Spider veins can appear as red, purple, or blue clusters of small veins squiggling just beneath the skin. Though usually harmless, they may cause embarrassment or discomfort when visible on legs or ankles.

 If you’re in Bel Air, MD, and looking for fast relief, urgent sclerotherapy appointments offer a proven way to reduce these veins with minimally invasive treatment, quick recovery, and noticeable results.

What Is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy involves injecting a small amount of sclerosant solution into spider veins or small varicose veins. The solution irritates the vein wall, causing it to collapse and eventually close. 

Over the following weeks, the body absorbs the treated vein, and the appearance fades significantly. This method has been used for many years as a go-to treatment for visible small veins.

Spider vs. Varicose Veins

Spider and varicose veins are two different kinds of visible veins, both of which can be treated with sclerotherapy.

Spider veins are smaller clusters of superficial veins that carry dark, de-oxygenated blood, making them visible on the skin’s surface. These are more common in women and have a genetic component tied to their development.

Varicose veins are typically a single vein rather than a cluster of them and can sometimes be painful. These especially can be inflamed by a person’s job that may keep them on their feet, thus causing prolonged pain.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Many people with small spider or varicose veins are ideal candidates. If the veins are cosmetic and you feel self-conscious, or if there is mild ache, sclerotherapy often helps. 

Patients should understand it’s not suitable for large varicose veins that protrude significantly or raise the skin. In those cases, alternative treatments like vein ablation may be better.

What to Expect During the Procedure

• A fine needle is used to inject the sclerosant (such as polidocanol or sodium tetradecyl sulfate) directly into the vein.
  
• After the injection, compression stockings are usually worn for some days to help collapse the vein and speed healing. Slight swelling, redness, or bruising may occur, but these often resolve quickly.

How Many Sessions Are Needed for Best Results?

The number of sessions depends on the severity and size of veins, and how your body responds. For many, two to four sessions spaced a few weeks apart are common to achieve optimal fading of spider veins. 

Risks and Special Considerations

Sclerotherapy is generally safe, but there are potential risks. Patients with darker skin tones should be aware of the chance of temporary skin discoloration or hyperpigmentation.

 Avoiding medications like aspirin or ibuprofen before the procedure helps reduce bruising. Wear loose clothing, avoid shaving or applying lotions to the area on treatment day. 

What to Do Before & After the Session

Before your appointment, avoid blood-thinning medications for about 48 hours. Don’t shave or apply lotion to the skin on treatment day. 

Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Bring your compression stockings if advised. After treatment, walking is encouraged. 

Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and prolonged standing for a few days. Compression helps comfort and aids healing. 

Why Acting Quickly Matters

Spider veins become more visible and possibly more uncomfortable over time. Getting a sclerotherapy appointment without delay means you can start treatment before veins worsen. 

Earlier treatment often requires fewer sessions and yields better cosmetic results. If you’ve been putting off treatment, scheduling urgently may save time, discomfort, and expense.

The Next Move? Book Urgent Sclerotherapy Appointments in Bel Air at The Vein Center of Maryland

If spider veins are affecting your confidence or causing discomfort in Bel Air, MD, don’t wait. Schedule a sclerotherapy consultation today to explore fast, effective treatment options with a skilled vein specialist. 

Contact our office online or give us a call at 410-970-2314 today!