In recent times, due to a stressful and unhealthy lifestyle the problem of varicose and spider veins is on the rise. The question that arises in the mind of a person facing this problem is: “How can I get rid of these unsightly varicose veins and spider veins?”

How do the varicose and spider veins occur?

The varicose and spider veins are visible swelled up veins which are often spotted in the legs. They are caused mainly due to the existence of faulty valves which cause pooling of blood in the veins.

Can we get rid of varicose and spider veins?

The doctors at Karishma Vein clinic a specialty vein clinic offering the best varicose vein treatment in Pune, are of the opinion that both varicose veins and spider veins can be treated by:

• Including lifestyle changes: If the varicose and spider veins do not cause any symptoms, then the doctors suggest following a healthy lifestyle that includes ample exercise, good food, etc.

• Specific medical treatments: if the symptoms are severe and become a more than serious cosmetic concern, the doctors recommend Sclerotherapy, Surface Laser Treatment and Ultra-sound Guided Sclerotherapy.

These measures not only relieve the symptoms and improve appearance but also can prevent further complications if any.

What is Sclerotherapy?

It is commonly used by doctors for both varicose vein treatment and spider vein treatment in Pune and also all around the world. In this treatment procedure, the doctors inject a chemical solution usually saline into the affected vein. This chemical solution causes the swelling of veins wherein they tend to stick together and get sealed and shut. This eventually curtails the blood flow. The affected veins then change into scar tissue and within a few weeks they fade. Anesthesia is not required as this treatment procedure is a non-invasive procedure and does not require any surgery. In fact you can even continue your normal activity soon after taking treatment. After sclerotherapy, the patient might be required to wear compression stocking to help in the healing process. These stockings also reduce the swelling.

The side effects include:

• Raised red patches

• Stinging sensation

• Brown lines or spots

• Appearance of groups of fine red blood vessels

• Blood lumps

All the above symptoms disappear after a few days of treatment. In the case of the blood lumps, the doctors will remove them with the help of needle prick.

What are the other types of treatment procedures?

Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy

There is another type of sclerotherapy called ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy which can also be done in the doctor’s office. It is also called echo-sclerotherapy wherein ultrasound imaging is used to guide the needle to the affected veins. This procedure is useful in treating veins that are not visible on the skin’s surface. It is usually used if the veins return either after surgery or after the endovenous treatment technique.

The side effects associated with the ultrasound guided sclerotherapy treatment include:

• Swelling

• Deep Vein Thrombosis

• Skin Sores

Surface Laser Treatment

This treatment is quite effective to treat smaller varicose veins and spider veins. In this treatment procedure, no incisions or needles are used. The laser sends a strong burst of light through the skin onto the affected veins. The heat generated makes the vein slowly fade and eventually disappear. This treatment procedure lasts for about 15 to 20 minutes and the 2 to 5 sittings are required to remove the spider veins present in your legs. This laser therapy is not suitable for all skin colors and skin types.

The side effects of surface laser treatment include:

• Redness

• Swelling

• Discoloration of skin

• Scars

• Burns

Scars and burns are a very rare occurrence and the other side effects disappear within a few days of treatment.