If you suffer from reticular veins, treating them with sclerotherapy early is essential to ensure that you have the best chance of avoiding complications. Below is some important information about reticular veins and sclerotherapy treatment.
What are Reticular Veins?
Reticular veins, which may also be referred to as “feeder veins,” are enlarged veins that appear in as many as 8 out of every 10 adults. If you have these veins, you may notice easily visible green or blue lines appearing beneath your skin. Some patients who have reticular veins will eventually develop spider veins, which are more noticeable and not as easy to treat. Patients with reticular veins may also notice other symptoms, including pain, itching and burning.
What Causes Reticular Veins?
Several different factors can lead to the development of this condition, including genetic predisposition, weak veins and problems with hormones. In many cases, reticular veins cannot be prevented. However, effective treatment for this condition is available.
How are Reticular Veins Treated?
This condition may be treated with two different types of procedures: miniphlebectomy and sclerotherapy. However, in general, sclerotherapy is the most effective treatment for reticular veins. Sclerotherapy treats these veins by introducing a sclerosing solution into the interior of the vein. This solution causes the walls of the vein to swell and stick together. Eventually, the vein will collapse and it will no longer be visible. Sclerotherapy is minimally-invasive and requires little to no recovery time. A hospital stay is not necessary, and patients undergoing sclerotherapy will not need general anesthesia.
Treat Your Veins Early
On their own, reticular veins are unlikely to cause serious problems. However, the longer they remain in place, the more likely you are to develop spider veins. Because spider veins are more unsightly and may cause additional symptoms, it is important to prevent their occurrence if possible. To reduce the risk of spider veins, seek treatment for your reticular veins as soon as you notice them. To get started, please contact Vein & Vascular Institute.