You can experience two types of vein problems on your legs - spider veins or varicose veins. Spider veins generally present no significant medical problem, but detract from your appearance. They usually look red and have a bluish cast. Varicose veins occur close to the surface of the leg causing an uneven, bulging appearance.

    Varicose and spider veins can be treated with either sclerotherapy, an injection of a chemical solution, or laser therapy.

    The cause of both types of varicose veins are either weak valves in the veins or weak muscles in the vein walls, both of which have a hereditary predisposition. Other factors such as obesity and prolonged periods of standing can aggravate a predisposed condition but will not cause them.

    Varicose veins that first develop during pregnancy are the exception to this rule. In this instance the cause is probably hormone-related and due to increased pressure on the pelvic veins.

    These are more common in individuals with thin, fair skin and are caused by weak walls of the numerous, but tiny, superficial veins. They are most common on the legs but can also occur on the face (facial capillaries).

    One of the best methods of treatment for the legs is an injection of a sclerosing agent which causes the vein to dry up (sclerotherapy).

CAN SCLEROTHERAPY BE USED ON ALL SKIN TYPES?
Yes, most skin types respond to this therapy. People with phlebitis and a history of blood clots are not candidates.

WHAT DO I WEAR WHEN I GO FOR MY TREATMENT?
Loose fitting clothing is always a good choice. Long comfortable pants are appropriate, as you will leave the office wearing an Ace elastic-wrap bandage or surgical support hose.

HOW LONG DOES A TYPICAL TREATMENT TAKE?
Sessions usually take 15 minutes.

IS SCLEROTHERAPY GOOD FOR VARICOSE VEINS?
Depending on the size of the vein, sclerotherapy might successfully treat some types of varicose veins. In order to assess the answer to this question, Dr. Kwolek will need to examine you. To give you an idea, usually veins less than pencil diameter can be treated with this procedure.

WHEN IS LASER THERAPY USED?
Laser therapy is used most often for the deeper, bigger, bulging varicose type veins.

WHAT DO I DO AFTER TREATMENTS?
Dr. Kwolek has different after-treatment instructions for each patient. For sclerotherapy, Dr. Kwolek advises doing no strenuous activities for a few days. For laser therapy, you can resume normal activities the next day.

WILL THE TREATED VEIN RECUR?
Larger veins are likely to reappear unless support hose are worn. Spider veins may seem to reappear but usually it is another vein that is emerging. Veins continue to appear as we age.

IS THE TREATMENT PAINFUL?
Mild discomfort may be experienced. Tylenol or Advil may be taken one hour before your treatment.

WHAT IS THE COST OF VEIN THERAPY?
At the time of your consultation, Dr. Kwolek will determine the areas to be treated, the time required to treat them, and the best procedure(s) to achieve your desired results. She will then give you an estimate on her fees for the treatment(s).

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