aging may cause valves in the veins to weaken and not work as well.
• Gender. Women are two to three times more likely to develop varicose veins than men. Up to half of American women have varicose veins. Changes in hormones due to puberty, pregnancy, menopause, or taking birth control pills may increase a woman’s risk of developing varicose veins.
• Pregnancy. During pregnancy, the growth of the fetus increases the pressure on the veins in the legs. Varicose veins that occur during pregnancy usually improve within 3 to 12 months following delivery.
• Overweight and obesity. Having extra weight on the body can put additional pressure on the veins.
• Prolonged standing or sitting. This is particularly true with legs bent or crossed. When standing or sitting with legs bent or crossed, the veins have to work harder to pump the blood up to the heart.

Other possible causes for varicose veins are race, posture, occupation, hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, primary valvular incompetence, and incompetent perforating veins.

How long is each session?

A typical sclerotherapy session lasts 15 to 45 minutes. One injection is usually administered per inch with multiple injections per session. Following treatment compression stockings or support hose should be worn continuously for 2-3 days and for 2-3 weeks during the day time. Repeat sessions may be necessary. If additional treatment sessions are required they are usually separated by 1-2 weeks.

What should I expect after treatment?

Maintain graduated compression:

• 2-3 days after treatment of spider veins
• 5-7 days after treatment of reticular veins
• For extensive varicosities, longer compression treatment is recommended
• Post-treatment compression is necessary to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis.
• Encourage walking
• 15-20 minutes immediately after treatment
• Daily for a few days

What should I avoid after treatment?

For two to three days following the treatment, avoid (if you are uncertain, please ask your healthcare provider):

• Heavy exercise
• Sunbathing
• Long plane flights
• Hot bath or sauna

Are there any side effects?

Yes, they may include:

• Severe allergic reactions have been reported following polidocanol use, including anaphylactic reactions, some of them fatal. Severe reactions are most frequent with use of larger volumes (> 3 mL). The dose of polidocanol should therefore be minimized. A doctor should be prepared to treat anaphylaxis appropriately.
• In rare cases, formation of small “burns” or ulcers form, usually due to leakage of Asclera®into the skin. They heal in time, but may leave a scar.
• Inadvertent perivascular injection of Asclera® can cause pain. If pain is severe, a local anesthetic (without adrenaline) may be injected.

You should tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including:

• Prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins and herbal products

 
You should not be treated with Asclera® if you:

• Have a known allergy to polidocanol
• Have an acute vein or blood clotting (thromboembolic) disease
• Are pregnant or nursing

Before and after photos of spider vein and varicose vein treatment