I had a sclerotherapy consultation and the vascular nurse advised against treating them. Is this right?

I had a sclerotherapy consultation and the vascular nurse said although I have visible spider veins on the backs of my thighs she would advise against treating them at this stage until they get worse. This was because from her point of view they aren't too bad (they do bother me a lot) and she worried that by getting rid of them they would appear worse elsewhere. I am only in my early 20s but unfortunately they run in my family!

Does this seem like the right thing to do?

Answers from doctors (3)


San Fernando Valley Vascular Group

Published on Mar 21, 2018

Yes. There is a possibility that you will get more in the future. Cosmetic results are difficult to predict, and you are relatively young to start treatment for this condition.

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Answered by San Fernando Valley Vascular Group

Yes. There is a possibility that you will get more in the future. Cosmetic results are difficult to predict, and you are relatively young to start treatment for this condition.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Mar 21, 2018

We feel that treating spider veins is to improve self esteem. If you are very self conscious and this affects you exposing your legs, etc. then it would be appropriate to treat no matter how extensive. That said it is important to have a full evaluation including ultrasound (Dr. Bein does his own as he's a vascular technologist as well as a vascular trained surgeon). For successful treatment of any area of spider veins it is important to treat underlying reticular veins (feeder veins), perforator veins coming from a deeper system etc. These can be identified using transillumination and ultrasound. Even small areas of spider veins can have these. Once these are sealed and the surface injected and/or lasered, the treatments will be more effective and long term. It does take a series of treatment, on average 3-5 for an area of veins. We also recommend use of some compression stockings for a limited time to enhance treatments. We have treated many young people starting in their teens.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/623_1499902138.jpg
Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

We feel that treating spider veins is to improve self esteem. If you are very self conscious and this affects you exposing your legs, etc. then it would be appropriate to treat no matter how extensive. That said it is important to have a full evaluation including ultrasound (Dr. Bein does his own as he's a vascular technologist as well as a vascular trained surgeon). For successful treatment of any area of spider veins it is important to treat underlying reticular veins (feeder veins), perforator veins coming from a deeper system etc. These can be identified using transillumination and ultrasound. Even small areas of spider veins can have these. Once these are sealed and the surface injected and/or lasered, the treatments will be more effective and long term. It does take a series of treatment, on average 3-5 for an area of veins. We also recommend use of some compression stockings for a limited time to enhance treatments. We have treated many young people starting in their teens.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialists of Arizona

Published on Mar 21, 2018

No. You need a venous ultrasound performed standing by a qualified ultrasonographer to determine if there is an underlying cause of these, and if so, where is the problem and how severe is the problem. This helps determine a treatment plan and what type of treatment. It also depends if you have any symptoms ie: aching, swelling, cramping, restless legs, burning, etc.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/8607_1521574006.jpg
Answered by Vein Specialists of Arizona

No. You need a venous ultrasound performed standing by a qualified ultrasonographer to determine if there is an underlying cause of these, and if so, where is the problem and how severe is the problem. This helps determine a treatment plan and what type of treatment. It also depends if you have any symptoms ie: aching, swelling, cramping, restless legs, burning, etc.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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