How was your experience with spider vein removal?

I have had Sclera Therapy (saline injection) done three times -- each time several years apart. The first was done when I was in my early 40s, in Dallas, by a physician in a clinic that specialized in Sclera Therapy. The 2nd and 3rd times were on two separate occasions, done by two different practitioners in the same dermatologist's office in San Antonio (FYI, the 2nd time was done by the dermatologist's sister, who, although not an M.D., is licensed to perform Sclera Therapy; this treatment was done when I was about age 50). The 3rd time, done last September (I am 53), was done by the referenced San Antonio dermatologist (M.D.) herself.

The first and second times, I was DELIGHTED. The small blue veins that were beginning to show at various places on my legs (backs of knees, lower thighs) disappeared completely. I had absolutely NO problems!! Naturally, I expected the 3rd time to be as "simple" and successful as the first two, but I was disappointed in the results. I include the following details because I assume you are wanting to know what CAN happen. In the last treatment, two areas -- on my inside calf and ankle -- I had "star-bursts" of extremely small spider veins that extended from a small center point outward, one to about the size of a quarter and the other to a size slightly smaller than a half-dollar. In essence, these spots looked like very light-colored "bruises" in these two areas. I specifically asked the doctor if these areas would be treated in the same way as other single, straighter, bluish veins, or whether she would treat them differently. She said she would treat them the same way -- by saline injection -- and she appeared confident that they would respond in the same way. However, during the procedure, I sensed (by mannerisms and vague comments between the doctor and her assistant) that she was surprised by the amount of saline that she had injected into these two spots. She spent quite a lot time time applying pressure to these two spots and "dabbing" saline back-flow, and finally said, "I'm afraid you will have a little lesion here (on one of the spots.)" However, she said she was "pleased" that the spot had taken the whole syringe of saline because that should ensure that she had reached all of the branches of the "spider". The one on the inside of my calf did form a lesion that initially developed into a watery pit. In the initial follow-up, the doctor told me to keep the place covered with antibiotic cream and a bandaid. The other spot on my ankle initially appeared to be a black bruise about the size of an elongated quarter under the thin skin of my ankle. At her direction, I also covered this spot with a bandaid and antibiotic cream. She told me keeping these places "gooey" (with antibiotic cream) is good and to not let these places dry out before they healed, as this would minimize scaring. It was then that I became the "Bandaid Queen." I religiously applied antibiotic cream and a new bandaid morning, night and every time a took a shower and sometimes in between. At Christmas I was STILL wearing bandages (I had this procedure done 3 1/2 months earlier, in September)! My husband had not even really noticed the spider vein spots that I had before the procedure, but I assure you he noticed the endless Band-Aids and wounds on my legs. I finally stopped wearing Band-Aids last month (February) and I now have purple-pink scars in both places. Moreover, the other places that she treated did not vanish completely, as had happened in earlier treatments. So, I am disappointed in this last treatment and I am reluctant to try this again.

What I am trying to decide are answers to these questions: Since both of the first treatments WERE successful and only the last was such a mess, was it because the first two practitioners were more skilled than the third? Was my problem caused because of the "type" of spider vein being treated (but if so, why didn't the "simple" ones respond by completely vanishing, as they had before)? Would a different method have been more successful (you mention sugar serum, which I have not heard of; I have heard of laser therapy to treat spider veins)? Will I ever have Sclera Therapy again? I think the jury is out on this. My paternal grandmother had very bad varicose veins, so I KNOW I do not want to go there. I assume that I have a genetic propensity for this condition, but I don't know how much environment or lifestyle (she was a hardworking farm woman, I am a professional) contributed to her condition. I will simply have to see if the scars on my legs eventually fade sufficiently (I am putting Vitamin E Oil on them daily) to consider further treatment when and if it becomes necessary. I know that I will NOT return to the third practitioner, because I simply did not feel good about her skill in the procedure.

NOTE: In each case, I was instructed to take support hose to each appointment, put on the hose over the cotton ball/compression bandages that the practitioners applied and promise to wear the hose for at least 24-hours. I also scheduled all of the procedures to be done on a Friday and wore the hose over bandages well into the weekend before removing them and showering. I kept my legs up most of the time -- elevated on a pillow, while watching TV or reading. I am convinced that this contributed to the success of the first two procedures. I think that it is important to follow the physican's/practioner's directions and schedule a day or two of "down time" if you have this procedure done.

GOOD LUCK to you if you choose Sclera Therapy. I have had two great successes, and one trying experience. Rather than develop very unsightly varicose veins, I will probably choose to try it again if I get a recommendation by someone who has had it done successfully by that practitioner.

Best regards,
K.

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My oldest daughter had the saline injections. She said it stings likes crazy.

No, it's not a cure, and yes, you can continue to have the same problem.

Good Luck ! Best Wishes !

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I have had this done about three times over the past several years. I love the results. But, of course, with time, you will probably get new ones and have to do it again. The price is usually very good compared to other cosmetic stuff. Pain is really not that bad because the needle pricks are quick. But there are very many of them. I like the valium idea if you haven't gotten a tattoo before. They only bleed a tiny bit and just immediately afterwards. The doctor makes a big difference in success. You're taking a chance to go to one of these "day spas" because you can't tell immediately if it really worked. The next day, it's too late to say, "You missed one here." I made that mistake once to save money. My "tried and true" doctor is Dr. John Fox on Spicewood Springs in Austin. He did it for me 15 years ago and again last year. Last year, he told me that it's more effective these days if you get the injections for the bigger ones and also a litte laser for the tiny super spread-out ones. Sorry so long, but hope this helps.

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I have had spider veins since I was 12...I am 33 now. I've been getting Sclerotherapy since I was 16. The cost is the same...$250 per session at Dr Suzanne Bruce and Associates...I use Dr. Eubanks there. They are both women. The injections sting more in different areas. Behind the knee, close to the ankle, and high up on the thigh hurt me the worst. If they are horrible and you are starting from scratch...it could take 5 or 6 sessions with 4 wks in between each. Add the cost of the compression hose, $55. There is also a $50 consultation fee at most places. I tried the laser center once. It hurt a LOT worse and after 9 tries, they stopped because my skin was blistering off. That was about 9 yrs ago and I still have the scars. Some teeny bopper girl was behind the machine and had it turned up too high. And I was too tan...didn't know at the time that was an issue with laser treatments!!! I just don't recommend those. If you can get them all done, they may not return for another yr. Then you could get all the new ones done in one treatment session..$250. That's not bad per yr for the results and self esteem it gives you! I will say, it is very uncomfortable to wear those hose for two wks straight...even at night. They itch and are extremely hot if you wait till summer/hot months. Good luck. My dr's place is near the Galleria, on St. James. I've checked and nobody does it cheaper.

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I am currently undergoing spider vein removeal(the laser). It is not comfortable, but tolerable. I would compare it to a light burn I am 39 and a avid runner. I have quit a few and wish I had not put it off. I am now in my third treatment and can happily say they are fading. I go for a 30 min. session and pay $150.00 per visit. I go once a month and I think well worth it. My recovery has been great with minimal
bruising. I asked around before I started and got several referals. Good luck!

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I have had them removed by laser on my outer thigh. They are gone permanently and not too painful.

I also have a 16 year old daughter. It is hard with all the mood swings, friendship issues, and all that comes with puberty. I also have a 24 year old daughter, and it is great to be on the "other side". It helps me deal more patiently with the younger one to see that there is a day coming in our relationship where she will come around and appreciate me again.

JB Texas

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E.G.,
I had the procedure done because I had spider veins on the upper thighs from childbearing. One small area was especially ugly as it looked all convoluted like a little pile of purple spaghetti. I went to a reputable plastic surgeon. The pain was minimal, stinging at the time, a little achey later, but certainly nothing any woman couldn't handle easily! Costly procedure, I thought. Had to buy special support stockings that I used after each injection. Another expense, but required. The spider veins disappeared OK, but new ones came. I finally quit going back. The big ugly blob of spider veins is gone, though. My advice is to be careful. You can get in deeper than you want. If I had it to do over, I would just do the very worst spots and leave well enough alone!

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My mother had this done back in 1993 and I can remember her being in a bit of pain but it was mostly from the ace raps she had to wear because they have to be so tight. Her veins have come back slowly but not nearly as bad as they were. She has always said she would do it again. I already have spider veins even though I am young and I plan to have it done as soon as I'm done having children.

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I actually work at a skin care and plastic surgery center off of 249 and Lake Rd (jones rd.) the visits can be anywhere from 2 to 6 visits. They are treated either 15min (for $250.00) and the most they can treat is 30min ($500). You do the treatments 4-6 wks apart. She spot treats during the consult ($75 but goes toward treatment when you schedule any procedure) to make sure there is not a reaction to the solution. You have to treat the reticular vein (blue vein) because veins feed off of this vein. She goes over everything in the consult. Ask for Rose if you just want to call and have her cover some of the info over the phone ###-###-####.

1 mom found this helpful

Be careful on the doctor that treats you and the recovery and the whole process, I had a friend a few years ago die from a blood clot two weeks after having this done.

A friend of mine had that done recently, the saline injections, and the spider veins are already coming back. All the injection does is push the vein back from the surface of the skin so you can't see it so much, it does not make it go away all together. As with anything cosmetic, i'm sure it can get pretty pricey. I have learned to live with mine. I have 2 on my calf. Tanning helps make them less noticable. I hope I have helped. Have a blessed day!

D. Mattern-Muck
The MOM Team
"Raise your income and your rugrats at the same time."
www.formyrugrats.com
"The only thing that counts is faith, expressing itself through love." Galatians 5:6

I have not had the injections...I use the Arbonne Leg Vein Formula. This supplement strengthens the vein walls. Over time it will reduce the visible signs that you see now. This may be something to look at after you have your procedure to avoid any coming back. :)

I am an Arbonne Rep. I am happy to answer questions about the product.

Hi E.G.
I have a Mary Kay product that is good for Spider Veins. It doesn't make them go away completely, but it does lighten them. You can call me or email me if you are interested. It is better to email me because I have a work at home job, and usually put my regular phone on "do not Disturb" when I am working...but I do check messages, and return calls.
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____@____.com

I have had this done two times now. It has been several years now. The cost then was about 150.00 dollars. It will last for several months. The doctor told me that the veins that are injected does not come back, but there are hundreds of veins in your legs and that others will appear. I recommend taking a valium before you go if you don't take pain well. It is about a hundred sticks of the needle. You would probably want someone to drive you there. Your legs will bleed a little. I thought it was worth it and need to go again.

Hi EG! :)

My sister's fiancee had some amazing results from taking a product Herbalife sells called, Lifeline (amega 3's). If you were looking for a painless alternative, this might be an answer for you. When he is taking it regularly, they stay gone. :)

I had this done a few years ago for about 150.00. It only lasted a couple months. So be prepared to keep going back!