Mountain View patient asks, “What is Sclerotherapy?”

Many people confuse spider veins with varicose veins. Spider veins are the tiny, thin blood vessels with a blueish or reddish, web-like appearance under the skin. Varicose veins are thicker, snake-like veins that protrude under the skin. They are caused by blood that pools in the vessels due to a back-up in the valves. They are typically found on the side or back of the thigh, on the calves, or below the ankle or knee.

At The Menkes Clinic and Surgery Center in Mountain View, CA, Dr. Andrew Menkes, Dr. Lillian Soohoo, and our professional team understand that many people are concerned about the appearance of varicose and spider veins. While spider veins are generally harmless, varicose veins can cause medical issues such as leg fatigue, discomfort, swelling, and potentially impaired circulation, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or blood clots.

Sclerotherapy was introduced for treatment of spider veins and varicose veins more than 150 years ago. Drs. Menkes and Soohoo use a sclerosing agent, Polidocanol, which is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The agent is injected directly into the veins being treated.

The average plan of care for sclerotherapy treatment involves four sessions of about a half an hour each. A comprehensive consultation will determine if a patient is an ideal candidate for sclerotherapy. Our board-certified and experienced physicians will customize a treatment plan, which may include pre-treatment instructions to discontinue certain prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements.

After the procedure, temporary bruising, redness, swelling, or itching may occur. Patients are able to operate vehicles following the procedure and may return to normal activities. Compression stockings are recommended for a short time.

Drs. Menkes and Soohoo are experienced, board-certified physicians and members of several leading organizations including the International Society of Dermatologic Surgeons, American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons, and the San Francisco Dermatology Society.

For more information about sclerotherapy treatment at The Menkes Clinic & Surgery Center, contact our friendly staff today at (650) 962-4600. We are conveniently located in Mountain View, CA, in the Melchor Pavilion at 2490 Hospital Drive.

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