Spider Vein Treatment in Jackson Hole
Are you tired of hiding your legs due to those unwelcome spider veins? You’re not alone! Many people experience the appearance of these tiny, web-like veins, especially on their legs. While generally harmless, they can be a source of self-consciousness. The good news is, Signature Plastic Surgery in Jackson Hole, offers sclerotherapy, a highly effective and minimally invasive treatment for these pesky veins!
In this blog post, we will dive into what sclerotherapy is, how it works, what to expect, and why it might be a perfect option for you.
What are spider veins and why do they appear?
Known as spider veins to most people, telangiectasias, are small, visible blood vessels that appear close to the surface of the skin. They often look like a spiderweb or tree branches, and can be red, blue, or purple. Spider veins usually do not pose a serious health risk, but they can be unsightly.
Some factors that contribute to their development:
- Aging: Natural wear and tear of aging can weaken vein valves.
- Obesity: Excess weight can also put additional strain on your veins.
- Hormonal Changes: Puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and birth control pills can increase a woman’s risk.
- Genetics: If your family members have spider veins, chances are, you are likely to develop them as well.
Prolonged standing or sitting: Occupations that involve long periods of standing or sitting can put extra pressure on leg veins.
Asclera: The Gold Standard in Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy has been a trusted treatment for spider veins for decades. At Signature Plastic Surgery in Jackson Hole, WY , we only use the best for our patients. Dr. Cooper uses Asclera (polidocanol), an FDA-approved sclerosing agent. Asclera is a leading choice among providers for this procedure. It’s a non-surgical, injectable solution specifically designed to address uncomplicated spider veins (up to 1mm in diameter).
How does Asclera Sclerotherapy work?
The process of sclerotherapy is straightforward:
- Injection: Dr. Cooper uses a very fine needle to inject a small amount of Asclera directly into the targeted vein.
- Irritation and Collapse: Asclera works by damaging the endothelium, which is the inner lining of the blood vessel. This irritation causes the vein to swell, collapse, and ultimately seal shut.
- Natural Absorption: Once the vein is closed, blood flow is rerouted to healthier veins deeper within your leg. Over time, your body naturally absorbs the treated, clotted vein, and it fades from view.
The procedure generally takes 15-45 minutes, depending on the number and size of the veins being treated.
What to expect during and after your treatment:
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- Minimal discomfort: Most patients report only mild discomfort, a tiny pinch, or mild stinging sensation during the injections. If desired, a topical numbing cream may be applied.
- Minimal to No Downtime: One of the biggest advantages of Asclera sclerotherapy is the minimal to no downtime. You can usually return to your normal daily activities after the procedure.
- Post Treatment Care: Dr. Cooper’s post treatment care is to apply ice and elevate for 24 hours following the injection. Compression stockings are optional. While they are optional, compression stockings do reduce swelling. Avoid strenuous exercise, hot baths, sun exposure, and long plane flights for a couple of days post treatment.
- Results: While some improvement may be visible after one session, optimal results often require 2-5 treatments. Treatments are spaced several weeks apart. Treated veins will gradually fade over weeks to months as your body reabsorbs them, revealing smoother, clearer skin.
Benefits of choosing sclerotherapy with Asclera:
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- Non-Surgical: No incisions, no stitches, and no lengthy recovery.
- Highly Effective: Studies show high patient satisfaction with Asclera, with a significant clearing of veins.
- Minimally invasive: Sclerotherapy involves simple injections with a fine needle.
- Improved appearance: Say goodbye to self-consciousness and hello to confident, beautiful legs.
- Long-Lasting Results: Treated spider veins are gone for good, though new veins may develop over time and can be addressed with new treatments.
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Is Sclerotherapy right for you?
Sclerotherapy is generally a safe and effective treatment for most individuals with uncomplicated spider veins. It is essential to have a thorough consultation with Dr. Cooper to determine if you are a good candidate.
Sclerotherapy may not be suitable if you:
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- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Have a known allergy to Asclera (polidocanol).
- Have a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism.
- Have certain heart conditions.
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Ready to Reveal Smoother Legs?
If you are ready to say goodbye to spider veins and embrace clearer, more confident legs, sclerotherapy could be the answer you have been looking for. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Cooper at Signature Plastic Surgery in downtown Jackson, Wyoming to discuss your options and create a treatment plan. Reclaim your confidence and show off those beautiful legs!
Before and immediately after treatment:
Photo on left – no flash was used/photo on right – flash was used.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are spider veins and why do they appear?
Spider veins, also known as telangiectasias, are small, visible blood vessels near the skin’s surface. They often appear red, blue, or purple and resemble spiderwebs or tree branches. Common causes include aging, obesity, hormonal changes, genetics, and prolonged sitting or standing.
What is sclerotherapy with Asclera?
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment where a solution like Asclera (polidocanol) is injected into spider veins, causing them to collapse and fade. It is FDA-approved and effective for treating uncomplicated spider veins up to 1mm in diameter.
How does the Asclera treatment work?
Dr. Cooper injects Asclera into the affected vein, which irritates the inner lining and causes the vein to close. The body then naturally absorbs the closed vein, making it disappear over time.
What can I expect during and after treatment?
Expect minimal discomfort during the procedure. Post-treatment care may include icing, leg elevation, and avoiding heat or strenuous exercise. Results appear gradually over several weeks, with multiple sessions often needed.
Who is a good candidate for sclerotherapy?
Most healthy adults with uncomplicated spider veins are candidates. It’s not recommended for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, allergic to Asclera, or have a history of DVT or certain heart conditions.
How many treatments are needed?
Some improvement may be seen after one session, but optimal results typically require 2 to 5 treatments spaced a few weeks apart.